February 13th, 2036: Newark, NJ

After an inaugural return season that saw the Hitmen post their franchise’s second highest attendance record ever at 4,017,587 in attendance, and falling short of expectations with a 77-85 record, owner Bernardo Francisco ‘Beppo’ Antollini declared that he was expanding Mercer County Waterfront Park so that more of the great fans of New Jersey can enjoy the return of the Hitmen to the Planetary Extreme Baseball Association.

To help commemorate the big stadium build out as well as the return of New Jersey to PEBA, Antollini released a special 30th Anniversary logo of the franchise and original PEBA team which harkens back to the old gold and black logos of the early 2010’s. There are also rumored plans to bring more of the old gold coloring back into the franchise as well as the Hitmen look to appeal to a broader audience and drive merchandise sales.

The stadium update is a big win for the Hitmen, as Antollini has dished out enough to expand another 10,000 seats in the outfield and an expansion of the upper deck seating as well, not to mention improved bathrooms and concessions. Early expectations see attendance at about just over 55,000 per game with early season ticket sales numbers growing by the month as we head towards Spring Training.

The Hitmen are an improved team this coming year with the acquisition of CF Eugenio Domínguez, corner IF John Lightbody, and RF/DH Tomás Martínez. The bullpen can also expect an additional boost from the return of RP Gideon Byrd who returns after 8 months from a torn rotator cuff, and the acquisition of RP Félix Reyes and RP José Romero. Byrd has been working on strengthening his arm and getting back in throwing shape for the coming season where he hopes to prove he was worth the investment from New Jersey. Byrd is entering year 2 of his 3 year, $12.75 million contract.

Antollini believes the retooled former WIL roster may now have enough pieces to make a return to the PEBA playoffs for the first time since the 2017 season. While New Jersey went to the playoffs in 6 of their 11 WIL seasons with two championship wins, the goal is to once again be an annual PEBA playoff team as according to Antollini, “That is where the money is at!”

I don’t know if the Hitmen are ready to be more than a mosquito to a top heavy Imperial League that has seen West Virginia and Florida win 5 of the championships in the last 6 years, with San Juan keeping the Championship in the IL in the 2031 season, emphasizing the league’s dominance within PEBA and that the IL really does rule.

We will keep an eye on your favorite franchise’s progress this coming 30th Anniversary season with a new section within the PEBAlmanac covering each series this year. I look forward to bringing you more updates as they arrive.

– @alleatherKohler