Joplin Outlaws Baseball Team Ready to Shine on the Diamond

By Don Lowe

It’s once again time to play ball for the Joplin Outlaws organization, which features collegiate baseball players from around the Four-State Region and nationally, who will showcase their skills in M.I.N.K. (Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas) League play this summer.

The Outlaws play host to visiting teams at Joe Becker Stadium in Joplin and fans will get an early glimpse of this year’s squad when they start 2023 with four consecutive home games between Thursday, June 1 and Monday, June 5.

Mark Rains, president and general manager of the Outlaws, believes it’s not only important to put together a competitive team, but to make it a great experience for all those who attend these games. He says, “We try to make it family friendly. And we just try to have fun. “Prices are inexpensive. It’s a minor league atmosphere. There’s more entertainment than just baseball. And the players compete hard.”

Outlaws Head Coach Chris Dawson returns for his second stint in charge of the team’s on-field play, and he says, “The keys to success this summer will fall on the team chemistry.

“We can bring in all the talent we want, but the summer season can be long if guys don’t like each other. The good thing is that for most of June, we are on the road a lot, so guys will have time to bond early this summer.”

Dawson, who also serves as baseball head coach at McPherson College (KCAC–NAIA), says, “Another huge key for us will be pitching. Good pitching will always lead to success in the summer. If you pitch well, you’ll have chances to win games.”

When it comes to areas of uncertainty for this year’s club, Dawson says, “My concern this summer is our defense. We are strong in some aspects; however, we do have some guys that don’t really have positions, so hopefully we can find them a home on the field, and it’ll lead to some good defense.”

Conversely, Coach Dawson predicts, “Our strength will be our offense. We are bringing in some position players that had good spring seasons for their schools, and I’m hoping they can carry that over to this summer.

“So, with me being an offensive-minded coach, the potential of this offense has me itching to get started. We have the chance to put up some good offensive numbers this summer.”

Coach Dawson is raring to go, and he says, “I’m always looking forward to getting around the guys and getting to know them.

“We have an awesome coaching staff coming to Joplin this summer that is going to help these kids develop their talents, and I’m excited to spend time around everyone in the Outlaws organization.”

Rains is thrilled with the overall structure of this organization and M.I.N.K. League and says, “We put the players with host families. We enjoy hosting them. We enjoy watching them compete. And the fans that come out will tell us how much fun they have. This is perfect for Joplin.”

Of course, Coach Dawson has his mind on fielding a team that is championship caliber and he stresses, “Everyone in the organization has one goal in mind and that is to win the league.

“We will do everything in our power to win the title this summer and bring it back to Joplin. This organization has seen new heights the last two summers, and we plan on taking the next step this summer.”

Joplin Outlaws Fast Facts

Outlaws Collegiate Baseball: 14th year of summer baseball

(started in 2008, began playing in 2009)

Home Field: Joe Becker Stadium, 1301 E. 3rd Street, Joplin, Missouri

Cost of Admission:

$6 for adults, children 12 and under free

Front Office: Mark Rains, president/general manager; Larry Warren, vice president; Edwina Rains, secretary; Karrla Morgan, treasurer; Jimmy Morgan, board member/webmaster; Todd Hawkins, board member; and LeeAnn Luebber, board member

Team Advisors: Steve Luebber and Warren Turner

PA Announcer: Chris Belk

Head Coach: Chris Dawson

Website: www.joplinoutlaws.com

For More Information: Contact Mark Rains at 417.825.4218

This content is also available at connect2culture.org/calendar.

Carthage, MO

June 10: Kellogg Lake Kids Fishing Day, 8 a.m.-noon. Free kid’s fishing event for youth ages 15 and under. Bring your own fishing tackle. Limit of four channel catfish per youth/person. No registration required. More information: Tim.Smith@mdc. mo.gov, 417.629.3434.

June 22-25: Love, Sex & the IRS, 6:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m., Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre. This classic farce follows two out-of-work musicians rooming together in New York City. Reservations required; email stdinnertheatre@gmail.com. Tickets: Adults $29, seniors (55+) $26, students $24, youth $23, children (6-12) $12, children (0-5) free. More information: stdinnertheatre@gmail.com, 417.358.9665.

