UMass Lowell has entered into a partnership with the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL) to bring a baseball team to the Mill City. And while it may not be the Boston Red Sox affiliate many have been striving for, the level of play is high enough where future major league ballplayers will occasionally patrol the field.

An event has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 30, at LeLacheur Park to publicly announce a newly formed Lowell franchise that will play at the storied ballpark along the banks of the Merrimack River. LeLacheur hosted the Lowell Spinners, the Boston Red Sox short-season Single-A affiliate, from 1998 through the 2019 season. After Covid cancelled the 2020 minor league baseball season, Major League Baseball underwent a re-alignment that disbanded the New York-Penn League, leading to the elimination of the Spinners franchise.

InsideLowell has learned Lowell’s expansion entry will begin play for the 2026 season, which begins in May. UMass Lowell, which purchased the ballpark from the city in 2022, will partner with the FCBL. The league will solicit an ownership group to run the franchise. A university source tells us repairs at the ballpark should be complete in time for the season opener.

The FCBL is a premier summer baseball league that provides top collegiate athletes with the opportunity to develop their skills and compete at a high level while maintaining NCAA eligibility. It was founded by former Spinners owner, Drew Weber, in 2011.

The league currently consists of six teams, with the Nashua Silver Knights the franchise closest to Lowell. Other Massachusetts teams include the Worcester Bravehearts and Westfield Starfires. The Vermont Lake Monsters also compete, along with the pair of Connecticut teams; the Norwich Sea Unicorns and New Britain Bees.

InsideLowell has also learned the league is targeting an 8th team to join for the 2026 season.

The Pittsfield (MA) Suns are a likely possibility, as the team previously competed in the FCBL. However, the Suns have been inactive the last two seasons awaiting renovations to Wahconah Park. Those renovations have yet to be completed, and there is no definitive date.

The FCBL offers players exposure to professional scouts and a chance to play in front of enthusiastic local fanbases during the collegiate offseason. It’s known for its strong community ties, family-friendly game environments, and emphasis on player development. Players swing wood bats, mirroring professional standards, and play a competitive schedule typically running from late May through early August.

The league averages 1200 – 1500 fans per game, though just last night the Norwich team set a franchise attendance record of 5,267 fans. On the same night, the Vermont Lake Monsters played in front of over 4,000 people.

As for the caliber of player, a number of Major Leaguers have competed in the FCBL.

2025 Houston Astros All-Star Shortstop, Jeremy Pena, is a league alum, as is Sal Frelick, a Boston native who plays for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Lowell’s Zach Gitschier fires a pitch for the Nashua Silver Knights

The 27th and most recent FCBL alum to play in the big leagues is New York Yankees pitcher, Cam Schlittler, who made his debut on July 9th. The Walpole native fired 5⅓ innings, striking out seven and hitting 100 mph on the radar gun, earning the win in a 9–6 Yankees victory.

While the FCBL recruits players from all over the country, it has also featured several UMass Lowell baseball players and local kids.

Zach Gitschier, the son of Lowell City Councilor Erik Gitschier, played three seasons at Holman Stadium with the Silver Knights and has coached in the league the last two seasons.