Community spirit and summer fun fuel River Monsters’ new season

Seguin, TX, USA / Seguin Today
Darren Dunn

(Seguin) – A summertime favorite returns to Seguin tonight (June 3) as the Seguin River Monsters kick off their 2025 season.

The team, made up of collegiate players from across the country, is part of the Texas Collegiate League (TCL). First pitch is set for 7 p.m. at “Smokey” Joe Williams Field.

Team owners Tommy and Kristin Stephens say they’re excited to welcome fans back for another season of summer baseball.

“We’re expecting a big turnout, so we reached out to the (Victoria) Generals because we’re going to play them on Tuesday and Wednesday. They are offering some of their interns to come and help us. We’re expecting a big Victoria turnout, because this is a little bit of a rivalry since we’re so close to each other. Our fans and the Victoria fans have had a lot of fun in the past with the camaraderie,” said Tommy Stephens.

This year’s roster includes a mix of returning players and new faces — and the entertainment won’t just be on the field.

“We have three players from the 2023 season that are coming back this year. They were on the championship team in ’23. So, we have three of those returners. And then we have six players from last year returning. So, there’s nine. Plus, Kristin and (Dance Team Head Coach) Rhonda (Bloomer) added the Mavens, the dance team. I believe we’re up to 10 girls now,” said Tommy Stephens.

The Stephens say building a competitive team is one of the biggest challenges of ownership. Kristin Stephens says they work year-round to help Manager Tony Perez field a strong roster.

“On our website, we have what is called the player form and those kids — starting in November — are starting to fill out player forms. Our coach Tony Perez is excellent. So, in the beginning, he is reaching out to coaches and players that he already has a relationship with and whether they played with us or not, he reaches out very early. So, that relationship helps definitely as we build and go through the months. We’re still getting player forms turned in today. So, it does not stop…then Tony just chooses the fighters. You know, the ones that really want to keep playing,” said Kristin Stephens.

The couple purchased the team last year. It was Tommy’s dream, and while neither had experience owning a baseball team, Kristin says they jumped in headfirst without knowing quite what to expect.

“When we decided we were buying a team, we went into this — I think — with no expectations at first. We had looked at teams all over the country. And so, coming in — at least I’m going to speak for myself — there were no expectations,” said Kristin Stephens.

After a whirlwind first season, the Stephens say they now have a better sense of what to expect in year two.

“Last year was a challenge. I mean we bought, and we came in. It was like game time, 150 miles an hour each day. We had six rain-out games last year, which you don’t expect in South Texas. So, you learn not to expect anything because from day-to-day it is completely different. Our only expectation for this year is to put on a great show, have a great time and just enjoy the game. We hope that everybody has a great time. We hope we keep you cool enough. And at the end of the day, we hope we put up a W,” said Kristin Stephens.

Still, there were some unexpected joys. Tommy says they’ve developed meaningful connections with both players and the Seguin community.

“What we didn’t expect were the relationships that we were able to create with the players last year that carried over to this year, (and) that we were able to follow them and go watch them play in other areas. That’s been a great experience for us,” said Tommy Stephens.

While the Stephens own the team, they say it’s the community that really helps make it all work. They’re encouraging fans to not only come out and fill the stands — but also consider getting involved through sponsorships or other types of support.

Kristin says people can help by providing meals for the team or volunteering to host a player in their home.

“We have to feed both teams after the game. So, so if there are any restaurants, food trucks, (or) things like that that can feed 75 players and coaches, we still have spots open for that. (We are) also looking for a couple host families,” said Kristin Stephens.

If you’re interested in helping with meals or hosting, the team makes it easy to sign up — just reach out and they’ll get you connected.

“The best way is to go to seguinrivermonsters@gmail.com, and just write me a letter…I will get back to them and we’ll connect and have a conversation. It’s as simple as that,” said Kristin Stephens.

Tommy Stephens says the bonds formed between players and their host families have been one of the most rewarding parts of owning the team. He hopes more people will consider opening their homes this season.

“Last year, one of the biggest experiences that we were able to share with the community was with our host families. I really need to praise them because a lot of them have kids that are playing sports and when these players came into those homes, it was like they automatically have big brothers. So, to see that experience out on the field and how those families supported those players — even today, and (watch) how those players helped those kids. Because those players will work with those kids at their homes…all through the season. To see that and to see how the relationships are created between our players and the youth and the community — is exciting to watch,” said Tommy Stephens.

And while they’re still looking for new sponsors, Kristin Stephens says they’re thankful for the many partnerships already supporting the team.

“The Brick (Kitchen & Bar) here in Seguin, Chicken Express and different places like that — and Bosses (Pizza) out of New Braunfels, will be doing our after-game meals. So, we’ve got some really great sponsors, but we were looking for a few more to help us out. We’re just excited about it. It’s more than just…the sponsors. They’re important to us, but like Tommy said — at the end of the day, it’s about the relationships that will continue past our season,” said Kristin Stephens.

Beyond the baseball, Kristin says the goal is to make River Monsters games fun for everyone.

“We’ve got a few teams coming out for Field of Dreams this year. They actually get to get on the field with the players, play catch with them and then they get to run out with them during the National Anthem. We do have some people coming out to do the first pitch and we have a couple kids (from the area) that will be singing our National Anthem as well,” said Kristin Stephens.

For ticket info, the full schedule, and more, visit seguinrivermonsters.com. The 2025 season officially begins tonight with a 7 p.m. first pitch at “Smokey” Joe Williams Field.

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