ROSTER They are lining up a stellar roster to take the field in May . “ There ’ s a dozen guys coming back this year , mixed in with some new players ,” Incaviglia said . “ We ’ ve signed some younger guys out of the Pioneer League as well . We ’ re going to have a very athletic team . I like having an athletic team and guys that can play multiple positions because of roster limits . My teams are guys that can help you win a game in more ways than one . They can run , they can hit , they can defend ... they can do it all .”
The recent signings include standouts Cory Wills and Dusty Stroup , bolstering the Railroaders ’ lineup with a blend of talent and proven success . Cory Wills , recognized for leading in saves , and Dusty Stroup , an all around leader with his bats , symbolize the team ’ s commitment to excellence .
Joining them are Cito Culver and Trey Hair , adding versatility and depth from the Tri-City ValleyCats to amplify the
Railroaders ’ performance on the field .
Jaylen Hubbard , Ron Washington Jr . and Justin Kleinsorge from the Grand Junction Jacks , Austin Bernard from the Missoula Paddleheads and Payton Robertson from the NoCo Owlz , further reinforce the Railroaders ’ formidable lineup . Their diverse skill sets and accolades on the field strengthen the team ’ s foundation for a successful season ahead . The re-signing of Hill Alexander , Blaze Brothers , Jonathan Tripp , Michael Krauza and Ryan Hernandez brings back valuable experience and talent to the Cleburne Railroaders . Their return is poised to further enhance the team ’ s cohesion and performance on the field .
Several more players were signed this week . Righthanded pitchers Nate Griep and Tyler Driver were both signed . A Kansas State University graduate , Griep spent 2019-22 with Triple-A ball clubs the Albuquerque Isotopes and San Antonio Missions . Driver was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in 2019 . He spent the past two seasons playing for the Tacoma Rainiers ( Triple-A affiliate ).
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES The team also has several new community initiatives planned . “ The Cleburne Railroaders are excited
Photo by Cleburne Railroaders
to announce a series of new community initiatives for the 2024 season aimed at enhancing engagement and making a positive impact in Johnson County and surrounding areas ,” General Manager Chris Jones said . “ These initiatives reinforce the Railroaders ’ commitment to being an active and supportive member of the community .”
Spike ’ s Reading Railroad Program presented by Whataburger : A unique program aimed at promoting literacy among young fans in the community . In partnership with Whataburger , children will be encouraged to read by rewarding them with incentives , such as Railroaders tickets . Schools and classrooms have the opportunity to schedule Spike to come read to students and pass out the bookmark to track their reading .
Kid ’ s Club presented by Chick-fil-A Cleburne TX : In collaboration with Chick-fil-A Cleburne TX , the Railroaders are launching a free Kid ’ s Club designed to provide young fans — 12 and under — with tickets to Sunday home games . Kid ’ s Club members will enjoy additional perks such as post-game base running on Sundays , unlimited access to the new Fun Zone and more .
# RailroadersInTheCommunity : As part of the Railroaders ’ ongoing commitment to community involvement , the team will be using the hashtag # RailroadersInTheCommunity to highlight and share their various outreach efforts ,
14 Community Life