MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – Meridian will soon have its own summer baseball team. The Mid-America League announced Wednesday that the city has been awarded an expansion franchise, set to begin play in May 2026 at Meridian Community College.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for the league, which launched in 2024 and has quickly become a premier summer baseball league in the South. The league features top collegiate players and post-college athletes pursuing professional baseball careers, including undrafted players, unsigned free agents, and former professionals working to return to affiliated baseball. Players are compensated through a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) program.
“From day one, the Mid-America League has focused on communities with pride, history, and a passion for accessible, family-friendly entertainment, and Meridian checks every box,” said Mark Schuster, founder of the league. “This opportunity would not have been possible without the leadership and vision of Mayor Percy Bland and Dr. Thomas Huebner, MCC president. We are honored to plant our flag in Meridian for the 2026 season.”
The new franchise will play a 64-game summer schedule — 32 home and 32 road games — spanning from mid-May to mid-August. Home games will be held at Skaggs Field on the Meridian Community College campus.
“Meridian is honored that the Mid-America League has chosen our city for its next expansion franchise,” Mayor Percy Bland said. “Bringing this level of baseball to Meridian gives our families another reason to be proud of the place we call home and shows our community is ready for the next chapter.”
League Commissioner Nick Weisenborn added, “The fan enthusiasm is already building, the facilities are strong, and the community partnerships are outstanding. Meridian is going to be a premier destination for Mid-America League baseball, and our players will love calling this city home each summer.”
Dr. Thomas Huebner, president of Meridian Community College, said hosting the team at Skaggs Field “builds on baseball excellence in Meridian and marks an exciting new chapter for our community.”
A public press conference to unveil additional details, including the team name, branding, and community engagement initiatives, is scheduled for Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Mississippi Arts & Entertainment Experience (MAX) in downtown Meridian.
Fans are invited to participate in the “Name the Team” contest by submitting suggestions at www.baseballinmeridian.com. The person submitting the winning name will receive two season tickets for life. Fans can also sign up online to receive information about season tickets, sponsorships, and general updates for the 2026 season.
The Mid-America League currently includes teams in Joplin, Mo.; Fort Scott, Kan.; Texarkana, Tex.; White Oak/Longview, Tex.; Beaumont, Tex.; Nacogdoches, Tex.; and Bryan, Tex., and continues to grow its footprint across the region.