Mustangs ready to open season with fresh roster, stadium upgrades
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) - The St. Joseph Mustangs will open their season Wednesday against the Kansas City Monarchs at Phil Welch Stadium, bringing fans back for another summer of MINK League baseball and a renewed focus on the overall game-day experience.
Ky Turner, the team's general manager, said Monday the organization is excited for the new season and eager to show off upgrades at the historic ballpark.
"We love this," he said. "We love what we do."
Among the biggest changes this season are new stadium seats and other improvements funded through the voter-approved CIP parks tax.
Turner said the organization also has discussed improving attractions like bounce houses and making them more accessible before games, while ensuring longtime fans and newcomers alike enjoy the atmosphere.
Built in 1939, Phil Welch Stadium is nearing 90 years old and now features a large video board along with the updated seating.
"I think the big thing that most guests are going to feel are the brand new seats," Turner said, offering a pro-tip, that the new box seats are a little wider so attendees can even fit a hot dog in each pocket if they want. "… I think guests are going to walk out of here, just saying, Phil Welch Stadium, we're very lucky to have it here in a our community."
He said the renovations help keep the stadium current while adding amenities for the community.
"This is a community team," Turner said. "… It's St. Joe. It's the community team and we're very appreciative of that."
To help make the experience accessible, Turner said the team is offering St. Joseph residents two free tickets to the Saturday, June 6, game.
"We want you guys to come out here and have some fun with it, even if you don't like baseball," Turner said. "We want to give people a chance to kind of test drive the new things that came in to Phil Welch."
He said the promotion also serves as a thank-you to the community for its continued support.
"This is St. Joe's team," Turner said. "This is about St. Joe. It's not about any of us and we're just thankful for the opportunity and trying to have a little bit of fun down here."
Turner said the organization has already seen a strong response to the ticket giveaway.
"We're just excited to hopefully welcome some new guests who maybe have not been to a Mustangs game," he said.
The roster also will look different this season, with several returning players pursuing other opportunities. Turner said the younger group should bring fresh energy to the clubhouse.
"I'm really just excited to be back with the guys," Jace Johnson, who plays for Northwest Missouri State University, said Monday. "It's a great time being here. It's just fun to be on the field, having fans engage in everything, especially the atmosphere of it all."
Johnson said he is excited to meet the team's new players.
"It's just exciting to have all the new faces around," he said.
As the Mustangs pursue their 11th MINK League title, Johnson said his advice for younger players is to stay relaxed despite the atmosphere.
"Don't let the fans engagement ad the stadium energy evolve it, kind of freak you out and put you in tunnel vision mode," he said. "Just kind of stay loose. Have fun. They're all here to support you. They love it here."
Lafayette High School graduate Jayden Little, now in his fourth summer with the Mustangs, said playing in front of family and hometown fans remains special.
Getting to play in front of children who once were in his position has become a full-circle experience for Little.
"I always just enjoy coming back and playing for every body," he said.
Little, who plays at Lincoln University, said his family could only see parts of his college seasons, making summer baseball in St. Joseph even more meaningful.
"Coming back here and getting to play in front of them every day is just the coolest thing, something I haven't done since I was younger," he said.
Crowds of 3,000 to 4,000 fans create an atmosphere that helps energize the team, Little said.
"It's just a great place to play," he said. "I'm just glad to be back."
Little said the organization's tradition as 10-time MINK League champions is noticeable as soon as players enter the stadium.
"This is probably our newest roster that we've had in a long time," Turner said. "A lot of players choose to come back to St. Joe, and who wouldn't it's a great place. You've got the crowd, the great coaching staff, the full Mustangs experience."
FanFest is scheduled for Tuesday evening at Phil Welch Stadium. Gates for the free event open at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 26, with activities running from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Fans will have an opportunity to meet the 2026 Mustangs team. The event also will feature a kids Home Run Derby, national anthem auditions, live on-field interviews, autograph sessions, discounted and new merchandise, and new concession items.
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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 7:51 PM.