Irish American Baseball Society

06/22/2026

Ailísh Conneely is back with a new Irish language lesson! In this video, you'll learn how to tell someone that you're learning to speak Irish.

06/22/2026

DID YOU KNOW: Shea Stadium was named after the grandson of a Limerick man?

William Alfred Shea was born on this day in 1907. His grandfather, James O'Shea, was born in Rathkeale, County Limerick. The O'Shea surname derives from the Gaelic word seagdha, meaning hawk, but it also carries a secondary meaning of stately — and Bill Shea was a stately figure if ever there was one in New York sports! ☘⚾

Shea is best known, of course, for the stadium named in his honor. Here's how it happened: in 1958, following the departure of the Dodgers and Giants from New York, Shea proposed the creation of a third major league, the Continental League.

As the story goes, the pressure of Shea's proposal led directly to MLB expansion teams in New York, Washington, Los Angeles, and Houston — meaning Shea was directly tied to the creation of the Mets, Senators (Rangers), Angels, and Astros (C**t .45s). Incredible!

Shea was also instrumental in the creation of the New York Islanders franchise, and he played an important role in establishing the AFL-NFL championship game, which later became the Super Bowl.

In 1964, the Mets' new stadium, Shea Stadium, was named in his honor.

06/21/2026

Here’s to the dads who made — and continue to make — baseball more than just a game. Happy Father’s Day! ☘⚾

06/21/2026

Stop us if you've heard this one: A man named Patrick leaves Ireland at the height of the Potato Famine, settles in Philadelphia, and marries Mary Ann, the daughter of Irish immigrants. Patrick and Mary Ann settle down and have thirteen children.

So far, nothing too unusual. Irish families tended to run on the larger side, especially in the late 19th century.

Here's where things get interesting: one of Patrick and Mary Ann's kids, Matthew, takes an interest in baseball and winds up with the Baltimore Orioles. And he's good.

Like, really, really good. ☘⚾

In his 1886 rookie season, Matthew Aloysius Kilroy, born on this day in 1866, fanned 513 batters and threw 66 complete games.

Now, the experts will tell you the game was different back then, and they're right. But still — Matt Kilroy was an absolute beast on the mound. In his second season, his strikeout total fell to a more pedestrian 217, thanks to a new rule requiring four strikes for a strikeout. Even so, he still managed to win 46 games.

Before his third season, Matt married Frances Denny, herself the daughter of Irish immigrants. The newlyweds settled in Philadelphia and eventually had seven children.

That year, Matt suffered a shoulder injury during a collision on the basepaths. His production waned, likely due to the injury combined with a massive workload — in his first four seasons, Kilroy threw 1,974 innings.

Kilroy bounced around for a few more seasons, with stints playing for the Boston Reds, King Kelly's Killers of the Players' League, followed by turns with the Washington Senators, Louisville Colonels, and Chicago Orphans. He retired after the 1898 season with 141 wins, a 3.47 ERA, and 1,170 strikeouts.

After retiring, Matt and Frances continued to live near Shibe Park, where he ran a saloon. He was rumored to stop by the ballpark to give pitching tips to A's hurlers — likely with the blessing of a fellow Irishman named Connie Mack.

Matt Kilroy passed away in Philadelphia on March 2, 1940, at the age of 73.

06/20/2026

PLEASE SHARE: We're looking for players and families who want to represent their Irish roots through baseball! Follow Team Ireland and read below!

PARENTS: Request an invitation to the Team Ireland Baseball program today! The link is below! 🔗👇👇👇

The Team Ireland Baseball program is growing fast! The program is a supplemental player development program that gives players the chance to represent their Irish heritage through baseball. The program exists alongside a player's existing school and travel programs, giving players access to quality coaching and competitive tournaments.

The program includes a cultural component that builds a meaningful connection to Ireland and Irish heritage through virtual Irish language and history classes and presentations.

Team Ireland Baseball is the officially chartered Babe Ruth Baseball, Cal Ripken Baseball, and NABF program in Ireland. The program is operated by Emerald Diamond International, a US-based 501c3 nonprofit organization. Emerald Diamond has been supporting and developing youth baseball programs in Ireland for over 20 years.

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06/19/2026

ROSTER ANNOUNCEMENT: Thomas O’Sullivan (1B/P, Class of 2029) will be representing Team Ireland Baseball in 2026!

