There was an overall economic impact of  $518,080 into the local area as a result of the Junction City Brigade summer collegiate baseball team in 2018.

The numbers were unveiled during the Junction City Community Baseball Club appreciation night Wednesday evening at the C. L. Hoover Opera House. this past season attendance at Brigade games at Rathert Field totaled more than 3,500 people. Payroll for Brigade employees totaled approximately $21,000.

Sales tax paid in Junction City totaled $2,500 and the organization also gives money back by supporting the YMCA and different local fundraisers.

Brigade officials have calculated there were 141 visitors to Brigade games from out of town who spent a night in Junction City, resulting in an impact of $17,618 through such expenditures as gasoline, hotel and food expenditures.

Game day revenue totaled $29,775 and there were total purchases by the team calculated at $78,836.

The Brigade won the Cowdin Cup championship for the Mid Plains League in 2018, their third title since the inception of the league.  The team went 25-9 under the guidance of first-year head coach Derek Francis, who is returning in 2019.

Brigade General Manager Cecil Aska said in preparation for the 2019 season they will concentrate on promotions at the ballpark. Referring to the season schedule he noted, “When that schedule comes out we’re already going to have theme nights for every night. ”

There could be a possible change in the Brigade uniforms for 2019. Francis said he has talked withAska on this subject. “Kind of steering away from gray camo’s and getting back to a black and orange jersey. I think it’s something that is a really good look. I like black with an orange logo on it.”

Rathert Field will be spruced up for the 2019 season with a new artificial turf infield and foul areas and a new grass outfield. The 2019 schedule will come out in the spring.