Ayres. Myers. Starr. Unfinished Business.
Three familiar faces will once again bring their skills to Sargent’s Stadium at The Point for the 2025 season.
Outfielder Colton Ayres, infielder Logan Myers, and infielder Peyton Starr will once again don the black and gold for the Johnstown Mill Rats.
Although last season didn’t end the way any of the three would have preferred—with a disappointing loss at Chillicothe in the Northeast Division playoffs—it saw the Rats finish with a respectable 26-30 overall mark (tied for second place in the Northeast Division with the Lafayette Aviators) and a post-season appearance for the second time in the team’s 4-year existence.
MILL RATS GAMEDAY caught up with Ayres, Myers, and Starr to find out their thoughts on last season, the heartbreaking loss to end last season, what they’ve been up to during the off-season, and their hopes for the 2025 Mill Rats’ campaign:
MILL RATS GAMEDAY: What are your thoughts regarding last year’s Mill Rats season. What games, events, or moments do you remember the most?
CA: Last year playing in Johnstown was some of the most fun I’ve ever had playing the game. I made some incredible memories and friends for life. The July 4th game and fireworks show was a special night. It was unlike any environment I’ve ever played in. The amount of people rooting for us at the stadium & then on top of that to get a big win and sit out in the field and watch the fireworks show, it felt as if I was living in a movie.
I also enjoyed floating the river with my teammates. Chad always took care of us and got us out on the water on our off days.
LM: Last year’s season was one of the most fun times I’ve had playing baseball. I thought the group of guys we had were a really good fit together and I’ve made friends for the rest of my life. My favorite game last year was the 4th of July. Seeing the entire community come support the Mill Rats was definitely the highlight of my summer.
PS: Last year’s Mill Rats season was great! The games where always competitive and fun to play in. The moments I mostly remember is being on the field playing with a group that never wanted to lose.
MILL RATS GAMEDAY: The playoff game at Chillicothe was a game the Rats seemingly had in hand before losing it in the late innings. What are your thoughts regarding that game?
CA: That Chillicothe playoff game, still to this day, does not sit right with me.
LM: I think we put ourselves in a great position to win that game. However, Chillicothe was a very good team, and we all knew that. Sometimes the game of baseball just doesn’t go your way. I’m excited to get back out there and represent the Mill Rats during this year’s playoff run to get by Chillicothe.
PS: It left a bad taste in my mouth. It always hard to lose a game that we had control over most of the game, but sometimes that’s baseball and hopefully it won’t happen again this summer.
MILL RATS GAMEDAY: What notable baseball things happened during your college season this year?
CA: This season I became an All-Conference. All-MIAA outfielder. Hit .350 overall and .382 in conference.
LM: A big thing that happened during my season was that our team made it back to the postseason tournament for the first time in a few years. Playoff baseball is always exciting and any chance you get to compete in the postseason, you can never take for granted.
PS: We had a tough schedule this year playing a lot of ranked teams, and teams that received votes. We finished over .500 and making it to the conference tournament.
MILL RATS GAMEDAY: What things in your personal life have happened since the season ended that you are willing to share?
LM: Not much I can think of for my personal life! Pretty much just baseball 24/7 for me.
PS: I graduated this year with my bachelor’s degree in business administration.
MILL RATS GAMEDAY: What are you most looking forward to coming back for 2025?
CA: What I’m most looking forward to in this upcoming 2025 season is playing for Coach Stevens, meeting my new teammates, reconnecting with all of the great Mill-Rat fans & staff, & ultimately doing what it takes to bring a Prospect League championship to Johnstown.
LM: For 2025, I am most excited to come back and be in the city of Johnstown. Everyone that I’ve met here is awesome and they make it feel like my home away from. Every time I run out on to the field, I feel the energy and excitement from the community. There’s nothing like baseball in Johnstown!
PS: I’m looking forward to seeing everyone that’s back this year and meeting my new teammates. Also looking forward to playing in Johnstown again in front of all the fans!
