BUTLER — Eager fans packed into Michelle Krill Field at Historic Pullman Park on Friday, May 31, for the first BlueSox game of the season. Facing off against long time rivals the 3B Barons, the stage was set for a riveting game.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s a nice night for a game,” BlueSox fan Beth Osborn said.

Amy and Scott Helgert, who have been fans of the BlueSox for four years, shared their excitement for the match. Their son, Seth Helgert, is an infielder for the team.

The rivalry between the teams began three years ago after the BlueSox beat the 3B Barons in the playoffs.

“We have such a great rivalry,” Helgert said about the game. “We love playing them and they love playing us.”

The game began at 7 p.m. at Pullman Park, which plays an important role in Butler and baseball history.

Originally built in 1934 by volunteers, Pullman Park is one of the largest fields in the state. In its prime, the stadium hosted minor leaguers for major league teams such as the New York Yankees, Detroit Tigers and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The new Pullman Park opened in 2008, and the Butler BlueSox and the Butler Iron Bucks currently call the venue home.

The BlueSox began playing in 2009 in the Prospect League, where the team played its first 10 seasons. Following its bankruptcy after its 18th season, the team joined the Tri-State Collegiate League in 2019. The team now plays in the Rust Belt League, and competes against teams in the Tri-State Collegiate League.

The North American Baseball Alliance, divided into the Rust Belt League and the Tri-State Collegiate League, is for players already competing in college or high school graduates committed to a college program.

General manager Dan Helgert served as the field manager for the last five seasons. Mike McNabb, who formerly served as the assistant coach, has assumed the role of field manager. Last season, Helgert and McNabb slowly began the transition. The announcement was made last year.