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North Platte 80s

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North Platte 80s
Information
LeaguePecos League (Mountain North Division)
LocationNorth Platte, Nebraska
BallparkBill Wood Field
Founded2023
ColorsDenim blue and Corvette red
ManagerTodd Everleth
Websitewww.northplatte80s.com

The North Platte 80s are a professional baseball team based in North Platte, Nebraska, that began play in 2024. They are a member of the Mountain North Division of the Pecos League, an independent baseball league which is not affiliated with Major League Baseball or Minor League Baseball. They play their home games at Bill Wood Field.

History

[edit]

The city of North Platte, Nebraska, was previously home to the North Platte Buffalos from 1928 to 1932 and the North Platte Indians from 1956 to 1959, both of which played in the Nebraska State League.[1] It also hosted three teams in the semi-pro Nebraska Independent League: an unnamed club from 1936 to 1937 followed by two iterations of the North Platte Plainsmen (originally the Flynns) from 1946 to 1955 and from 1961 to 1964.[1] The name was revived by the North Platte Plainsmen of Independence League Baseball, a collegiate wood-bat league, in 2022.[1]

On November 14, 2023, the North Platte 80s were announced as an expansion team in the Pecos League, which were being brought in by the league ahead of the 2024 season to replace the defunct Lancaster Sound Breakers.[2][3] The team was named after Interstate 80, which passes through North Platte, as well as the "Forgotten Era" of the 1980s, during which the National League played with no designated hitter rule (as does the Pecos League).[2][3] It was also announced that the 80s would be taking over Bill Wood Field from the Plainsmen as their home ballpark.[3] Todd Everleth was announced as the team's inaugural manager in March 2024.[4]

The North Platte 80s played their first official game on May 28, 2024, suffering a 13–10 defeat to the Tucson Saguaros at Bill Wood Field.[5][6] Christian Foote recorded the first hit and scored the first run in franchise history.[6] On May 30, the 80s relinquished a 16-run lead and were defeated by the Santa Fe Fuego, 27–26, following nearly five hours of play.[7] After losing their first six games of the season, the 80s achieved their first-ever victory on June 5, beating the Blackwell FlyCatchers, 10–9, in eleven innings at Bill Wood Field.[8][9] The team finished its inaugural season with a 16–33 record,[10] failing to qualify for the playoffs.

Season-by-season records

[edit]
North Platte 80s
Season League Division Record Win % Finish Manager Playoffs
2024 Pecos Mountain North 16–33 .327 4th Todd Everleth Did not qualify
Totals 16–33 .327 — — 0–0 (–)

References

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  1. ^ a b c von Kampen, Todd (March 19, 2022). "Reviving ghosts of baseball past: As the Plainsmen prepare to play, a look back on North Platte's roots in America's pastime". The North Platte Telegraph. Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "80s Baseball moves to North Platte Nebraska in the Pecos League" (Press release). Pecos League. November 14, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Bottrell, Andrew (November 17, 2023). "Independent Pecos League announces North Platte 80s franchise for 2024 season". The North Platte Telegraph. Archived from the original on November 24, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  4. ^ "North Platte 80s are proud to announce Todd Everleth as their inaugural field manager" (Press release). Pecos League. March 11, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  5. ^ Dreilinger, Jake (May 28, 2024). "North Platte 80s fall to Tucson Saguaros 13-10 in inaugural home opener". The North Platte Telegraph. Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Parrish, James (May 29, 2024). "North Platte 80s fall in first game due to late homer". North Platte Bulletin. Archived from the original on May 29, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  7. ^ Webber, Will (May 30, 2024). "Santa Fe Fuego overcome 16-run deficit to win wild season opener, 27-26". The Santa Fe New Mexican. Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  8. ^ Dreilinger, Jake (June 6, 2024). "North Platte 80s win first game in franchise history in 10-9 victory over Blackwell FlyCatchers". The North Platte Telegraph. Archived from the original on September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  9. ^ "North Platte 80s get first win at home against Blackwell Flycatchers". North Platte Bulletin. June 6, 2024. Archived from the original on June 7, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
  10. ^ Johnsen, Harmon; Clanton, John (August 6, 2024). "North Platte 80s wrap up season with strong July". KNOP. Archived from the original on August 27, 2024. Retrieved September 12, 2024.
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