The Texas Collegiate League (TCL) announces its sixth team to join the league, the Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators, in 2024.
This is the third team in the league from the Bayou State, joining the Baton Rouge Rougarou and Acadiana Cane Cutters. The team will play 48 games on the season, with 24 home games played at McNeese State University’s Joe Miller Ballpark. The season will kick off on May 30 and play until July 28.
Lake Charles’ roster will feature 30 players from DI, DII, DIII, and JUCOs, showcasing the best talent Louisiana and the nation have to offer. The TCL has a reputation for being heavily scouted by the MLB, making it a sought-after league for underclass players looking to work on their skills.
“Highlighting our role as the baseball capital of Louisiana, this team adds another layer to our existing lineup of events,” Eric Zartler, the senior vice president of sports, said. “It elevates our sports profile and enhances tourism, making Lake Charles an even more appealing destination.”
The team will be owned by four ownership groups made up of Mike and Sharamie Moore, Joey and Lyda Odom, Brent and Julia Reeves, Luke and Stacey David, and Daniel and Kayla Odom. Sam Moore, currently the director of sports relations for Visit Lake Charles, will serve as GM and handle day-to-day operations.
“We can’t wait to bring the high-energy Gumbeaux vibes to Joe Miller Ballpark,” Moore said. “We are bringing in a talented roster of top-notch players that are bound to make it an electrifying baseball season.”
Season tickets will become available soon so fans can secure their spot for great summer baseball. Sponsorship opportunities are now available and there will be a streaming service in place for fans unable to attend the game.
The team is looking for host families that will provide a welcoming home for players during the summer. Host families will offer a bed, two meals, access to laundry services, and the chance to form a lifelong relationship which is a vital part of the players’ summer.
“This TCL expansion marks a significant milestone for Southwest Louisiana,” Kyle Edmiston, the president and CEO of Visit Lake Charles, said. “With a powerhouse roster and strong community support, the Gumbeaux Gators are set up for success, promising not only an exciting inaugural season of baseball but also a boost for our destination as fans from near and far make their way to our backyard.”