Thomas lives in Hartsdale, NY, attends Fordham Prep, and plays for Team Crush. Three of Thomas’ grandparents were born in Ireland — Limerick, Leitrim, and Sligo!

The Team Ireland Baseball program is a supplemental player development program that gives players the chance to represent their Irish heritage through baseball. The program exists alongside a player's existing school and travel programs, pairing them with top instruction focused on teaching the game, maximizing their potential, and building a meaningful connection to Ireland and their Irish heritage.

Thomas and his Team Ireland Baseball teammates are raising funds to help cover tournament costs and support youth baseball programs in Ireland. Support the cause! 🔗👇👇👇


06/17/2026

Team Ireland Baseball is seeking corporate sponsors and community partners to help support the next generation of Irish baseball players!

⚾ Invest in youth development.
☘ Celebrate Irish heritage.
🤝 Grow your brand with a passionate and engaged community.

By partnering with Team Ireland Baseball, your organization will align with a fast-growing baseball development program serving Irish-American youth. Sponsors receive visibility across multiple regions of the United States and exposure through the support of the Irish American Baseball Society, a 600+ member organization reaching more than 10 million people through its digital and social media platforms.

Our network includes strategic partnerships and relationships with organizations, including the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Government of Ireland, the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), and numerous Irish community and regional baseball organizations throughout the USA.

Your sponsorship helps fund player development, equipment, uniforms, travel opportunities, and programs that connect young athletes to their Irish roots through the game of baseball.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Send us a message today to learn about partnership opportunities.

ABOUT TEAM IRELAND BASEBALL

Team Ireland Baseball is a US-based youth development program with strong ties to Ireland and the Irish American community. We're dedicated to developing players and strengthening their connection to their Irish roots.

The program is open to players of all skill levels and experience levels, creating opportunities for young athletes to learn, compete, and grow.

06/17/2026

THE MAYOR! Sean Casey checking in with players in the Team Ireland Baseball program! ☘⚾

06/17/2026

ANNOUNCEMENT: Joe Mauer is going into the Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame! ☘⚾

Few catchers in baseball history can match the accomplishments of Joe Mauer. The hometown Minnesota legend spent his entire 15-year career with the Twins, collecting six All-Star selections, three batting titles, three Gold Gloves, five Silver Sluggers, and the 2009 American League MVP Award. Mauer's .306 lifetime batting average and 2,123 career hits are extraordinary numbers for any player, but virtually unprecedented for a catcher. The only catcher in Major League history to win three batting crowns, Mauer earned his place among baseball's immortals with induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2024.

On August 6, he'll be inducted into the Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame before the St. Paul Saints take on the Louisville Bats at CHS Field in St. Paul, MN.

Mauer, whose middle name is Patrick, traces his Irish roots back to the west of Ireland. His mother, Teresa (Tierney) Mauer, traces her Irish heritage through her maiden name, Tierney, as well as the Lydon, Murphy, and O’Malley clans of County Galway and County Mayo.

"I'm proud to be inducted into the Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame," said Mauer. It's an honor to join this prestigious group representing our shared Irish heritage through the game of baseball."

Before he became an Hall of Famer with the Twins, Mauer was a three-sport star at Cretin-Derham Hall, just four miles from CHS Field. He was the Gatorade National Player of the Year in football, committed to play football at Florida State, a two-time All-State in basketball, and the USA Today National Player of the Year in Baseball. The Saints inducted him into the St. Paul Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025.

06/16/2026

ROSTER ANNOUNCEMENT: Declan Bridgeman (1B/P, Class of 2031) will be representing Team Ireland Baseball in 2026!

Declan lives in Egg Harbor Township, NJ, and plays for the South Jersey Sand Sharks. Declan's grandparents were born in Limerick!

The Team Ireland Baseball program is a supplemental player development program that gives players the chance to represent their Irish heritage through baseball. The program exists alongside a player's existing school and travel programs, pairing them with top instruction focused on teaching the game, maximizing their potential, and building a meaningful connection to Ireland and their Irish heritage.

Declan and his Team Ireland Baseball teammates are raising funds to help cover tournament costs and support youth baseball programs in Ireland. Support the cause! 🔗 👇👇👇