After an absence of collegiate baseball in Junction City, Kansas a group of citizens came together to return collegiate baseball back to the community. Thus in 2012, the Junction City Community Baseball Club (JCCBC) was founded as a 501 c 3 non-profit Organization and formed the Junction City Brigade.
The mission/purpose of the Junction City Community Baseball Club is to:
- Return collegiate baseball play to Junction City.
- Provide opportunities for student athletes to continue to develop and refine their skills in a positive environment.
- Provide affordable quality family entertainment for the community.
Enhance opportunities for youth. - Make Junction City, Kansas a destination place to view summer collegiate baseball played in the finest venue, historic Rathert Field.
The Junction City Brigade Collegiate Baseball Team made its debut in the summer of 2013. The Brigade is comprised of student athletes from colleges and universities throughout the country. The Brigade gives these students athletes a venue during the summer to continue developing their skill in a highly competitive environment.
The Junction City Brigade is about our community, our youth, our baseball fans, our business and civic organizations, all working together to create a true community baseball team.
Rathert Field is named in honor of CIty Engineer Arthur Rathert, who donated many late night hours to making his venue a reality for Junction City. Originally a WPA project, under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal Program, Rathert Field was completed in 1937 and described as “the finest baseball stadium in Kansas.” This architectural landmark is constructed of native limestone and wooden seating. Circular in shape, the stadium faces northwast and the open grillwork at the back provides for air circulation, making the stadium cooler. Rathert Field has played host to many up and coming stars in this lifetime. The field has seen many players who have gone on to play in college, Minor and Major league baseball. Baseball’s Negro League also had many stars who played at Rathert Stadium. Built with strength and character from limestone quarried from the Junction City region, Rathert Field has stood the test of time and is a monument to Junction City.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2013
Inaugural Season
2014
Founding member of the Mid Plains League (MPL)
MPL Cowdin Cup Champion
2015
Named Tourism Advocate of the Year by the Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce
2016
MPL Cowdin Cup Champion
2018
MPL Cowdin Cup Champion
2019
MPL Cowdin Cup Champion
2021
MPL Cowdin Cup Champion
2022
MPL Cowdin Cup Champion
2023
MPL Cowdin Cup Champion