History
The Clinton LumberKings joined the Prospect League ahead of the 2021 season. Formerly, they joined the Midwest League for its inaugural season in 1954, then known as the Mississippi-Ohio Valley League, but professional baseball in Clinton, Iowa, owns even deeper roots. The current home of the LumberKings was built in 1937 as a project of the Works Progress Administration for an estimated cost of $150,000, and was played on and off again until 1954. Since joining their current league, the LumberKings had won two Midwest League championships, 1963 and 1991, and seen over 280 players graduated to the Major Leagues. The reason for the LumberKings' longevity in Clinton has been the community's ownership of the club. The team is operated by board members and an executive board, which have kept the team in Clinton during a time when other teams have been moved to larger markets. Dating back to 1937, the team had been affiliated with 16 different Major League franchises, with the most recent being an affiliation with the Miami Marlins in 2019. The LumberKings now are proud to be a part of the Prospect League, and look forward to keeping baseball in Clinton.
NelsonCorp Field
Address: 537 Ballpark Drive
LumberKings' Employment
The LumberKings are seeking energetic and motivated individuals to join the fun this summer!
We are currently looking to fill positions for:
- Customer Service Representatives
- Concessions Workers
- Ticket Office Attendants
- Team Store Workers
- Grounds Crew Members
- Ushers
- Bat Boys and Girls
- Kids Game Area Attendants
- Other As-Needed Positions
Applications may be picked up at the LumberKings front office or by downloading HERE.
Host Families
The LumberKings are looking for Host Families! Each player in the Prospect League is pursuing his dream of playing in Major League Baseball. The host family program is a vital part of every collegiate summer league team across the country. The Clinton LumberKings are looking for generous families willing to open their homes to our players. We at the LumberKings believe the quality of people who live in the Clinton area will provide our players the necessary hospitality for an enjoyable summer.
Host families take a player(s) into their home over the course of ten weeks during the season. Players arrive during the last week of May or first week of June, and generally stay through the second week of August (at the latest, depending on playoffs).
The benefits to being a host family are significant: 1) Assisting young men in their pursuit of playing professional baseball, 2) Forming a bond with your player(s) that extends well beyond one summer of baseball in Iowa 3) Becoming part of the LumberKings "family," and 4) Receiving complimentary tickets and other amenities throughout the season.
Host family responsibilities: 1) Providing your player(s) with a stable, clean, healthy environment for the summer and 2) providing your player(s) with a few meals each week (players are students, so their finances are stretched thin).
Program specifics: 1) The ideal number of players per host family is two, although one is great as well. 2) Players arrange their own transportation to and from the ballpark. 3) Players need their a bedroom. 4) Players need access to a washer, dryer, and refrigerator. 5) Be aware that players return home from home games 10:30-midnight and even later for away games. 6) Keep in mind these will be college students between the ages of 18-22.
Players are recruited through their college baseball coaches, and all of them have agreed to maintain impeccable moral standards, abide by NCAA guidelines, and be a role model to our fans. If any player's actions, on or off the field, are not consistent with these standards, we will ask them to pack their bags and return home.
Becoming a host family is a big responsibility, therefore, we will make our players and our host families as compatible as possible. To accomplish this, we require an application process. Families or individuals interested in hosting a player or staff member may apply by contacting Angie Gabel (drgabel@gabelchiropractic.com) or Ted Tornow (tedtornow@lumberkings.com) or by calling 563-242-0727.
Donation Requests
If you have a cause or group that would benefit from a LumberKings' donation, we would love to help! We ask that all donation requests be submitted online!
Pocket Schedule Requests
If you are looking to request one of our Pocket Schedules, please send a self-addressed and stamped envelope to our P.O. Box!
Send To: P.O. BOX 1295 Clinton, Iowa 52733
PA & Ribbon Board Announcements
If you are interested in having an announcement read over the public address system and displayed on the ribbon board in right field, the LumberKings charge $5 per message. Visit the guest services kiosk at the main entrance to reserve your message. All messages must be submitted to LumberKing staff by the end of the fourth inning to guarantee it being played during the game. Messages are subject to review and length restrictions. Special graphics or images may displayed on a case by case basis for an additional fee.
National Anthem Performances
If you would like to sing the Star-Spangled Banner before a LumberKings' game, please reach out to the front office. Call 563-242-0727 or email lumberkings@lumberkings.com for more information.
Request a Player or LOUIE THE LUMBERKING® Appearance
The LumberKings are proud to be an important part of the Clinton community! Our players, coaches, and LOUIE THE LUMBERKING® want to be at your next event! Bring the LumberKings and Louie to your school or business! Call 563-242-0727 or email lumberkings@lumberkings.com to schedule an appearance. The Clinton LumberKings have made community outreach a team priority. Since the team's beginning in 1954, they have participated in reading programs, charitable fundraisers, school career days, baseball clinics, food drives, lunch programs, and much more. The LumberKings do not charge for any charitable appearances or school programs, as we seek to lead the league in giving back!
