News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GRB STiKS and Fox River Bandits Join Forces to Launch GRB-Bandits

“Community Roots. Academy Power.” A New Era in Youth Baseball Begins

[Vernon, WI – 7/20/2025] – Two of Wisconsin’s most respected baseball organizations, GRB-STiKS and the Fox River Bandits, are proud to announce their official merger, forming a powerhouse program now known as the GRB-Bandits in addition to GRB-STiKS.

Built on the foundation of community-based values and enhanced by elite-level training, the GRB-Bandits represent the best of both worlds: a club where players grow not only as athletes, but as teammates, leaders, and young adults.

“This partnership is about more than just baseball,” said Dan Freschi, President of the Fox River Bandits. “We’re combining the GRB-STiKS academy’s high-performance approach with the community, culture, and family feel that our Bandits program has built over more than a decade. Together, we’re developing better baseball and better baseball players.”

What Families Can Expect

The GRB-Bandits experience blends academy-level access with a community-first philosophy that values fundamentals, hustle, and mental toughness. Each athlete receives:

• Full-year GRB-STiKS facility membership with unlimited access to train

• Two-hour weekly winter indoor team practices and specialized pitching/catching development

• Uniform package (2 tops, pants, belt, socks, and a GRB-Bandits branded hat)

• Full league schedule and 5–7 tournaments per season

• 10% discount on individual lessons and development classes

• Opportunities to fundraise through the Bandits network to offset team costs

While powered by the premier baseball academy in the Midwest, the GRB-Bandits remain committed to accessibility and multi-sport participation, making this the ideal next step for families seeking both development and balance.

A Proven Path for the Dedicated Player

The GRB-Bandits program is a springboard for players seeking the structure, support, and environment to take their game to the next level. With experienced coaches—including former professional athletes—the program places emphasis on growth mindset, fundamentals, and competitive edge.

“Every kid who puts on a GRB-Bandits jersey will be challenged, developed, and supported,” said Freschi. 

“And they’ll do it while representing their community with pride.”