By John Mesh
Hutchinson Monarchs’ general manager/owner Marc Blackim on social media Sunday morning thanked the team’s supporters after the team’s 7-3 loss to the Hays Larks in the National Baseball Congress World Series.
Hutchinson placed second in the NBCWS and posted a 32-10 record during the summer season.
“Good morning Monarch Nation,” Blackim said Sunday morning. “While we didn’t get the outcome that we were hoping for or that you were hoping for last night (Saturday) in Wichita, (his wife) Kim and I are so proud of our players and coaches for their efforts, not just in the NBC World Series but during the entire season.
“They proved they were the best by being Jayhawk League Champions and then went on to get to their second championship game in two years. Not many organizations have accomplished that. While this one stings a little bit, we will be back and we will re-load for next year.”
The Monarchs were able to re-load from the 2023 team that won the NBCWS title, thanks to the Blackims and coach Casey Lippoldt.
Lippoldt took the managerial reigns from Deron McCue, who coached the Monarchs from 2011-2022.
McCue, a former 15th-round draft in 1983 by the San Francisco Giants, coached and managed for the Giants in the minors, was the head coach at Nickerson High School and serves as an assistant coach at Hutchinson Community College.
Hutchinson, which played in its 13th NBCWS tournament in the team’s 16-year existence, defeated 10-time national champion Santa Barbara 6-3 in the 2023 title game and beat the Foresters 3-2 in the 2024 tournament semifinals.
“To the fans that supported us all season we can’t thank you enough,” Blackim said. “Your loud and energetic cheering helped these young men perform at a higher level than any team in the Jayhawk League.
“To the fans that traveled to Wichita. You all made a huge difference as we would not have made it as far as we did in this tournament without you. Not only did you show up but you were loud and you supported your team with class and for that we are forever grateful.
“Thank you all for your continued love and support of the Hutchinson Monarchs. We will be back and we will work hard so that you are proud to be a Monarch fan again in 2025.”