At the United Shore Professional Baseball League, summer baseball magic goes far beyond the diamond. Whether players chase dreams, parents relive childhood memories, or a bat-retrieving dog sprints across the infield, every night at Jimmy John’s Field delivers what the league proudly calls “Real Baseball. Real Fun.”
Local families are the heartbeat of that promise, and it shows in the wide-eyed wonder of each child who steps between the chalk lines. Through immersive opportunities like the USPBL Reading Program, Pitch Like the Pros Baseball Camp, and Kids Club, the league pairs skill-building with smiles, inspiring a lifelong love of the game and genuine enthusiasm for learning.
“We’ve seen amazing growth in our youth programs,” says Katie Page, Vice President of Marketing. “Every season more families make the USPBL a pillar of summer. When kids high-five players, meet JJ, or race around the bases under the lights, it leaves a mark they’ll carry forever.”
Beyond the books, on-field experiences deepen the connection. Pitch Like the Pros clinics give aspiring hurlers personalized instruction from league coaches, complete with radar-gun feedback and video analysis. Nike Baseball Camp spans three days of drills, team challenges, and leadership talks delivered by current USPBL stars. And weekly on Sunday, the entire outfield turns into a playground when hundreds of youngsters dash from first to home during the league’s joyous Run the Bases tradition.
The Reading Program turns literacy into celebration. Partnering with local educators, it rewards elementary students for meeting goals set by their teachers. As young readers finish chapters and log minutes, they earn coveted incentives—most notably free game tickets, with discounted admission for accompanying family members.
Before the first pitch, their accomplishments are saluted in a special on-field ceremony, transforming academic success into an electric, unforgettable moment.
Excitement actually begins weeks earlier. USPBL mascots like Ribbi and Woolly visit participating schools, urging kids to keep reading and reminding them that effort off the field is as valuable as talent on it. These assemblies inject fun into classrooms, reinforcing the league’s dedication to literacy. Incentive-based, community-supported, and packed with heart, the program proves that Real Baseball. Real Fun. starts with real impact.
Celebrating its milestone 10th season, the USPBL powered by UWM has doubled down on that promise. Fans entering the gates this year find more than scoreboards—they walk into a living festival.
Four freshly redesigned jerseys, custom theme music, and playful dugout props set the stage for nightly storytelling that puts every age group at the center of the action.
Children, however, aren’t the only stars. Enter JJ “The Field General,” a tail-wagging veteran whose bat-retrieving antics have become must-see entertainment. Now in his eighth season, JJ is mentoring his apprentice, Scout, a red golden puppy learning to greet umpires, fetch bats, and pose patiently for selfies.
“JJ has brought immeasurable joy to our fans,” explains League President Dana Schmitt. “He’s part teammate, part mascot, part hero. Scout has big paws to fill, but watching him grow alongside JJ is its own show.”
Whether it’s a line drive drilled into the gap or Scout’s first successful fetch, every moment reinforces the league’s promise of Real Baseball. Real Fun. Families leave with memories, new heroes, and stories that will echo long after the final firework fades into the Michigan night.
While the roar of the crowd echoes through Jimmy John’s Field in Utica, the heart of the USPBL’s operations beats just a short drive away in Downtown Rochester. Nestled inside the historic Rochester Mills Building, the league’s front office is where strategy, creativity, and community connections come to life on a daily basis.
“Our Rochester headquarters give us the best of both worlds,” says Andy Appleby, USPBL League Owner. “It’s a vibrant, walkable downtown where we can stay connected to fans, local businesses, and schools.”
From sales and marketing to sponsorships, content creation, and youth programs, much of the day-to-day planning happens behind the brick façade of the Mills Building. It’s here that ideas like the Reading Program, Kids Club events, and themed promotions are imagined, refined, and brought to life throughout the season.
The league’s Rochester presence is more than just office space—it’s a long-standing commitment to community. Being based in one of Oakland County’s most beloved downtowns allows the USPBL team to build deeper, more meaningful partnerships with educators, nonprofits, and neighborhood organizations that share its mission of family-first entertainment.
As the USPBL celebrates its 10th season, its Rochester roots serve as a powerful reminder that Real Baseball. Real Fun. begins with real people, working year-round to make summer magical for everyone.
Beyond its popular camps and entertaining mascots, the United Shore Professional Baseball League has firmly established itself as a launching pad for local talent across Michigan and the country. For many aspiring baseball players, the league serves as a stepping stone—an opportunity to sharpen their skills, gain valuable experience, and showcase their abilities in hopes of advancing to higher levels of professional baseball.
“There’s no other league like it,” says Shane McCatty, the Director of Baseball Operations, who works closely with players throughout their development. “We give guys a chance to stay in the game, get seen, and continue to grow.” This commitment to player development has made the USPBL a place for athletes seeking to keep their baseball dreams alive in a competitive and ever-evolving sports landscape.
Over the years, the USPBL has proudly seen more than 50 players signed to Major League Baseball organizations, including five that have made it to the big show. The league’s unique focus means that many players come from Oakland, Macomb, and surrounding counties—putting them in front of hometown crowds and creating an incredibly special experience for both the players and fans alike. The excitement of playing for the community that raised them adds an emotional and motivational boost that can’t be replicated elsewhere in professional sports.
“Playing here gave me the visibility and coaching I needed,” said Dugan Darnell, a Michigan native who signed with an MLB affiliate. “But more than that, it reminded me why I love the game.” Darnell’s story is just one example of how the USPBL nurtures not only athletic skills but also passion, confidence, and resilience in its players.
The league offers more than just exposure; it delivers elite training programs, access to top-tier coaching staffs, and consistent opportunities to be seen by professional scouts. Beyond these resources, the USPBL also emphasizes holistic development—including strength and conditioning, mental toughness, and sportsmanship—helping players prepare for the many challenges of a professional career.
Yet, what truly sets the USPBL apart is its family-friendly atmosphere. Games are played in a welcoming setting that emphasizes fun and community engagement, allowing players to perform at their best without overwhelming pressure or distractions. Families and fans enjoy affordable, accessible baseball entertainment while witnessing the real-life journeys of players striving for the big leagues.
This balance of competitive player development and strong community connection is the essence of what makes the USPBL so unique. As children cheer from the stands, they’re not only enjoying a fun day at the ballpark—they’re watching real pathways unfold and real dreams take flight right before their own eyes.
“Every moment reinforces our promise of Real Baseball. Real Fun. It’s family-first entertainment, start to finish.”
“We give players the chance to grow, get seen, and keep their baseball dreams alive.”