Hernandez Continues Triple Crown Pace; DeTaeye Transferred to Texas, Hansel Chooses Colorado, Highlighting Week for the MLB Partner League
MOORHEAD, Minn., June 18, 2026 – in the American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball). All games, are as always available free for live viewing on AABaseball.tv.
Here are 10 (or so) Things to Know about the AAPB this week:
- Former UW Milwaukee and Lake Country pitcher Luke Hansel’s contract was transferred to the Colorado Rockies organization. He posted a 4-1 record over five starts, fanning 21 over 29 1/3 innings and sporting a 2.76 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP for the DockHounds.
- Ryan Hernandez of Lake Country isn’t messing around. He’s still leading the three Triple Crown categories with a .394 batting average, 13 home runs and 39 RBI to date. His .496 on-base, .848 slugging and 1.344 OPS are also AAPB-bests.
- A four-player deal, the most moved in a trade so far this season, was pulled off by Gary SouthShore and Chicago. The RailCats acquired 2025 East All-Star RHP Jacob DeLabio in exchange for RHP Grant Cherry, J.C. Flowers, and Cade Herrmann.
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Northwest Indiana to promote healthy lifestyles by providing local youth with the opportunity to attend tonight’s Gary SouthShore RailCats game.
- Sioux City left-handed pitcher Ben DeTaeye has been transferred to the Texas Rangers organization. DeTaeye (1-0, 0.90 ERA) allowed just two earned runs in 20 innings while striking out 23 for the Explorers.
- It’s about an hour drive (depending on the time of day) from Kenosha, Wis., home of NCAA Division III Carthage College, to Rosemont, Ill. Righthander Brendan Roberts made that trip down I-94/294 this week, signing with the Chicago Dogs after 47 career appearances in 207 innings for the Firebirds.
- The origins of Juneteenth trace back to Texas, and Cleburne is proud to celebrate the
holiday on Friday with a giveaway of replica historic Cleburne Eagles jerseys at La Moderna Field - The Sioux City Explorers signed former Colorado Rockies infielder Warming Bernabel to a contract. Bernabel slashed .252/.288/.410 with four home runs in 40 games with the Colorado Rockies last year. Bernabel, though, was injured in his first X’s at bat last Thursday and hasn’t returned to the lineup.
- Media interest in AAPB remains strong. Some of the recent articles on teams include:
- SportsBusiness Journal noted that MLB Network will air the AAPB All- Star Game on July 15, the day after the MLB Midsummer Classic.
- InForum has this piece on Former Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks player Jesse Hoorelbeke, who has undergone his 81st chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with colon cancer in 2021, far exceeding initial survival expectations.
- Royals Review highlighted the Monarchs’ recent success on the mound.
- The Crescent-News (Ohio) is keeping track of Kane County Cougar Art Warren, noting that the righty earned his fourth hold of the season on Saturday in a 9-4 win over Gary. He is a native of Defiance and played at Ashland University.
- Shaw Local let fans know about the Father’s Day Brunch special for the first 1,000 dads at Kane County’s game vs. Sioux City on Sunday.
- Digital Sports Desk gave some love to Denning Gerig, the AAPB Broadcaster of the Year in 2021 with the Cleburne Railroaders, who last week was named director of broadcasting for Wichita State University Athletics.
- KTIV called it a “nominee for game of the year,” as the X’s topped Cleburne after deficits of 8-0 and 11-4, with Alberto Osuna’s home run winning it, 13-11, in walk-off style, on Saturday.
- Milwaukee Magazine caught readers up on Lake Country’s amazing start to 2026.
- A few team promotions of note are:
- The Cleburne Railroaders are getting into the world soccer spirit with a soccer jersey giveaway to the first 500 fans on Saturday.
- The first 1,000 fans at Fargo-Moorhead’s game on Monday can smack away the start of the week blues when they receive a fly swatter presented by Farmers Union Insurance.
- Kansas City fans can hit ’em straight on Golfer Night on Saturday vs. Milwaukee. There will be an in-game best golf attire parade, with $50 gift card to the winner.
- Celebrate indigenous cultures through song, dance, and more at Blue Cross Park for National Indigenous Peoples Day at Winnipeg’s Blue Cross Park on Saturday.
- It’s a musical weekend in Kane County with K-pop Night on Friday and Country Music Night on Saturday.
About the American Association
The American Association of Professional Baseball (www.aabaseball.com) and (www.aabaseball.tv) is a Major League Baseball Partner League that operates in nine states and one Canadian province. Formed in 2006, the league consists of twelve member clubs with many beginning play in 1993. Through the 2025 season, 483 player contracts have been transferred to MLB organizations. In addition, 60 AAPB alumni have reached the Majors, including 17 participating in 2025.
– AAPB –
Contact:
Joe Favorito, joefavorito2@gmail.com, 917-566-8345
Jerry Milani, jerry@jerrymilani.com, 917-797-5663
