The Florence Y’alls are gearing up for an exciting 2026 season, and they’re bringing a little bit of home-field advantage with them—straight from the Cincinnati talent pool. With their home opener set for May 12 at Thomas More Stadium, the Y’alls are leaning into local roots, boasting seven players with Greater Cincinnati ties on their roster. That’s a deeper local connection than in recent years, and it’s already generating buzz among fans who love seeing familiar names on the diamond.
After a tough 0-3 start, swept by Evansville over opening weekend, Florence has plenty of time to bounce back. They’ve got 51 home games ahead, plus the honor of hosting the Frontier League All-Star Game on July 15. If there’s ever a season to rally the community, this is it. Let’s take a closer look at the seven Cincinnati-connected players who’ll be key to that turnaround.
A Familiar Face Returns
One player is back for his second season with the Y’alls. He’s already off to a solid start, with two hits in nine at-bats and two RBIs. Last season, he appeared in 30 games for Florence, and he’s looking to build on that experience. Originally from Tampa, he made a name for himself at Miami University (Ohio), where he started all 54 games in 2024, batting .289 with five home runs and 32 RBIs. In 2023, he hit .288 with five homers and 10 doubles, ranking fourth on the team with 76 total bases. That kind of college production translates well to independent ball.
A New Arm from the RedHawks
Joining the Y’alls for the first time is a 6-foot-4 right-handed pitcher who spent time at Miami University in 2024 after three seasons at Michigan. He’s got big-game experience, including seven strikeouts against UCLA in 2023 and a save in 2022. Originally from Dearborn, Michigan, he’ll be looking to make an immediate impact on the mound for Florence.
A Local Product from Badin
Another 6-foot-4 right-handed pitcher is making his Florence debut this season. A Badin High School graduate, he spent last season with Joliet in the Frontier League, posting a 4.93 ERA in eight relief appearances. Before that, he spent a season in Single-A with the Philadelphia Phillies organization. At Badin, he was a standout, going 6-0 with a 1.98 ERA during his senior season in 2019, helping the Rams to a 27-3 record. That winning pedigree is exactly what the Y’alls need.
A Bearcat on the Mound
One of the University of Cincinnati’s top pitchers in 2023 is now with Florence. That season, he went 2-6 with a 5.79 ERA, but he led the Bearcats’ staff in starts (15), innings pitched (65.1), and strikeouts. He also started eight games in conference play and finished his college career with over 100 strikeouts. His experience against top-tier competition should serve him well in the Frontier League.
A Veteran from New Richmond
Now in his third season with the Y’alls, this 6-foot-1 right-handed batter is a New Richmond High School graduate. He was drafted in the 22nd round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals after playing at Wabash Valley Community College, then spent two seasons in High-A with Peoria and Rome. At New Richmond, he was a force, collecting 99 career hits and 90 RBIs, with six home runs. His familiarity with the organization and the league makes him a steady presence in the lineup.
As the Y’alls prepare for their home opener, these local connections give fans plenty of reasons to fill Thomas More Stadium. Whether it’s cheering for a former high school star or a college standout, there’s a sense of pride in seeing Cincinnati talent shine on the independent stage. And with the All-Star Game coming to town, this season is shaping up to be one to remember.