Exhibits:

June 2-July 22: artCentral Annual Membership Exhibition, artCentral. From paintings and sculptures to photographs and jewelry, there’s no limit to these artists’ creativity. More information: artcentral1110@gmail.com, 417.358.4404.

Joplin, MO

Performances:

June 3: The Okee Dokee Brothers, 7:30 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Leggett & Platt Green, 212 W. 7th St. These childhood friends have always loved exploring the outdoors. Best for ages five through 10. Tickets connect2culture. org, 417.501.5550 or at the C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex (Tue.-Sat., 1–5 p.m.). Tickets: $10-$20. More information: lauren@connect2culture.org, 417.501.5550.

June 9: John Fullbright, 7 p.m., The Coda Concert House, 2120 E. 24th St. John Fullbright is a musical triple threat—songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and singer of the highest order. For reservations, email info@codaconcerthouse.com. In response to reservations, a confirmation email with the address, directions, parking, etc., will be sent in return. Proceeds benefit the artist performing. Suggested minimum donation: $45. More information: info@codaconcerthouse.com.

June 15-18 & 22-25: Two Dumb Dogs: The Amazing Adventures of Ferdo and Floof, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m., Stained Glass Theatre Joplin. The Amazing Adventures of Ferdo and Floof, a comedy that teaches audiences the importance of self-confidence and brainpower, and that following rules is sometimes a good thing. Tickets at sgtjoplin.square.site. Tickets: Adults $10, children (ages 4-14) $5, children ages 3 and under admitted for free. More information: sgtjoplin@gmail.com.

June 17: BritBeat – A Tribute to the Beatles, 8 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Leggett & Platt Green. BritBeat is a journey through Beatles music history. Tickets: connect2culture.org, the C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex (Tue.-Sat., 1-5 p.m.). Tickets: $30-$35. More information: lauren@ connect2culture.org, 417.501.5550.

June 24: A’lante Flamenco, 7 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. 7th St. A’lante Flamenco presents flamenco music and dance to audiences in a new and exciting way. Tickets at connect2culture.org or at the C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex (Tue.-Sat., 1-5 p.m.). Tickets: $20$25. More information: lauren@connect2culture.org, 417.501.5550.

Events:

June 1: Adult Take-Home Kit, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Grab this month’s adult take-home kit and get creative! Kits can be picked up in the Reference Area and are available while supplies last. Free. More information: sturnerhill@ joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.7953 x1030.

June 1: First Thursday ArtWalk, 5:30-8:30 p.m., downtown Joplin. Dozens of artists will show or demonstrate their artistic process and all art will be for sale. Map of participating locations is available at facebook.com/firstthursdayartwalkjoplin. Free. More information: lteeter00@gmail.com, 417.438.5931.

June 2: Will Parker (ages 5-12), 2-3 p.m., Joplin Public Library. In his energetic, funfilled musical performance, children’s songwriter Will Parker encourages creativity, interactivity and fun! Free. More information: cmatekel@joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.2184.

June 4, 11, 18 & 25: Open Mic Comedy Night, 9 p.m., Blackthorn Pizza & Pub. Join Joplin Comedy and try out your latest stand-up routine or take in the acts of local comedians. Age restrictions: 18+ until 10 p.m.; 21+ from 10 p.m. until close. Free. potterdakoda1982@gmail.com, 417.540.9186.

June 5: Artist Talk with Melissa Cowper-Smith and Jessica Mongeon, noon, Missouri Southern State University Spiva Art Gallery, opening reception at 1 p.m. Hear from artists Melissa Cowper-Smith and Jessica Mongeon about their collaborative exhibit, Cyclical Nature, and the inspiration behind their nature-related artwork. Free. More information: Bentley-C@mssu.edu, 417.625.3066.

June 5: Kindness Chapter Book Club (ages 8-12), 4-5 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Highlight kindness and community through Amy Timberlake’s Skunk and Badger and related activities. Each child will receive a free copy of the book. Register by emailing childrens@joplinpubliclibrary.org. Free. More information: cmatekel@ joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.2184.

June 6: Summertime Play Date (ages 2-5), 10-11 a.m., Joplin Public Library. The first 30 attendees will receive a ticket for a free sack lunch provided by Bookhouse Cinema in the Joplin Public Library’s outdoor classroom. Free. More information: cmatekel@joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.2184.

