Groshans (2-for-3, 3RBI) Claims MVP as National MLB Network Audience Watches, Highlighting Showcase Week for the MLB Partner League
MOORHEAD, Minn., July 16, 2026 – The best and brightest stars were able to shine on the league’s biggest stage last night as the East Division All-Stars, led by game MVP Jaxx Groshans of the Chicago Dogs, topped their West Division counterparts, 9-3, in the American Association of Professional Baseball (@AA_Baseball) All-Star Game seen on MLB Network as well as across AAPB
broadcast platforms. Teams get back to regular season play on Friday throughout the circuit, with all games available for live streaming at AABaseball.tv.
Here are 10 (or so) Things to Know about the AAPB this week:
- Groshans went 2-for-3 with a three run home run, adding a double to earn MVP honors in the contest played at Haymarket Park in Lincoln, Neb.
- Earlier on Wednesday, the AAPB All-Star Game Home Run Derby, presented by Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Company, was held. Fargo-Moorhead’s Jose Sermo defeated Sioux Falls’ Josh Rehwaldt in the finals. Sermo claimed the AEW Elite Wrestling Belt for his performance.
- Sermo, who leads the league with 17 homers, now has 158 career American Association taters, trailing Sioux Falls’s Jabari Henry, the all-time leader with 166. In a fun twist, Henry served as the pitcher for Sermo’s Home Run Derby swings.
- On Tuesday, the AAPB announced that the FanDuel Sports Network and its 14 affiliates throughout the country will join the league’s ever-growing broadcast footprint. The games will begin this month, and will now bring the circuit’s coverage area to the largest of any MLB partner league.
- Durbin Feltman, pitcher for the Kansas City Monarchs, has signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. Feltman posted a team-leading six saves and struck out 20 batters in just 13 innings this season, earning him AAPB All-Star status. He has been assigned to AAA Memphis.
- While Kansas City has built a 6 ½-game lead over the rest of the West Division field, the second through sixth-place teams are separated by just 1 ½ games. The East has the Milwaukee Milkmen in front by 2 ½ ahead of Lake Couuntry and 5 ½ better than Cleburne at the break.
- The Sioux Falls Canaries announced their final 2026 camp, set for August 8, for boys and girls ages 11-14, at The Birdcage. Registration includes two hours of on-field instruction, a Canaries hat and game ticket to that day’s game vs. Milwaukee.
- Media interest in AAPB remains strong. Some of the recent articles on teams include:
- KFGO and 740TheFan were among the outlets celebrating Sermo’s Derby triumph. They also profiled the slugger they call the “Sermonator” in his pursuit of the all-time AAPB home run title.
- The Bowling Green (Ky.) Daily News caught fans up on Owensboro native Ray Zuberer of Lake Country.
- SportsVideo Group posted this piece on the AAPB’s recent broadcast partnership with FanDuel Sports Network. Cynopsis and SportsBusiness Journal were among those that noted the agreement as well.
- Yahoo! Sports picked up the fine Daily Astorian piece on Jacob Morrow in which the Saltdogs All-Star talked about his Oregon roots.
- The Toledo Blade spoke with both Kane County’s Art Warren and Sioux City’s Zach Willeman about their respective AAPB All-Star Game nods.
- The Fremont Tribune put this item together on KC’s Austin Callahan on his ASG selection
- The Baytown Sun caught up with Derrick Cherry of Winnipeg in advance of the All-Star Game.
- Corinth, Miss., native Kyle Crigger spoke with his hometown Daily Corinthian about his second straight All-Star appearance.
- A few team promotions of note are:
- Fargo-Moorhead hosts Parker’s Pals in Blue Night on Friday, in support of the local organization that supports K9 teams by funding veterinary care, training, and essential equipment that help these working dogs stay healthy, protected, and mission-ready.
- Sioux Falls celebrates the United States Semiquincentennial Friday in its first home game since the national holiday.
- Cleburne hosts Baseball Card Giveaway Night on Friday, with “Golden Tickets” holders winning premium prizes.
- Book ‘em, Rusty! Friday is Sand and Surf Night with Specialty Jerseys presented by Methodist Hospitals at Gary SouthShore, with the team sporting Hawaiian jerseys.
- While the Cougars are away, Boom Ball will be taking over Northwestern Medicine Field this Saturday. The interactive, family-friendly baseball show packed with energy, music, and nonstop fun for all ages.
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