The Prospect League is a premier Midwestern wood-bat collegiate summer baseball league with 18 teams across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Pennsylvania. The League provides college players a professional setting with excellent competition and high-quality facilities while delivering exciting baseball action and affordable all-ages entertainment to its communities. Known as the Central Illinois Collegiate League from 1963-2008, the Prospect League has a proud tradition as one of the original and most recognizable summer leagues. The League’s rich history includes Hall of Famers and NCAA Champions, nearly 200 alumni in Major League Baseball, and more than 800 professional players.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
SARGENT’S STADIUM AT THE POINT is the home stadium to the Prospect League’s Johnstown Mill Rats. It is situated at the confluence of the Stonycreek and Little Conemaugh Rivers which combine to form the Conemaugh River.
The original Point Stadium was constructed in 1927 and has undergone two major facelifts—once in 2006 and again in 2021.
The stadium has been home to numerous baseball teams including the Johnstown Johnnies, the Johnstown Steal, the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Mountain Cats, and the Bishop McCort Catholic High School Crushers.
Each summer, the stadium hosts the annual AAABA Baseball Tournament in early August.
NOTABLE EVENTS:
President Harry Truman gave a major speech here on during the last weeks of the presidential campaign in October 1948.
The New York Yankees played an exhibition game against the Johnstown Johnnies on July 25, 1927. Playing for the Yankees that day were Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Tony Lazzeri, Bob Meusel, Mark Koenig, and Pat Collins. The Johnnies won the game 7-5.
In 1983, The Hollywood blockbuster movie “All the Right Moves” starring Tom Cruise, Lea Thompson, and Craig T. Nelson was filmed here.
On June 16, 1989, New Jersey rockers Bon Jovi with opening act Skid Row performed here.
Trey Lipscomb played for the Johnstown Mill Rats during their inaugural season in 2021. He appeared in 21 games with the Mill Rats accumulating a .356 batting average with 32 hits in 90 at bats and collected 3 HRs and 31 RBI. Lipscomb also swiped 13 bases and scored 26 runs.
Trey was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 3rd round of the 2022 amateur draft, out of the University of Tennessee where he had taken part in the 2021 College World Series.
He began his pro career in 2022 with the Fredericksburg Nationals of the Carolina League, hitting .299 in 23 games. In 2023, he split his season between the Wilmington Blue Rocks of the South Atlantic League and the Harrisburg Senators of the Eastern League. In 129 games, he hit .272/.311/.419 with 14 homers and 72 RBIs. He then played in the Arizona Fall League after the season. Following the season, he won a minor league Gold Glove for his defensive play at third base.
In 2024, he was scheduled to open the season in AAA with the Rochester Red Wings but plans changed when 3B Nick Senzel was injured in a freak accident during pre-game drills on Opening Day. Trey was called up to the Nationals on March 30th and he made his debut as the starting third baseman that day against the Cincinnati Reds. He went 1 for 4, then on March 31st his his first career homer off Buck Farmer as part of a 2-for-3 day.
(Some content courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com)
Sean Stevens
Manager
Rollin Layton
Hitting Coach
A.J. Pabst
Pitching Coach
Richie Villanueva
Assistant Coach/Player Development/Camp Coordinator
Jacob Tobin
Assistant Coach/Remote Player Procurement
Prospect League Sets New Attendance Records
Over 649K fans attended games during the 2024 season, setting new overall and average attendance marks.
September 12, 2024
MAHOMET, Ill. – The Prospect League continued its substantial attendance growth in 2024 by setting new total and average attendance records for the second straight summer. More than 649K fans attended Prospect League games during the 2024 regular season, surpassing the previous mark, set in 2023, by over 74,000. The League also averaged more than 1,300 fans per game, surpassing the record figure set in 2023 by over 100 more fans per game.
“Setting new attendance marks in consecutive seasons is a remarkable feat,” said Commissioner David Brauer. “The historic growth seen in year-over-year totals during the past two seasons is a tremendous accomplishment.”
The Prospect League saw growth in several categories while recording its new attendance benchmarks this season:
Overall Attendance Record: The Prospect League’s 18 teams drew a record 649,743 fans during the 2024 season, eclipsing the half-million attendance mark for the second straight season. The Thrillville Thrillbillies led the league in total attendance for the first time with 90,927 fans, the highest single-season figure in Prospect League history.
