When it comes to Great Bend, the Bat Cats knock it out of the park, literally, according to the Barton County Commission.
Commissioners honored the baseball squad Tuesday morning after Great Bend native and Cats’ slugger Carson Umphres smashed a 2-run game-winning homer for a stunning 3-2 Jayhawk Collegiate League baseball victory over the Kansas Cannons of Augusta Sunday afternoon at Al Burn Memorial Field.
Recognizing the team’s players, staff and sponsors for their “dedication to the game and their commitment to health, leadership and community,” the commissioners adopted a proclamation marking Tuesday as Bat Cats Day. This came as the team prepared to take on the Haysville Aviators that evening, a team they defeated 15-2 Monday at Haysville.
“We enjoy having you,” said District 2 Commissioner Barb Esfeld, an avid fan and supporter of the baseball squad who introduced the measure. “You give up your summers to come play here,” giving up time with their families.
“You bring a lot to our community,” not only in terms of volunteer work but also the entertainment of having this team in town, she said. “People who love baseball, we have something to go do that we normally wouldn't have to do.”
The Great Bend Bat Cats began playing in June 2017 at Al Burns Memorial Field in Great Bend, Kansas. Managed by Head Coach Roger Ward, the team plays from May through the end-of-season tournaments, with both home and away games. Ward is assisted by Zach Dobbins and Derek Pomeroy.
“Every year it's getting easier, more support,” and emotional Ward said. “The crowds have been incredible for us, and I feel like the future is going to get even better. The support from advertisement, all the businesses, individuals, is something that I just can't believe.
“It's a pleasure every day to for an old guy like me to still put on a baseball uniform, but also to bring these young guys in that have the whole world in front of them, try to teach a few life lessons along the way, and just see him compete,” he said.
Ward said his team is “in the hunt” now. But “they're backs against the wall and this is where you find out, you know, how good in life you're going to be.”
Regardless of how the season goes, “this has been my favorite team to coach,” he said.
The 2025 Bat Cats roster included 30 players “from across the globe and the United States,” including international talent from Canada, and national players from Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, Nevada, and Texas. Kansan players hail from Chase, Clay Center, Edgerton, Little River, Minneola, and Topeka, with six players specifically from Barton County — three from Great Bend and three from Hoisington.
In addition to providing a family-friendly atmosphere at home games, the proclamation noted the support of area businesses that frequently sponsored activities at Al Burns Memorial Field.
In the proclamation, the commission encouraged citizens to support the team by attending home games and following away games online. They also extended gratitude to the families and businesses that assisted the Bat Cats through player hosting, facility improvements and overall community support.
The Cats’ last two home games are this Tuesday night and Friday night.
The proclamation concluded by applauding the Bat Cats for their community spirit and wishing them success in the Jayhawk League Championship and the NBC World Series.