June 6: Rock Club, 5:30 p.m., Joplin History & Mineral Museum. Club members listen to presentations on various rock-related topics, show off their favorite finds and help plan upcoming rock shows. No registration required. Free. More information: joplinmuseum@gmail.com, 417.623.1180 x1586.

June 6: Tuesday Knight Chess (ages 11-18), 6-7:30 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Teens who want to up their chess game can sharpen skills and trade tips at Tuesday Knight Chess! Meet in the Teen Department. This activity is designed for teens in grades 6-12 with basic knowledge of and experience playing chess. Free. More information: bsnow@joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.7953 x1027.

June 6: Chat & Craft (ages 18+), 6-8 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Whether you crochet, knit, stitch, draw or paint, bring your current project and chat with others during Joplin Public Library’s monthly Chat & Craft event. All crafts welcome. Free. More information: sturnerhill@joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.7953 x1030.

June 7: Tween Program: Cyanotype (Sun Prints) (ages 10-14), 4-5 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Special tween program that will include hands-on experience using solar power to catch images. Free. More information: bsnow@joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.7953 x1027.

June 8: Joplin Goes to the Movies: Duel, 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Bookhouse Cinema. In Steven Spielberg’s first full-length movie, Duel, a traveling salesman is harassed by a menacing 40-ton truck on a remote desert highway. This event is part of the Joplin sesquicentennial celebration. Free. More information: ptuttle@joplinmo.org, 417.625.4789.

June 8: Joplin Writers’ Guild, 6 p.m., Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St. Members have published novels, nonfiction books and articles. Dues $10 for the year, but anyone interested can attend their first meeting free. Info: s.v.farnsworth@gmail. com, 417.691.0480.

June 10: Summer STEAM: Cardboard Adventures (ages 6-12), 1-2 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Stretch your imagination and work together to create out-of-the-box cardboard creations. Free. More information: cmatekel@joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.2184.

June 10: Anime/Manga Club (ages 11-18), 2-3 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Hang out, watch some anime, draw your favorite characters and more. Cosplay welcome but never required. Designed for teens in middle school and high school. Free. More information: bsnow@joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.7953 x1027.

June 10: Art on Tap (ages 21+), 5-8 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment, Spiva Center for the Arts. An evening of art, live music, tasty eats and plenty of beer, just for Spiva members! Cost: Spiva Members admitted for free. More information: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

June 12: Kindness Chapter Book Club (ages 8-12), 4-5 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Highlight kindness and community through Amy Timberlake’s Skunk and Badger and related activities. Each child will receive a free copy of the book. Register by calling 417.623.7953 or emailing childrens@joplinpubliclibrary.org. Free. More information: cmatekel@joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.2184.

June 13: Art Adventure: DIY Friendship Bracelets (ages 5-12), 4-5 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Celebrate friendship and community by weaving a bracelet for someone you care about. Program is self-guided. Free. More information: cmatekel@ joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.2184.

June 13: Bingo Night (ages 18+), 6-7 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Bingo and compete for prizes during this fun, free event. More information: sturnerhill@ joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.7953 x1030.

June 14: Crosswords & Coffee (ages 18+), 9-11 a.m., Joplin Public Library. A cup of coffee and word puzzles. Sit and stay or take a word puzzle to your favorite spot in the library. Free. More information: GWCA_Interpretation@nps.gov, 417.325.4151.

June 14: Jr. Gardening 101 (ages 6-12), 3:30-4:30 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Learn about the basics of small-container gardening. Pot your own plant and complete a related craft. Children under nine must be accompanied by an adult. Free. More information: cmatekel@joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.2184.

June 15: Third Thursday, 5:30-8:30 p.m. in downtown Joplin. Third Thursday, Joplin’s premier cultural event, is back! Every third Thursday, March through October, thousands of people gather on Main Street in downtown Joplin to enjoy local artisans, music, entertainment and food. Free. More information: ivy@ downtownjoplin.com, 928.514.7713.

June 15: All-Ages Game Night (ages 5+), 6-7 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Go to Joplin Public Library for a fun night of board and card games for all ages, all in celebration of International Games Month. Free. More information: sturnerhill@ joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.7953 x1030.