Highest Total Attendance Percentage Growth in Summer Collegiate Baseball: The Prospect League saw a total attendance increase of more than 12% this season compared to 2023. For the second consecutive year, the League made the largest gains in all of summer collegiate baseball, besting the Coastal Plains (7.7%), West Coast (4.3%), and Northwoods (3.2%) Leagues. Overall, the Prospect League had the third-highest attendance in summer collegiate baseball, finishing ahead of the MLB Draft, Coastal Plains, and Appalachian Leagues.
Second Largest Year-to-Year Growth in League History: 74,449 more fans attended Prospect League games in 2024 than during the 2023 campaign. That increase was the second-largest jump in league history, behind only the 100,000 fans gained from 2022 to 2023. The league boosted its average attendance by more than 100 fans per game from 1,234 (in 2023) to 1,357 (in 2024). The Thrillville Thrillbillies enjoyed the League’s largest team increase with over 25,000 more fans this season.
Fans Continue to Turn Out in New Markets: Three of the Prospect League’s newest members from 2023 and 2024 – the Thrillville Thrillbillies, Jackson Rockabillys, and Dubois County Bombers – all played significant roles in attendance growth. The Thrillbillies, based in Marion, Ill., drew a League-best 90,927 fans during their second season. The Rockabillys, in Jackson, Tenn., drew 51,564 fans, fifth most in the League while the Bombers, in Huntingburg, Ind., drew 41,282 fans to rank eighth.
14 Teams Increased Total Attendance: 14 of the Prospect League’s 18 teams produced total attendance increases over last season. The Cape (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) Catfish, Champion City (Springfield, Ohio) Kings, Danville (Ill.) Dans, Dubois County (Huntingburg, Ind.) Bombers, Full Count (Hendersonville, Tenn.) Rhythm, Illinois Valley (Peru, Ill.) Pistol Shrimp, Jackson (Tenn.) Rockabillys, Johnstown (Pa.) Mill Rats, Normal (Ill.), O’Fallon (Mo.) Hoots, CornBelters, Lafayette (Ind.) Aviators, REX (Terre Haute, Ind.), Springfield (Ill.) Lucky Horseshoes, and Thrillville (Marion, Ill.) Thrillbillies all saw higher totals in 2024 than 2023.
13 Teams Increased Average Attendance: 13 of the Prospect League’s 18 teams recorded average attendance increases this season. The Cape (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) Catfish, Champion City (Springfield, Ohio) Kings, Danville (Ill.) Dans, Dubois County (Huntingburg, Ind.) Bombers, Full Count (Hendersonville, Tenn.) Rhythm, Illinois Valley (Peru, Ill.) Pistol Shrimp, Jackson (Tenn.) Rockabillys, Johnstown (Pa.) Mill Rats, Normal (Ill.), CornBelters, Lafayette (Ind.) Aviators, REX (Terre Haute, Ind.), Springfield (Ill.) Lucky Horseshoes, and Thrillville (Marion, Ill.) Thrillbillies all averaged more fans per game this summer than in 2023.
The Prospect League is proud to be an integral part of the growth of summer collegiate baseball nationally and looks forward to continuing its success thanks to the dedicated fans responsible for setting new attendance milestones each of the past two campaigns.
“Prospect League players experience many of the top stadiums and atmospheres in all of summer collegiate baseball. With more than one million fans passing through our gates the past two seasons, we are proud of the fan support shown around the League. The array of entertaining promotions and the quality baseball played on the field keeps fans flocking to our ballparks each summer,” said Brauer.
The Mill Rats are looking for individuals who seek to further their academic and professional careers in sports. An internship with the Mill Rats will present the opportunity to learn how a small baseball organization operates through experience in a variety of different departments. Internships are available for both the spring and summer semesters and are available only to students who are receiving college credit.
To apply for an internship with the Mill Rats, check out millrats.com/internships. If you have and additional questions, email Sarah Rex at sarahr@millrats.com.
The Mill Rats are looking for families to house players during the season. Families play a vital role in our operation, offering a bed for a player and a place that they can call home for the 12 weeks they are in town. Players would be with your family from late May until early August.
The Perks!
For more information, please contact Sarah Rex at (814) 535-1305 or email sarahr@millrats.com
SINGLE GAME TICKETS
FLEX TICKETS
GROUPS
Spend Your Special Day With The Mill Rats!
INCLUDES:
ONLY $8 per child!
To book, please contact Sarah Rex at (814) 535-1305 or email sarahr@millrats.com!
