Apr 22, 2026 By Chris Dugan 3 min read

It began in 1993, struggling for an identity and its existence, in eight small towns in three states. Two of the teams never made it through the first season.

Since that rough initial year, the Frontier League has grown beyond everybody’s wildest expectations. It has become the largest — 18 teams spread over two countries — and oldest independent baseball league. It will play its 33rd season this year.

And it will be the last one played under the Frontier League name.

The league announced Wednesday that, starting with the 2027 season, it will be known as the National Association of Professional Baseball (NAPB).

The name change is part of a comprehensive brand transformation.

“With the tremendous growth over the past five years, highlighted by our expansion into Canada along with the northeast and southeast United States, our Board (of Directors) felt that it was the appropriate time for a detailed study of both our current role and future opportunities,” league commissioner Steve Tahsler said in a release. “Working with an outside facilitator, the Strategic Planning Committee determined that we had outgrown the Frontier League brand, and that National Association of Professional Baseball better identified our current structure and future goals.”

The rebranding idea began in the fall of 2024 when the Board of Directors formed a Strategic Planning Committee to evaluate the league’s current status and future opportunities. The rebranding is being led by BLDG, a consulting firm in Covington, Ky., that oversaw the Florence franchise’s rebranding from the Freedom to the Y’alls, along with a 2025 rebranding of the Windy City ThunderBolts.

Tahsler said all Frontier League teams, records and standings will continue in the NAPB.

“It’s important that we continue to recognize the efforts, passion and achievements of the thousands of players, staff, employees and supporters whose dedication has allowed us to be an integral part of our communities for more than three decades,” Tahsler said. “A key factor throughout the visioning and rebranding process was to balance retaining our history while planning for the future.”

The league stated that part of the NAPB’s brand strategy will center on the concept of “North America’s Home Teams,” calling each of the 18 teams a vital asset to their cities.

“While our branding is being updated, our core mission will remain the same,” Tahsler said. “We strive to be a positive, contributing member of each of our communities while providing players and staff the opportunity to launch or continue a career in professional baseball.”

Draft and moves

The Frontier League held its two-day tryout and player draft this week in Avon, Ohio. The Wild Things selected two players, pitcher Jackson Miller in the first round and catcher Josh Woods.

Miller is familiar with EQT Park as he played his college ball for Penn West California. Miller is a WPIAL product, having played at Albert Gallatin High School.

In the second round, Washington chose the 20-year-old Woods out of Columbus, Ohio. This will be Woods’ first professional experience.

The Wild Things also made three roster moves ahead of spring training that begins today. Washington acquired utility player Ben Rosengard from Lancaster of the Atlantic League to complete a trade made last year. Rosengard played for Idaho Falls in the Pioneer League last season and won the league’s batting title, hitting. 463. He also played for Israel’s World Baseball Classic team.

Washington acquired catcher Isaias Quiroz from Lexington of the Atlantic League in exchange for a player to be named, and placed pitcher Aaron Rund on the inactive list. Rund previously played in the Frontier League with Florence.