Mustangs fans thrilled to be back at Phil Welch for the 2026 season

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- After a long offseason, after the St. Joseph Mustangs won their 10th MINK League Title, fans were thrilled to be back at the ballpark.

While team owner Ky Turner saw after multiple improvement projects at historic Phil Welch Stadium, he's also proud of the new experiences this season offers, which make the ticket price even more worth it in his eyes.

"We're starting a brand new pregame when you walk in the gates. We're starting to do a pregame show, and we're gonna go to the crowd. We just want everyone to feel like they're next," Turner said. "Trying to find new ways to let every guest realize, you don't have to be on the team to have an effect on this Mustang's experience."

One of those fans who keep returning year after year, not only for the team on the field but also for the stadium where they play, is Allen Kerns. Kern's deep connection to the stadium and the teams that play in St. Joseph comes from his late father, who umpired games for the St. Joseph Saints.

Kerns believes that the fans are a big reason Mustangs baseball has continued to thrive since its inception and remains strong.

"I think that the town really rallies around sports," Kerns shared. "That's how we're able to get things like the new bleachers and the video boards. None of that would be possible if St. Joseph didn't show up."

The community that this team builds, from its college internships to its returning fans, and more, is also why fan Wiley Davis keeps coming back.

"I've been a Mustangs fan since 2009, I did my college internship with them in 2010", Davis told KQ2. "Best job ever, and I've loved it ever since".

The St. Joseph Mustangs dropped their season opener to the Kansas City Monarchs by a score of 10-5. For a full schedule of when the St. Joseph Mustangs play next, click here.