Thanks to the following restaurants for providing team meals this season!
Reserve for $550.00!
To see available games, please contact Sarah Rex at (814) 535-1305 or email sarahr@millrats.com!
Sarah is a Johnstown native, born and raised in Windber, PA. She has a passion for baseball, and the city and people of Johnstown. Over the past number of years, Sarah has assisted many local businesses and community events with advertising, marketing and graphic elements. She brings extensive knowledge in events management and sales, as well as networking and marketing skills to the Mill Rats organization. Sarah will use her background to grow the Mill Rats brand to showcase family fun folks can enjoy at The Point.
An avid sports fan, George was born in Washington, DC and was raised in Windber, PA. A devoted Rambler, George was a catcher for 3 years at Windber Area High School and also played one “not so glorious” semester of “fall ball” as a 2nd-baseman for the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown.
George’s broadcast career has been much more memorable! He is the former voice of the Johnstown Chiefs and Nashville Knights (both of the ECHL) and also serves as the play-by-play and public address voice for the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and Windber Area High School.
George will once again handle media relations duties and will call his 5th season of Mill Rats’ baseball in the summer of 2025.
Ashley is a Johnstown native who has a strong love for the local community and the sport of baseball. Her passion for the sport began many years ago when she was chosen as an ambassador for the local AAABA tournament. Her desire to serve has only increased over the years, which has led to her work as an advisor for the AAABA ambassador program. Her involvement with the organization has provided her with many connections, knowledge and skills that will help her in her role as the Food and Beverage Manager for the Mill Rats.
As a culinary master who has worked in many different positions in the hospitality and sales industries, Ashley is excited to use her wealth of knowledge and experience to create a memorable and delicious experience for all of the fans at the ballpark this summer. She hopes to help fans of all ages relive and create fond memories of sharing a meal with family and friends while enjoying one of America’s favorite pastimes.
Derek joins the Mill Rats staff as Director of Business Development for the 2025 Prospect League season. Derek has spent 15 years in the sports and entertainment industry, beginning his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates during the 2011 and 2012 MLB seasons. Most recently, Derek spent the last nine hockey seasons with the Johnstown Tomahawks. His primary role with the Mill Rats will be sponsorship and suite sales.
Bart & Stacy Vickroy
Bart and Stacy (Pomroy) Vickroy and both native to the Johnstown area. Bart is a University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown alumni, where he studied Business Management and Marketing. Since graduating college, he has worked in the healthcare information technology arena as a Sr. Director & Client Partner for Cerner Corporation (based in Kansas City). The Vickroys returned to the Johnstown area in 2009 to be closer to family and raise their three boys in the town they know as home. Since their return to the Johnstown area, Bart and Stacy find joy in being active in the Johnstowncommunity (church, golf course, little league, etc.)
Dr. Matt & Bristy Perry
Matt and Bristy are both natives to the Johnstown area. Matt is a graduate of Bishop McCort High School and Viginia Tech University, where he majored in Biology. He received his medical degree at Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine, also affiliated with VT. Matt is an ER doctor and has spent his entire career at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown, where he currently serves as Chairman of the Emergency Department. Bristy is a graduate of Bishop Carroll High School and IUP, where she earned her nursing degree. She worked as an ICU nurse for several years before staying at home with the couple’s three beautiful children. Matt and Bristy take pride in calling Johnstown home and wish to grow Johnstown and the Mill Rats. They enjoy being active in the community through various fundraisers and charities, sports, and medicine.
Dr. Alex & Melissa Pozun
Alex and Melissa (Ludwig) Pozun are Johnstown area natives. Alex is a graduate of Westmont Hilltop High School and the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, where he was a member of the ice hockey team. He received his doctorate degree from the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus. Alex is currently an Emergency Medicine physician at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Johnstown. He also serves as the team physician for the Johnstown Tomahawks. Melissa was raised in Nicktown, PA and graduated from Bishop Carroll Catholic High School. She received her doctorate of physical therapy from St. Francis University and is a physical therapist at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. Alex and Melissa keep busy raising their 3 children. They are active in the Johnstown community, including serving as the volunteer directors of the Mentoring in Medicine Program through Conemaugh Hospital. They look forward to helping the Mill Rats organization grow, and support family-friendly entertainment in the Johnstown area.