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MANSFIELD, PA – The Mansfield Destroyers will begin competition in the New York Collegiate Baseball League (NYCBL) with their inaugural season coming in 2019. The team will compete at Mansfield University’s Shaute Field and will be housed in the campus dorms.

The Destroyers will play a 42-game schedule in the Western Division of the NYCBL in June and July with a six-team playoff scheduled for early August. Founded in 1978, the NYCBL is sponsored by Major League Baseball and is a member of the National Amateur Baseball Federation.

“We are very excited and proud to bring this team to Mansfield and the surrounding region and having the community enjoy top-level baseball from NCAA collegiate players all around the USA,” said Don Lewis, President/Owner at Decker Gymnasium on Tuesday, August 14.

Lewis was the co-owner of the Elmira Pioneers baseball club for seven years, then sold his shares of the team to venture off to start his own team, a restaurant, and two Halloween Stores. Lewis’ history of working in Pro sports, including being the prior co-owner of Pioneers, totals over 18 years of experience.

The Destroyers have hired Brian Hill as head coach for the 2019 season and will also be the Director of Player Personnel.

“I knew that if we wanted to have a high-end competitive team I needed a deep-rooted coach in the game and Brian Hill was my first choice,” said Lewis. “While the co-owner of the Pioneers, he was one of our coaches and I was able to get to know him well on and off the field. He is not just a skilled coach, but a true and caring person of his players and community.”

For more information, please visit www.mansfielddestroyers.com.