The Pioneer Baseball League presented by TicketSmarter is set to begin its 2023 season on May 23. Each of the league’s 10 teams will compete on Opening Night including the defending champion Grand Junction Jackalopes who will face the Ogden Raptors. Grand Junction will remain on the road until June 6 when they return to Suplizio Field to host the Boise Hawks for a trio of games.
The Jackalopes, who rebranded after winning the franchise’s first title last season as the Rockies, defeated the Missoula Paddleheads. Missoula won the 2021 championship.
Growth of the PBL
Since it began in 1939, the Pioneer Baseball League (PBL) expanded to include 10 teams from four states in the Mountain West region. In 2021, the PBL became an MLB Professional Partner League which strengthened its position within the professional baseball landscape. As a Partner League, the PBL receives funding and scouting technology from the MLB that can also be used to identify young talent for transfer to the Major Leagues.
New Rules
In February, the Pioneer Baseball League presented by TicketSmarter announced the adoption of pitch clocks for the 2023 season. The PBL also announced that it would use the MLB’s shift rules. The “pie slice” area will be featured in each ballpark with lines extending from second base to the outfield grass.
The pitch clock will vary depending on how many runners are on base. The minimum amount of time is :08 seconds with a batter in the box. Pitchers are allowed :14 with no runners on base, :18 with runners on base and a total of :30 between batters. The clock will be set to 2:15 for pitching changes and inning breaks. Mound visits will be limited to :30.
Where Can You Watch the Pioneer Baseball League?
You can catch a great game from the stands this season at one of the league’s 10 stadiums that are scattered throughout Montana, Idaho, Colorado and Utah.
Northern Division
- Billings Mustangs – Dehler Park – Billings, Mont.
- Glacier Range Riders – Flathead Field – Kalispell, Mont.
- Great Falls Voyagers – Centene Stadium – Great Falls, Mont.
- Idaho Falls Chukars – Melaleuca Field – Idaho Falls, Idaho
- Missoula PaddleHeads – Ogren Park at Allegiance Field – Missoula, Mont.
Southern Division
- Boise Hawks – Memorial Stadium – Boise, Idaho
- Grand Junction Jackalopes – Suplizio Field – Grand Junction, Colo.
- Northern Colorado Owlz – Future Legends Complex – Windsor, Colo.
- Ogden Raptors – Lindquist Field – Ogden, Utah
- Rocky Mountain Vibes – UCHealth Park – Colorado Springs, Colo.
If you can’t make it to the ballpark or want to tune in for an away game, check FloSports and the FloBaseball platform where every game of the regular and postseason will be streamed live.
Buy Pioneer League Baseball Tickets
Cheer on your favorite team this year with Pioneer Baseball League tickets from TicketSmarter. Or check out one of the other fine professional baseball leagues that compete across the country.
