O'Fallon Hoots

The O'Fallon Hoots are a collegiate summer league baseball team in the United States Prospect League. The team played the 2018 and 2019 seasons as the Hannibal Hoots, but only one of those seasons saw them use Hannibal, Missouri as their home; flooding of their stadium led the Hoots to play their 2019 home schedule in nearby Quincy, Illinois at the home stadium of the Quincy Gems. The Hoots formed in late 2017[2] and were an expansion franchise for the 2018 season. The Hoots and other collegiate summer leagues and teams exist to give top college players professional-like experience without affecting NCAA eligibility.

O'Fallon Hoots
Information
LeagueProspect League (West Division)
LocationO'Fallon, Missouri
BallparkCarShield Field
Year founded2018
Former name(s)Hannibal Hoots
Former ballparksClemens Field
OwnershipRick DeStefane[1]
ManagementMatt Stembridge (GM)
ManagerClayton Hicks
WebsiteOFallonHoots.com

Rick DeStefane is the sole owner of the Hoots.[3]

The Hoots are a member of the West Division of the Prospect League along with the Cape Catfish, DuPage Pistol Shrimp, Normal CornBelters, Quincy Gems and Springfield Sliders.[4]

On September 26, 2019, The Prospect League announced that the franchise would relocate from Hannibal to O'Fallon beginning with the 2020 season, playing their home games at CarShield Field.[5]

History

Hannibal's previous team in the Prospect League, the Hannibal Cavemen, suspended operations after the 2016 season, leaving the city without a team for the 2017 season.[6] The league awarded a new franchise to Rick DeStefane, with the goal of returning to the field for the 2018 season.[7]

Stadium

The Hoots play at CarShield Field.

References
  1. "Parks Department Working on Hannibal Field | Prospect Collegiate Baseball LLC". www.prospectleague.com. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  2. "Hannibal Unveils Team Name & Branding | Prospect Collegiate Baseball LLC". www.prospectleague.com. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  3. Graeler, Kevin. "Hannibal Hoots encounter unexpected social media obstacle". Hannibal Courier. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  4. "NEW FOR 2019: DuPage Pistol Shrimp | Prospect Collegiate Baseball LLC". www.prospectleague.com. Retrieved December 10, 2018.
  5. "O'Fallon City Council Approves Lease For Prospect League Team | Prospect Collegiate Baseball LLC". www.prospectleague.com. Retrieved September 30, 2019.
  6. "Cavemen 'suspending operations' for 2017 season". Herald-Whig. January 6, 2017. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
  7. Dundon, Eric. "Hannibal's Prospect League team rebranded to Hannibal Hoots". Hannibal Courier. Retrieved June 4, 2018.
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