June 1st, 2034: Livermore, CA

The season continues to slowly progress, with the Hitmen sitting at a comfortable 20 games over .500 at 38-18 after today’s early morning victory against rival, Edo Battousai. But the 2034 season isn’t just any other year for the Hitmen. It is the final season that the maroon and gold will grace the World Independent League with it’s presence.

Now in their 11th and final season in the WIL since prior ownership decided to sell the team’s assets off after the 2023 season, New Jersey is clawing it’s way back with a vengeance. The WIL is no longer big enough to hold this big market team back and New Jersey is coming, but not without trying to go out with a bang first..

In their first 10 seasons, New Jersey went 847-737 with 5 playoff appearances and 2 championships. In that short time, they were able to out perform their 17 seasons on the grander stage (1427-1330, 8 playoff appearances, 1 championship). Now, New Jersey hopes to go out in a blazing glory before the big leap back to PEBA in the 2035 season.

Under the ownership of Bernardo Francisco Antollini, New Jersey has been able to right the ship financially and will return to PEBA with a their familiar yet unique uniforms, but they will be playing out of an enhanced and refurbished Mercer County Waterfront Park which will delight fans and opponents as well.

Gone are the dirty trough style urinals, some poorly designed ramps and walkways, and the uncomfortable bench style outfield seating. New concessions abound the stadium, cleaner and more spacious bathrooms, and some vertical construction in the outfield has added stadium style seating to the tune of an additional 5,000 seats bringing the park up to 54,000 seats in total just before the start of the 2034 season. All part of Antollini’s plans when New Jersey starts playing to the larger crowds of the PEBA fan base.

With over a third of the season gone, New Jersey is well on their way to being the favorites to return and compete for the Championship, only question is whether we will get a repeat of last year’s match up with Gloucester.

Lots to look forward to in New Jersey’s farewell tour of the WIL, but here’s one old Hitman hoping we can go out with a bang.

– @alleatherKohler