Ike Honda Sponsors the Thrillville Thrillbillies

Marion brings small-town charm to southern Illinois. It offers plenty of places to work, live, and play. And now there’s something new to unite the community over one of America’s favorite pastimes: baseball.

Introducing the Thrillville Thrillbillies

What feels like a long time coming is finally here; Marion has its own collegiate summer baseball team. Ike Honda is a proud sponsor of the new Thrillville Thrillbillies and have vehicles parked at the field for every home game. We will also be giving away $5,000 at the end of the season to a special winner. Enter to win at home games, and we will draw 10 contestants for a final drawing during the last game of the season.

The coaches focus on fulfilling the player’s dreams on the baseball field, actively working to improve their skills with an experienced coaching staff. They also hope to inspire fans to follow their dreams and relish what makes Marion great.

The Thrillbillies promise to put on a show for their guests with thrilling entertainment and stunts, such as firework shows, people riding ATVs over parked cars, or a person shooting out of a giant cannon. No matter the event or time of day, you’ll surely have a blast watching your local baseball team play. Here’s some information about the team:

Team Roster

The team’s roster features outstanding college athletes in their freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year. It showcases talented baseball players from all over the country, such as pitcher Scott Wood from San Diego, California, infielder Kaleb Herbert from Gilbert, Arizona, and catcher Charlie Korum from Versailles, Kentucky. Some players are homegrown from Marion, such as infielders Chase Austin, and Josh Griffin, and pitchers Kale Cameron and Karsten Stotlar.

Coaches

The Thrillbillies coaches are nothing short of well-rounded and knowledgeable about baseball. Pitching coach Lane Dickerson played baseball through his high school and college years. The bench coach, Bart Zeller, played for the major league baseball (MLB) St. Louis Cardinals in the 60s. Hitting coach Bobby Simpson spent years training collegiate players and graduated from the Major League Bureau Scout School. Marion’s own assistant coach Travis Hope dedicated years of his life to playing for several minor league baseball teams.

The impressive coaching staff works under the guidance of field manager Ralph Santana, a Florida native drafted to the MLB team, the Milwaukee Brewers, in 2001. He combines his professional baseball playing experience and decades-long career of youth sports coaching to give the Thrillbillies the incredible support they need.

Stats

Baseball fans will appreciate the Thrillbillies’ stats, with a team batting average of 0.261, an on-base percentage of 0.371, and a slugging percentage of 0.362. The team is pretty sneaky, too, with a high number of stolen bases with a low amount of times getting caught. Win or lose, there’s always a chance someone will hit a home run.

Visit Mountain Dew Park

Residents can enjoy baseball close to home at Mountain Dew Park at 1000 Miners Drive in Marion. With 3,400 armchair ballpark seats and lawn seating for over 2,000 people, there’s plenty of space to sit back and watch a game.

Formerly known as Rent One Park, or lovingly referred to as Marion Stadium, this local ballpark underwent a name change in March. Pepsi MidAmerica and the Black Diamond Family of Business intend to transform the park into the “Capital of Thrillville,” an exciting entertainment venue for concerts and mini golf with restaurants and a hotel. The surrounding area will receive a facelift, too, with plans to build a brand-new shopping center underway.

May 31, 2023, marked the beginning of the Thrillville Thrillbillies’ inaugural season. Be sure to catch a home game at Mountain Dew Park before the season ends on Aug. 5. Single-game tickets are $8 for stadium seats and $5 for the lawn by third base. Ticket packages are available, including Thirsty Thursdays for drink specials and admission to every home game on a Thursday or season tickets, so you never miss a home game. Convenience and handling fees apply.

Look Out for the Homerun Hitter

Who doesn’t love a raffle prize? Ike Honda sponsors the Homerun Hitter, a chance for a lucky fan to win $500 at a Thrillbillies game in Marion. At the beginning of the game, the sponsor picks a certain baseball player and collects raffle tickets with seat numbers on them. Keep your eye on this player and your seat number because you might win the grand prize if they hit a home run.

Enjoy Tasty Ballpark Food

Mountain Dew Park offers guests several eating options with its grill carts, Hot Corner Entertainment Plaza & Bar and Grill, and four concession stands. Come to a Thrillbillies game and indulge in irresistible meals, such as burgers, tacos, and grilled corn. Order a salted or sweet soft pretzel if you’re a fan of classic ballpark treats. Or get a box of popcorn with chocolate or sour candy for bite-sized eats. Stop by the Corona Bar for a cool, refreshing beverage to wash down your salty snacks.

Parrot Head Night July 18

Come to the ballpark on Tuesday, July 18, for Parrot Head Night, sponsored by Ike Honda. The Thrillbillies will be playing the Alton River Dragons. Enjoy signature margaritas, cheeseburgers (from paradise), a tattoo contest, and enter to win a tropical authentic team jersey to benefit NubAbility. Gates open at 5:45 pm, and the game starts at 6:45 pm. Visit our Facebook event page to learn more: https://fb.me/e/fxjRAHOhR

Shop for Thrillbillies Merch

Make sure you’re decked out in the latest Thrillbillies gear by shopping their available merch inventory online. Go for the classic Grand Slam jersey in the team colors of black and orange. Want to make a bold fashion statement? Opt for the awesome 80’s jersey with funky, vibrant colors. Basic T-shirts are available featuring the Thrillbillies logo and mascots if you want to wear something comfy and casual. Represent your Marion Prospect League baseball team with a pullover or full-zip hoodie when the weather turns cold.

Don’t Miss a Thrillville Thrillbillies Home Game

Keep the Thrillbillies baseball schedule handy so you never miss a game. It’s a great way to get outdoors and join family or friends for a good time. Cheer on your team, and share your pride in being a Marion resident. Need a new ride to Mountain Dew Park? Visit Ike Honda for all your new and used car needs. Take advantage of our awesome discount specials, such as Military Appreciation, College Grad, or trade-ins.