Mustangs welcome fans, preview 2025 season during annual Fan Fest
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) – Nearly a year after hoisting their third MINK League championship in four seasons, the St. Joseph Mustangs returned to Phil Welch Stadium on Tuesday night not for a game, but for a celebration.
With the 2025 season opener just one day away, the Mustangs hosted their annual Fan Fest on Tuesday, giving the community a first look at this year’s squad.
“You know, we’re excited. Just, you know, it’s a blessing to come every day and work at Phil Welch Stadium, but it’s even more so when you get to come here and just see, you know, the people in the stands. It’s a different feeling,” Mustangs President and CEO Ky Turner said. “Fan Fest is a fun event for us to kind of try and see what’s going to happen tomorrow night for opening day. We work out some of the kinks, but you know, it’s a chance for us to share a taste of what’s to come.”
Despite soggy field conditions and cloudy skies, the energy never dipped. Fans were treated to an interactive evening that included an electronic home run derby displayed on the brand-new video board, full concessions, roster introductions, and more.
Among the players introduced were a mix of newcomers and familiar names, including two reigning team MVPs. Returning to the diamond are Lafayette High School alum Brayden Luikart, the 2023 MVP who batted .292 with 25 RBIs, and Darius Freeman, last year’s MVP who led the Mustangs with a .327 average and a team-best 25 stolen bases.
Pitching also features strong continuity. Sam Pitts, who threw a perfect game during the 2024 season, returns to the staff and will be joined by his brother, Max Pitts. The other half of the Mustangs’ 2024 Pitchers of the Year duo, East Buchanan graduate Bronco Whitt, is also back after tying for the team lead with 40 strikeouts.
“Both pitching and hitting. Pitching, we’ve got a good mix of lefties and righties that have success wherever they go, knowing what they need to do,” Freeman said. “Same with hitters, get to the next guy and not trying to do too much, so you know, should be a fun year.”
The Mustangs open the season at home Wednesday night, hosting the Northeast Missouri Craze at 6:30 p.m. under the lights at Phil Welch.
“I think it’s important for them to have the chance to kind of work out some of those nerves and just kind of like I said, I use the word training wheels, but, you know, before we start riding that bike and so it’s important for them to get a chance to kind of, like I said, just get comfortable and work out some of those nerves and then come tomorrow we’re ready to rock and roll,” Turner said.
