Prospect League Announces 20th Franchise in Decatur, Illinois

Decatur, Ill. – The Prospect League is pleased to announce that Golden Rule Entertainment, owners of the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes and the Quincy Doggy Paddlers, have been awarded the League’s 20th franchise to launch this coming 2026 season.

Decatur, Ill., has been selected as the franchise’s location, as last week, Golden Rule Entertainment, the City of Decatur, and Millikin University announced a partnership to play at Millikin’s Workman Family Baseball Field.

Workman Family Baseball Field, completed in 2019, is an all-artificial turf surface and has a grandstand seating capacity for just over 450 spectators. The viewing areas include stadium seat-backs located directly below the press box, bleacher seating on both sides of the press box, patio areas, and an elevated berm along the third base line.

“This is a mutually beneficial partnership among so many different parties,” said Millikin President Dr. Dean Pribbenow. “We are proud to open our doors and offer Workman Family Field as the home for this new team. It will provide a tremendous fan experience while benefiting both the University and the City.”

The City of Decatur has a population of over 68,000 and slots in as the 5th-most populous city in the Prospect League footprint. It is conveniently located as a less than three-hour commute for over half of League teams. It is also home to a rich baseball history, as Decatur hosted affiliated Minor League Baseball through five different Major League franchises from 1932 to 1974.

“You’ve come to the right city. Decatur is a baseball town,” said Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe. “This brings family-friendly entertainment, it’s affordable, and it brings people right to our own backyard. It’s also a huge win for Millikin, bringing more visitors to campus and showcasing what the University has to offer.”

Decatur joins Kokomo, Ind., as new League members launching in 2026. The Prospect League now sits at 20 franchises, the most in League history, which has spanned a combined 62 years with its precursor, the Central Illinois Collegiate League. The Prospect League began play 18 years ago with 11 franchises. The League grew and remained at 12 from 2010-2019, until expansion pushed the League to 16 from 2021-2022, 17 in 2023, and 18 from 2024-2025.

“Returning to a market with strong historical roots is a unique opportunity,” said Prospect League Commissioner David Brauer. “Decatur spent nearly two decades as a member of the Prospect League’s predecessor, the Central Illinois Collegiate League, so it is only fitting to rekindle that connection. The League looks forward to the new franchise’s success.”

More information and a “name the team” contest can be found at DecaturBaseball.com.

The Prospect League’s 17th and largest season will begin with Opening Day on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The League’s complete 2026 schedule will be released soon.

About the Prospect League
The Prospect League is a premier, Midwestern, wood-bat collegiate summer baseball league with 20 teams spanning Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania. The League provides college players with a professional setting, featuring excellent competition and high-quality facilities. More than 1.8 million fans attended Prospect League games in the past three seasons, shattering multiple attendance records.

Formerly known as the Central Illinois Collegiate League (1963-2008), the Prospect League boasts over 60 years of tradition as one of the nation's original and most recognizable summer leagues. Its distinguished history includes Hall of Famers, NCAA and World Series Champions, over 200 Major League Baseball alumni, and more than 800 professional players worldwide. For more information, visit prospectleague.com and follow @prospectleague on social media.

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