June 4, 2026, is the launch of the Schooners 15 th NECBL season, and marks the 10th Anniversary of the 2016 NECBL Championship season.

Once again, some of the best college players and MLB prospects in the United States come to town, ready to grind out a 44-game regular season, plus playoffs. The first two weeks are filled with home games - 8 of the first 10 games will be at Ed Harvey Field (“the Shipyard”) at Fitch HS. As usual, the intimate atmosphere of summer baseball evenings with hamburgers, hot dogs, snacks, Bridge Market Pizza, and the famous Schooners brand of soft drinks for everyone in the family– including lemonade, pink lemonade, iced tea, and fruit punch will host 22 home games beginning June 4 vs. the Vermont Mountaineers.

During the last 15 seasons, more than 500 players have joined the Southeastern CT community as part of the Schooners. With the support of numerous host families, this has led to countless memorable summers and enduring friendships.

The coaching staff has played a major role in the Schooners' success, which includes a record 12 straight league playoff appearances, a Southern Division Championship in 2015, and a League Championship in 2016. Head Coach Phil Orbe returns for his 13th season at the helm, along with assistant coaches Laura Leonetti, Scott Budner, and Dan Driscoll.

Over 50 players have gone on to professional baseball careers, including three who have gone on to play in the major leagues – catcher Joe Hudson (2011/Notre Dame) was drafted by the Reds and went on to play for multiple MLB teams, OF Jake Meyers (2015/U. of Nebraska) was drafted by the Houston Astros and currently is a fixture in the Astros OF, and Jason Foley (2015, 2016/ Sacred Heart University) was drafted by the Detroit Tigers, was the closer for the Tigers, recording 28 saves in 2024. He signed a free agent contract with the San Francisco Giants this off season after an injury sidelined him in 2025.

Notable Schooners award winners over the years include two local players. LHP Willie Rios (St. Bernard HS, University of Maryland) was the 2014 Top Pro Prospect, 1B/OF TT Bowens, Montville HS/Central CT State) was league MVP and Top Pro Prospect in 2019. OF Tommy Jew (UC Santa Barbara) was league MVP in 2017. 1B Steve Laurino (2014/Stony Brook University) was the league batting champion. 1B Joel Rosencrance (2013/St. Bonaventure University) received the prestigious Sportsmanship Award. Many more Schooners went on to become league All-Stars and champions. Each have delighted Mystic fans during their summertime visits to the Connecticut shoreline.

Admission to all Schooners games is free, concession prices are affordable and the overall family fun is a bargain every night at The Shipyard, beginning on June 4, 6:30pm.

If you are interested in becoming a host family to a Schooners player, please contact GM Dennis Long (dlong@mysticbaseball.org).