2024 Monarchs Go ‘Back to Back’ in 25+ National Division of Indiana Baseball League

Indiana Baseball League, 25+ National Division

Monarchs 9, Stealth 5 (Game two in Best of Three Championship Series Sweep)

‘Monarchs Win Back-to-Back in Indiana’

Submitted by Erich Rusie, manager

The Indy Monarchs defeated the Stealth to win their second consecutive 25+ championship in the Indiana Baseball League. The Monarchs swept the best of three series this year after outlasting the HC Phillies 2-1 last year.

Most recaps focus on box scores or key plays that swung momentum when the game was in the balance. In both years, there were certainly enough home runs, power pitches, and web gems to talk about. However, they all pale in comparison to the truth: the team started winning as soon as winning didn’t seem that important.

The Monarchs faced the reality that tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone, as experienced multiple times in 2023. For the next two seasons, going to the ballpark was suddenly less about the score of the game and more about honoring a loved one or maybe it was just a way to escape for a few hours. In hindsight, it was probably both.

Ultimately, playing the game you love and finding success at it doesn’t bring people back, let you forget, or make you whole. However, being on the diamond with good teammates makes you feel less broken and that’s enough reason to keep going back.