BTU Spotlight: Bryan Yard Dogs Bring a New Brand of Baseball to Bryan
When the school year comes to a close, the Boys of Summer take center stage. There are few things better than a warm evening at the baseball diamond taking in America’s pastime, and residents of Bryan – and the surrounding Brazos Valley – now have a new team representing them.
The Bryan Yard Dogs, named after the railyard workers at the heart of Bryan’s history, begin their inaugural season with their home opener on May 21.
The Yard Dogs will compete in the Mid-America League, a summer collegiate league consisting of eight teams in Texas, Kansas, Mississippi, and Missouri. Rosters are composed of up to 40 NCAA Division I, II, and III, NAIA, community and junior college players – as well as other select players who may have exhausted their college eligibility but want to maintain amateur playing status. The schedule features 64 games, including 32 played at the historic, and newly renovated, Travis Major Field.
The team’s General Manager, Joey Addicott, says Bryan was a clear target for league expansion. The departure of the Brazos Valley Bombers meant space was available, and the Yard Dogs hope to establish deep roots in the community.
“We knew how special this community is, and we knew how important the people are to this community,” Addicott said. “When I got the job offer, I’d done my research and heard from a few different people about this community and how amazing it is. So that was a big draw.”
Addicott brings experience working with one of the biggest new brands in baseball, the Savannah Bananas. While the game on the field will feature traditional rules and structure as opposed to viral “Banana Ball”, the goal is to bring the same “fans first” experience that has packed stadiums across the country to Yard Dogs games.
Addicott says fans can expect an entertaining in-game experience that mirrors minor league baseball and fun activities for the whole family – even those that might not be baseball fans.
“When fans are at the ballpark, we want it to be an experience that they can look forward to and enjoy,” Addicott said. “We will have live bands and music, a new party deck that can fit 300 people, food trucks, a wiffle ball field for the kids – many different opportunities for a diverse crowd.”
In addition to the in-game experience, Addicott says fans can expect to enjoy all the Yard Dogs have to offer without breaking their budget. Affordability is a main priority, and a night at the ballpark for a family will run at an extremely competitive price point compared to other entertainment options.
Long-time local baseball fans will immediately recognize the man in charge of the on-field product. Texas A&M legend John Byington, who once hit two walk-off home runs to beat the Texas Longhorns in the same day, will serve as the head coach.
“We’re really confident in what John can do and what he can bring to this community,” Addicott said.
Starting a new team is never easy, especially in the early going, but Addicott says making an impact on the community that extends beyond baseball will constitute a successful first season.
“I think we’ll be successful if we can see people happy and make a positive impact on the community,” Addicott said. “If I can walk through the stands and see people smiling, if I can send our players out into the community to do volunteer work, I know I’ve done my job.”
For more information about the Bryan Yard Dogs, including tickets, game schedules, and how you can become a host home for one of the dozens of players calling Bryan home this summer, visit
bryanyarddogs.com.