Mystic Schooners move to Dodd Stadium
MYSTIC, Conn. — Mystic Schooners are in their 11th season in the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL). The summer team comprises elite-level amateur team players throughout the country who develop and hone skills for enhanced college seasons, a shot at playing for a Minor League play, and the ultimate chance to play in the “big show,” the Major league. They work hard but the unmistakable fun extends to spectators.
After ten satisfying seasons of generous partnership with Fitch High School, whose facilities the team and fans call “The Shipyard,” the team is moving to Dodd Stadium. The superb facility in Norwich provides a high-caliber experience for the players and fans alike. Players will enjoy a professional field, dugouts, and an indoor hitting facility. Horseshoe seating in a major league-style stadium, left-field picnic tables and various concessions will enhance the fan experience. Dodd Stadium seats 6300 spectators and will continue to host the Norwich Sea Unicorns as well as the Mystic Schooners.
The exciting 2022 season begins with a home game on June 7th at Dodd Stadium and continues through August 10th, playing a 44-game regular-season schedule and playoffs. This year’s schedule includes both afternoon and evening games.
The Schooners team attracts the best college baseball talent to our region. Don Benoit is the Executive Director, and Dennis Long is the General Manager and Pitching Coach. Phil Orbe is the Head Coach with Assistants Ray Guarino and Gary Trottier.
Each year the team welcomes players from colleges and universities throughout the United States, including UConn, Yale Fairfield, U of North Carolina, Wake Forest, Auburn, High Point, Northeastern, Southern CT State, Presbyterian (NC), Seton Hall, and more. Players have come from Arizona State, Arizona, US Naval Academy, UC Santa Barbara, Cal State Fullerton, Nebraska, Sacred Heart, Brown, Cornell, Miami, and many others.
Dennis Long shares, “The player experience is enhanced by host families – generous people who take one or more players into their homes for the summer. They become part of the family and build lifelong relationships with our players. New families are needed each summer. Some “age out,” meaning that young children with a Schooners player as their “mentor” may now be in or beyond HS age. Or others have family commitments that don’t allow for hosting. We welcome anyone who would like to host!”
Dennis also says, “The Schooners were league champions in 2016 and have made the league playoffs in nine of the previous ten seasons. They have the best winning percentage among NECBL teams over the past ten seasons.” The fan-based “Schoon Squad” is bittersweet about leaving Groton and Fitch High School. Still, the new fan experience will be closer to watching a professional baseball team but with family-friendly pricing. Skyboxes are available for businesses or groups to gather and view the game in style and comfort. Management, staff, and players hope the move will expand the fan base and enhance the experience for players and fans alike.
Magic happens on these local diamonds. Dennis Long shares, “Two former Schooners players are in Major League Baseball: Jake Meyers, University of Nebraska outfielder and pitcher. He played with us in 2015 and now plays with the Houston Astros. Jason Foley, a Pitcher from Sacred Heart University, played with us in 2015 and 2016, and he is currently a pitcher with the Detroit Tigers.”
The Mystic Schooner’s Mission statement is: to deliver a healthy family atmosphere, solid role models for children to emulate, and affordable summer fun in our community.” Enjoy an exciting game with friends and family, share photos on social media, and root, root, root for our Home Team! The game schedule, ticket information, and merchandise details are available at SchoonersBaseball.org.
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