Quincy, Illinois, has long been a hub for baseball enthusiasts, but the departure of the previous team left a void in the community. However, the recent announcement of a new Prospect League baseball team coming to Quincy has sparked renewed excitement and a desire to make the sport relevant once again.

Reviving the Gem City's Passion for Baseball

Listening to the Community's Needs

The new ownership group, Golden Rule Entertainment, LLC, is taking a unique approach to rebuilding the team's connection with the community. Rather than imposing their own vision, they are actively seeking input from the residents of Quincy to ensure the team truly reflects the community's desires. "I think the first order of business is to ensure the team is the community's team," says Jamie Toole, President of Golden Rule Entertainment. "We're not bringing in what we think will work; we're asking the community, 'What's important to you? Tell us.'" This collaborative approach aims to create a sense of ownership and investment among the fans, making the team a true reflection of the Gem City.

Expanding the Calendar and Engaging the Community

The new owners recognize that the success of the team goes beyond the baseball season itself. They are committed to making the team a year-round presence in the community, with plans to host a variety of events and activities throughout the year. "We're having holiday drop-in parties, we're having events in February, March, April, constant connecting with the community," Toole explains. "That's sort of the name of our game, and who knows where it takes us from that." From golf tournaments to bowling with the players, the team is exploring innovative ways to engage the community and build lasting relationships.

Improving the Fan Experience

Enhancing the fan experience is a top priority for the new ownership group. They plan to introduce more promotions, theme nights, and giveaways to keep fans entertained and coming back to the ballpark. "We try to expand the calendar," Toole says. "We've nearly doubled our attendance from 2022 to 2024 in Springfield because we've gotten to know the community more, and those connections become long-term relationships." The team's success in Springfield has demonstrated the power of this approach, and they are eager to replicate it in Quincy.

Addressing Stadium Concerns

One of the challenges faced by the previous team was the condition of the QU Stadium, which the Prospect League commissioner cited as having safety concerns and infrastructure issues. The new owners are committed to addressing these concerns before the start of the season. "I think the ballpark needs a little love, a little TLC, but we love the history and the tradition," Toole says. "I think that's a really cool part that you just can't get by going somewhere else, but yes QU will be our home for the foreseeable future." The group is in ongoing discussions with Quincy University to ensure the necessary improvements are made to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for fans.

Building a Sustainable Future

The ultimate goal for the new ownership group is to make the team profitable and sustainable, not just during the baseball season, but throughout the entire year. By diversifying their offerings and engaging the community in meaningful ways, they aim to create a team that is truly integrated into the fabric of Quincy. "It is this organization needs to make Quincy a better community," Toole emphasizes. With a focus on community involvement, fan experience, and strategic stadium improvements, the new Prospect League team in Quincy is poised to revive the city's passion for baseball and become a source of pride for the Gem City.