Beaumont, Texas Awarded Mid America League Franchise for 2026 Season
Contact: Mike Marek
Tel: (636) 219-1088
info@baseballinbeaumont.com
Beaumont, Texas Awarded Mid-America League Franchise for 2026 Season
Beaumont, Texas – Summer baseball is making its return to Southeast Texas. The Mid-America League announced today that Beaumont has been awarded an expansion franchise, set to begin play in the summer of 2026. The team will play its home games at Vincent-Beck Stadium, located on the campus of Lamar University.
This announcement marks a new chapter in a city with a rich baseball history. Beaumont has long been a hotbed for the game, once home to teams like the Beaumont Exporters and Beaumont Golden Gators, which featured future MLB stars and brought professional baseball excitement to the region for decades. The city has also produced notable big leaguers and served as a proving ground for young talent. With the return of a professional-caliber team, Beaumont reclaims its place on the baseball map.
“This is a homecoming for baseball in Beaumont,” said Mike Marek, General Manager for the Beaumont Franchise. “With the city's strong baseball history and passionate fan base, it’s the perfect market for the Mid-America League. We’re excited to bring the game back in a big way.”
“The Mid-America League is about building something special in the community,” added Marek.
Just as significant is the history rooted at Lamar University, whose Cardinals baseball program has been a fixture in NCAA Division I baseball since the early 1970s. Under legendary coach Jim Gilligan, Lamar built a national reputation, producing numerous Major League Baseball draft picks and earning multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Vincent-Beck Stadium has hosted countless collegiate showdowns and is widely respected as one of the premier facilities in the region. The venue’s professional-grade amenities and community-friendly location make it a perfect home for the new franchise.
“This is more than just a new team — it’s the continuation of a baseball legacy in Beaumont and at Lamar University,” said Marek. “We’re thrilled to bring this level of competition to Vincent-Beck Stadium and can’t wait to see the community rally behind it.”
Launched in 2024, the Mid America League has quickly become one of the premier summer baseball leagues in America. The league features top collegiate players alongside post-college players pursuing professional baseball careers. These athletes include players who were undrafted, unsigned free agents, or former professionals working to return to affiliated baseball. The league compensates its players through a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program, which is closely monitored by the league.
The Mid America League currently consists of franchises in: Joplin, MO; Fort Smith, AR; Texarkana, TX; White Oak/Longview, TX; Sherman, TX; Abilene, TX. The Beaumont franchise joins Fort Scott, Kansas as one of two new expansion teams debuting in 2026. The Mid America League is committed to growing and strengthening baseball in the region.
Each team in the league plays a 64-game schedule — 32 home and 32 road games — spanning from mid-May to mid-August.
To engage the local community from day one, the Beaumont franchise will conduct a “Name the Team” contest, allowing fans to help shape the identity of this new club. Submissions can be made at: baseballinbeaumont.com.