CLINTON, Iowa – The Clinton LumberKings Baseball Club has announced that they will hold a Clinton Shadflies theme night this summer (for real this time).

Originally an April Fools’ Day joke on social media, the LumberKings fans’ response made all the difference.

“The feedback really blew us away,” said Nate Vander Bleek, LumberKings general manager. “When you get such a positive response, you have to give the people what they want.”

Shadflies, known in other regions as mayflies, are insects that live near waterways and live for about twenty-four hours. They are a big part of life each baseball season at NelsonCorp Field, which is nestled on Clinton’s riverfront.

“They’re often gross and inconvenient but they are a huge part of life along the Mississippi River,” Vander Bleek said. “We hope fans are excited to support the Shadflies this summer.”

While originally a prank, this time the team is serious. Vander Bleek said, “I understand we may have betrayed your trust by pulling a prank the first time, but this is no joke: the Clinton Shadflies will be a very real thing in 2024.”

Clinton Shadflies merch is now available for pre-order on the Clinton LumberKings official webstore.

More information and Shadflies schedule to come soon.

The LumberKings start the 2024 Prospect League season on Tuesday, May 28. First pitch on opening day is set for 6:30 p.m.