HAYSVILLE HEAT MOVING TO WELLINGTON, KANSAS

The City of Wellington is excited to announce the addition of a semi-pro baseball team to the community. Rick Twyman, owner of the Heat baseball team, announced today that the team is moving to Wellington, Kansas in 2013. The Heat has played in Lake Havasu City, Arizona (1993-2009) and in Haysville, Kansas (2010-2012). For the past 19 seasons the Heat has been a National Power. "We are very excited to be moving the team to Wellington, Kansas, and to become a part of the City of Wellington" Twyman said. The Heat will be working hand-in-hand with Gus Collins, City Manager; Cody Sims, Director of Economic Development; Shelley Hansel-Williams, Executive Director of the Wellington Area Chamber of Commerce; Jesse Dale, Wellington High School Baseball coach; and Nate Cornejo, Detroit Tigers, to make the transition a successful one. Twyman followed up with saying "We are looking forward to playing at Hibbs-Hooten Baseball Stadium, and creating an atmosphere that families and individuals alike can come enjoy a great game in a fun and friendly atmosphere." The Wellington community is a very baseball rich community that provided unequivocal support to the Wellington Dukes, a semi-pro baseball organization during the 1980's. 

The Havasu Heat competed in the Pacific Southwest League from 1993-2009, and the Haysville Heat competed in the Jayhawk League from 2010-2012; both leagues are affiliated with the National Baseball Congress. The Heat has been a perennial favorite at the NBC World Series for two decades. In 2007, the Heat captured the NBC World Series Championship, going undefeated (7-0) in the double-elimination tournament. The Heat became the first team from Arizona to win the Championship.

The Heat will start play in Wellington for the 2013 season. Twyman states "We will be competing in the Jayhawk league in 2013 for the 4th year. My coaching staff will remain intact and they are looking forward to the move." Twyman also stated "It's strictly a business decision. This is what's best for the Heat, for the coaches and the players. The Midwest is a haven for baseball and the Jayhawk League is one of the toughest leagues in the country!"