The Joplin Blasters were an American professional baseball team based in Joplin, Missouri. The Blasters were members of the South Division of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball.[1] The team's home games were played at a reconstructed Joe Becker Stadium.[2][3][4] The team was managed by former Chicago Cubs player and minor league managing veteran Carlos Lezcano.[5] A home game on May 21, 2015, against the Wichita Wingnuts inaugurated the franchise and its 100-game regular season.[6] The Blasters organization failed to pay the stadium lease during its final season.[7] During the 2016 fall league meetings, it was confirmed by league commissioner Miles Wolff that the Blasters would not be returning for 2017.[8]

Joplin Blasters
Information
LeagueAmerican Association (South)
LocationJoplin, Missouri
BallparkJoe Becker Stadium
Founded2015
Folded2016
ColorsBlack, gold, white
     
OwnershipWLD Suarez Baseball LLC
ManagerGabe Suarez
General ManagerShawn Suarez
Websitejoplinblasters.com

Season-by-season records

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Joplin Blasters (2015–2016)
Season Total Finished Playoffs
2015 55–45 (3)[9] .550 Did not qualify
2016 36–64 (3)[10] .360 Did not qualify

References

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  1. ^ Schremmer, Mark (October 2, 2014). "Joplin Blasters to play in American Association's South Division". The Joplin Globe. Community Newspaper Holdings. Retrieved January 19, 2015.
  2. ^ Lamb, Katie (September 24, 2014). "Joplin plays host for groundbreaking ceremony for Joe Becker Stadium". The Joplin Globe. Community Newspaper Holdings. Retrieved January 19, 2015.
  3. ^ Schremmer, Mark (September 24, 2014). "After stadium groundbreaking, Blasters look to sign manager, players". The Joplin Globe. Community Newspaper Holdings. Retrieved January 19, 2015.
  4. ^ Woodin, Debby (May 18, 2015). "Professional baseball returns Tuesday to Joe Becker stadium". The Joplin Globe. Community Newspaper Holdings. Retrieved May 19, 2015.
  5. ^ "Joplin Blasters name first field manager". The Joplin Globe. Community Newspaper Holdings. January 12, 2015. Retrieved January 19, 2015.
  6. ^ Schremmer, Mark (November 1, 2014). "Joplin Blasters release 2015 schedule". The Joplin Globe. Community Newspaper Holdings. Retrieved January 19, 2015.
  7. ^ Price, Stuart (September 30, 2016). "City of Joplin sues Joplin Blasters baseball team". KSNF. Nexstar Media Group. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  8. ^ Woodin, Debby; Payton, Levi (October 7, 2016). "UPDATED: Blasters franchise defunct, league commissioner says". The Joplin Globe. Community Newspaper Holdings. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  9. ^ "American Association - standings". Pointstreak Sports Technologies. Retrieved April 26, 2018.
  10. ^ "American Association - standings". Pointstreak Sports Technologies. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
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