The Danville Otterbots are a summer collegiate baseball team of the Appalachian League. They are located in Danville, Virginia, and play their home games at American Legion Field.
History
Previous Danville teams
From 1993 to 2020, Danville, Virginia, hosted the Danville Braves. On September 3, 2006, Danville won their first Appalachian League championship, defeating the Elizabethton Twins, two games to one, in a best-of-three series. On September 3, 2009, the Braves won their second Appalachian League championship, again defeating Elizabethton, this time two games to zero.
Collegiate summer team
In conjunction with a contraction of Minor League Baseball beginning with the 2021 season, the Appalachian League was reorganized as a collegiate summer baseball league, and the Danville Braves were replaced by a new franchise in the revamped league designed for rising college freshmen and sophomores.[2] The new team became known as the Danville Otterbots.[3]
Ballpark sensory room
In April 2022, the Otterbots held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Luca's Place, their Ballpark Sensory Room.[4] They became the first team in Appalachian League history to have a sensory room inside their gates, joining less than 15 other ballparks across the country with such a feature.
Awards and recognition
Following the Otterbots' inaugural season, they were named Danville's Favorite Family Fun Spot by Showcase Magazine readers.[5] Following the 2022 season, General Manager Austin Scher was named Appalachian League Executive of the Year.[6]
References
- ^ Weiss, Elias. "Otterbots retire No. 34 to honor legacy of Wendell Scott".
- ^ "MLB, USA Baseball Announce New Format for Appalachian League". Major League Baseball. September 29, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
- ^ McClung, Andrew (March 16, 2021). "Danville baseball team introduces new name". wdbj7. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
- ^ Thomas, Pat. "Danville Otterbots open ballpark sensory room, expand inclusivity".
- ^ "Showcase Magazine February 2022".
- ^ "Austin Scher named Appalachian League Executive of the Year". Appalachian League.
