Before I ever attended a Pittsburgh Pirates game, I went to Butler BlueSox games with my family. The atmosphere at then-Pullman Park was just as exciting for my younger brother, Tyler, and I, who scrambled to jump on foul balls that ended up in the stands and wanted to get players’ autographs after.

Of course, then, the BlueSox were playing in the Prospect League, drawing good attendance numbers in a pristine stadium.

This season, for the first time since 2008, the BlueSox won’t field a team. They’ve competed in the Tri-State Collegiate League for the past half-decade, but due to planned repairs and renovations being made at Michelle Krill Field at Historic Pullman Park, have decided not to play this upcoming go-round.

The North American Baseball Alliance is continuing on with its eight teams, but the league dynamic might feel different without the community staple taking the diamond.

Here’s to hoping the BlueSox find their footing after a one-summer hiatus. Baseball is better in Butler when the BlueSox are around.