Representatives from all 20 league teams gather at Skylands Stadium for three days of collaboration, professional development, and community engagement
The Sussex County Miners proudly welcomed representatives from all 20 teams of the National Association of Professional Baseball (NAPB) to Skylands Stadium in Augusta, NJ, for the league’s annual meeting, marking the first time the event has been held in Sussex County.
At the league’s invitation, the Miners hosted the three-day gathering from October 4 through October 6 to showcase the award-winning Skylands Stadium, its diverse facilities, and the organization’s continued growth both on and off the field. With the addition of the Cleburne Railroaders and Kane County Cougars, this year’s meeting marked the largest gathering of member teams in league history.
The event kicked off Sunday with a welcome reception catered by The Barnyard, Skylands Stadium’s acclaimed on-site restaurant, where representatives from across the league connected while experiencing Sussex County hospitality. Attendees also walked through Skylands Stadium’s Jack-O’-Lantern Experience, the stadium’s signature fall festival featuring 6,000 hand-carved, illuminated jack-o’-lanterns and an interactive corn maze. The attraction gave visitors a firsthand look at how the Miners transform the ballpark into a year-round family entertainment destination. The stadium’s new turf field was also configured for football through a groundbreaking partnership with Sussex County Community College, further underscoring the venue’s ability to accommodate a wide range of sports and events.
On Monday, attendees toured Skylands Stadium before participating in a series of breakout sessions held throughout the stadium and Champions Way Sports Academy. The sessions encouraged collaboration and the exchange of best practices, with organizations sharing insights into their operations and successes. The Ottawa Titans discussed attendance strategies; the Sussex County Miners presented their approach to promotions and fan engagement; the Lake Erie Crushers shared their experience hosting events beyond baseball; and the Joliet Slammers highlighted the success of their “Big House Ballgame.”
Monday’s programming also featured remarks from NAPB Commissioner Steve Tahsler and Deputy Commissioner Matthew Shepherdson, along with the presentation of league awards recognizing achievements across member organizations.
The evening concluded with dinner at Black Bear, where attendees continued networking and enjoyed activities including the venue’s TrackMan driving range and darts, providing another taste of what Sussex County has to offer.
The meeting continued Tuesday with additional breakout sessions and a dedicated Women in Sports luncheon. The luncheon brought together women from across the league to share their experiences, discuss challenges and accomplishments, and build meaningful professional connections.
Beyond the educational sessions and networking, hosting the annual meeting allowed the Miners to demonstrate the versatility of Skylands Stadium, Champions Way Sports Academy, and The Barnyard, as well as the organization’s commitment to year-round entertainment, community engagement, and creating memorable experiences for fans and visitors alike.
The three-day event concluded with overwhelmingly positive feedback from visiting organizations and a renewed spirit of collaboration as the NAPB looks ahead to the 2027 season.
The Sussex County Miners extend their appreciation to Commissioner Steve Tahsler, Deputy Commissioner Matthew Shepherdson, and representatives from all 19 visiting teams for helping make the annual meeting a success.
As the National Association of Professional Baseball continues to grow, the Miners are proud to have welcomed the league to Sussex County, strengthened connections across its member organizations, and showcased Skylands Stadium and all the region has to offer.
Above: Representatives from all 20 NAPB teams stand in front of Terra Firma—the world’s largest fire globe—at the entrance of Skylands Stadium.