A season of exciting Atlantic League baseball approaches, part of the extensive coverage of independent and summer collegiate league ball streamed on FloBaseball.

The 2024 campaign marks the inaugural season for a newcomer organization to the Atlantic League, albeit one representing a city well-established in baseball. 

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Hagerstown, Maryland, hosted the Hagerstown Suns for 40 years before the club's closure in 2020. The Flying Boxcars arrive to bring professional baseball back after a brief hiatus. 

What Year Were The Hagerstown Flying Boxcars Founded?

The 2024 season marks the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars' first of competition, but the organization was first announced in 2021. 

"We are excited that Atlantic League baseball is coming to Hagerstown," ALPB president Rick White said in a September 2021 statement. "We are grateful to the State of Maryland for its commitment to a downtown recreational venue built for the enjoyment of all Hagerstown and Washington County residents." 

Who Owns The Hagerstown Flying Boxcars?

Frank Boulton, "Blackie" Bowen, Don Bowman, Linda Ebersole and James Holzapfel make up the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars ownership group. An article in the Baltimore Banner describes the group as having "deep roots in Hagerstown." 

What Is The History Of The Hagerstown Flying Boxcars Team Name And Mascot?

The Flying Boxcars name was revealed in July 2023, selected from a pool of five finalists among submissions presented by fans. The other finalists were Battle Swans, Diezel Dogs, Haymakers, and Tin Lizards. 

The name Flying Boxcars comes from the Fairchild Aircraft C-119 Flying Boxcar, built in Hagerstown during the 1950s. 

Team mascot, Stryker, pays homage to those responsible for the manufacturing of the aircraft. Stryker is billed as the son of parents who worked in the factory. 

Have The Hagerstown Flying Boxcars Ever Won An Atlantic League Championship?

The Flying Boxcars embark on their first Atlantic League season seeking the first championship of any kind in Hagerstown pro baseball history. 

The Suns reached the South Atlantic League championship series in 1994 but fell short, and again in 2005, 2013, and 2014. 

Where Do The Hagerstown Flying Boxcars Play?

The first season of Hagerstown Flying Boxcars baseball coincides with the opening of Meritus Park. Ground broke on the venue in 2021 and will open in time for the start of the Atlantic League competition in 2024. 

According to the Meritus Park website, the venue is "part of a revitalization project" Intended to "become a hub for the community as it will host over sixty Atlantic League Professional Baseball games every year. The stadium will not only play host to baseball games, but will also serve as a venue for concerts, community events, and much more throughout the year."

Hagerstown Flying Boxcars Notable Alumni

While the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars have no alumni yet, Hagerstown has been a pathway for plenty of future Major League standouts. 

Current Philadelphia Phillies standout Bryce Harper played for the Hagerstown Suns during the organization's time as a Washington Nationals affiliate, as well as current Yankees star Juan Soto. 

How To Watch The Hagerstown Flying Boxcars

Atlantic, Frontier, Pioneer and the Coastal Summer Plain League, as well as the Florida Collegiate Summer League, all are streaming on FloBaseball and the FloSports app. 

Replays, highlights and more news can be found on the site.

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