07/26/2026
⚾ OPENING DAY IS COMING TO WHITEWATER! ⚾
The countdown is on for the inaugural season of the Wichita Independent Baseball League, and history will be made on Saturday, August 22, 2026, as the WIBL officially throws its first pitch at Jerry Hill Memorial Field in Whitewater, Kansas.
Opening Day will feature a tripleheader with three league games scheduled throughout the day:
🕙 10:00 AM
Goodfellas vs. Wichita Braves
🕑 2:00 PM
Wichita Linemen vs. Wichita Woodpeckers
🕕 6:00 PM – Premier Game
ICT Avengers vs. Whitewater Rapids
The day represents much more than three baseball games. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for adult baseball in south-central Kansas, bringing together ten founding clubs from five communities for the league's inaugural season.
Recently, WIBL Commissioner Bob Lipp spoke with Jayson Chappell, manager of the Whitewater Rapids and Wichita Braves, to discuss preparations for Opening Day and the future of baseball in Whitewater.
Chappell said both clubs continue to build their rosters and are preparing to order uniforms in time for the Fall 2026 season. To help evaluate players and prepare for league play, he has scheduled a combined Whitewater Rapids and Wichita Braves practice and scrimmage at Jerry Hill Memorial Field before Opening Day.
The conversation also highlighted the tremendous support the league has received from the City of Whitewater. Chappell shared that Mayor Tim Eldredge has been enthusiastic about bringing adult baseball back to the community and that the city plans to promote the event through its website, social media, and community information channels.
League officials also discussed ideas to make Opening Day a true community event. Food trucks, expanded concessions, and additional family-friendly activities are all possibilities as the league continues to grow. Both agreed that the goal is to build something special over time rather than trying to do everything in the very first season.
One comment from the conversation perfectly summed up the league's philosophy:
"Let's play baseball first... then get a little better every week."
That simple approach reflects exactly what the Wichita Independent Baseball League is all about—building a strong foundation, serving local communities, and creating an enjoyable experience for players, families, and fans.
Join us on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Jerry Hill Memorial Field in Whitewater for the first official games in Wichita Independent Baseball League history. Three games. Ten founding clubs. One historic Opening Day.
Play Ball! ⚾