Elkton to Return for the 2023 Season

At its September Board Meeting the RCBL voted to reinstate the Elkton Blue Sox to the league. The team was previously led by Dave and JJ Loker who retired from baseball after the 2021 season and no suitable group was found to takeover. The franchise dates back to 1939 where league records show the Blue Sox winning both the pennant and championship.

The new franchise will be led by manager Mike Sutton and assistant coaches Ron Mauer, CJ Merica, and Jake Wakefield. When asked about being a part of the RCBL Sutton stated "We are so excited for the opportunity to bring the Blue Sox back to Elkton and the RCBL.  The amount of support and excitement that this has already generated in the community show how important it is to be a part this organization and town.  We look forward to putting a competitive team on the field, making new friends in the town and becoming an active part of the community."

The team is currently working with the Town of Elkton to make some necessary improvements to the Ruritan Park field before the start of the 2023 season. Mayor Josh Gooden said “the Town of Elkton is looking forward to having the Blue Sox back in Elkton after missing the team for a season. The team is a staple in the community and we look forward to supporting the team in anyway that we can when they return.”

The league played with seven teams during the 2022 season, the smallest number of teams in recent history. The last team to enter the league was the Grottoes Cardinals in 2015 which re-entered the league after being out since the 2003 season. RCBL Vice-Commissioner Jeremey Washington was instrumental in the Grottoes franchise coming back into the league and has been a great resource for the new Elkton team.

Commissioner Lisa Hart said “The RCBL is very excited to welcome the Elkton Blue Sox back for the upcoming 2023 season.  It is a joy to see members of our communities step into action to keep local traditions alive.  The RCBL is rich in history and traditions and the loss of Blue Sox last year was felt throughout the league and the Elkton community.  Thankfully some avid baseball fans and members of the surrounding Elkton community felt that loss and decided to take action to bring the Blue Sox back.  We are excited to have them returning and encourage everyone in Elkton to show their support for Blue Sox this year at the ballpark!”

---