June 17: Lego Build-a-Thon (ages 4-12), 1-2 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Collaborate, build and explore your creative side during this Lego build-a-thon! Free. More information: cmatekel@joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.2184.

June 20: Anime/Manga Hang Out for Grown-Ups (ages 18+), 6-7:30 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Watch anime at Joplin Public Library and hang out with people with similar interests. Cosplay welcome but not required. Free. More information: sturnerhill@joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.7953 x1030.

June 22: Joplin Goes to the Movies: On Moonlight Bay, 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Bookhouse Cinema. Tomboyish Marjorie Winfield begins a relationship with William Sherman. Marjorie’s father has traditional views not shared by William, and she is forced to learn to dance, despite her and William’s shared love for baseball. This event is part of the Joplin sesquicentennial celebration. Free. More information: ptuttle@joplinmo.org, 417.625.4789.

June 23: Fishin’ Magicians (ages 5-12), 2-3 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Prepare to be amazed, entertained and to ask, “How did he do that?!” Children under nine must be accompanied by an adult. Free. More information: cmatekel@joplinpubliclibrary. org, 417.623.2184.

June 24: Camera Day, 1 p.m., CLA Creativity Lab. Explore the science behind cameras with the Creative Learning Alliance! Registration required; visit facebook. com/creativelearningalliance to register. Cost: $5. More information: neely@ creativelearningalliance.org, 417.850.7137.

June 26: Kindness Chapter Book Club (ages 8-12), 4-5 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Highlight kindness and community through Amy Timberlake’s Skunk and Badger and related activities. Each child will receive a free copy of the book. Free. More information: cmatekel@joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.2184.

June 27: Interactive Sing-Along Movie (ages 4+), 5:30-7:30 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Enjoy some yummy snacks while you sing along! Free. More information: cmatekel@joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.2184.

June 28: The Great Race, 4:30-8 p.m., Joplin City Hall. The 2023 Hemmings Motor News Great Race will bring 120 of the finest roadworthy antique and classic automobiles to downtown Joplin. This event is part of the Joplin sesquicentennial celebration. Free. More information: ptuttle@joplinmo.org, 417.625.4789.

June 29: Dog Day Afternoon (ages 6-12), 4-4:45 p.m., Joplin Public Library. Allows independent readers to practice their skills by reading to certified therapy dogs. Registration suggested; register in-person or by calling 417.623.7953. Free. More information: cmatekel@joplinpubliclibrary.org.

Exhibits:

June 29-July 31: Reflections of Hunger: Disordered Eating and Body Image Through Their Eyes, Joplin Public Library. Art showcase features the wisdom and lived experience of people in our community. Interested in submitting artwork to be featured in this exhibit? Free. More information: JECopeland@freemanhealth.com, 417.347.7500.

June 5-30: Flying In and Out of Joplin: A History of Joplin Airlines, Joplin Regional Airport. Stroll through the variations of passenger airline travel through Joplin airports in this exciting exhibit presented by the Freedom of Flight Museum. This event is part of the Joplin sesquicentennial celebration. Free. More information: ptuttle@joplinmo.org, 417.625.4789.

June 5-29: Cyclical Nature by Melissa Cowper-Smith and Jessica Mongeon, Missouri Southern State University Spiva Art Gallery. Artists Melissa Cowper-Smith and Jessica Mongeon share an appreciation for nature that is expressed through their artwork. Free. More information: bentley-c@mssu.edu, 417.625.3066.

June 1-30: Art at Plant Parenthood, Plant Parenthood 417. Plant Parenthood, a store that helps people experience, grow and decorate with plants, is not only dedicated to plants, but to local artists. Free. More information: plantparenthood417@gmail.com.

Through July 15: Jim Mueller: Local Legacy, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. 7th St. An exhibition to commemorate the life and work of renowned photographer, instructor and PhotoSpiva co-founder Jim Mueller. Free; donations appreciated. More information: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

Classes

June 3: Digital Portraiture with Rebecca Hayes (ages 15-20), 10 a.m.-noon, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts. Bring your device equipped with Procreate to learn how to digitally paint beautiful portraits! Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/classes. $25. More information: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

June 3: Pencil Portrait Drawing with Rebecca Hayes (ages 15-20), 1-3 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/classes. Cost: $25. More information: jhenning@ spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

Spiva Center for the Arts, 222 W. 3rd Street

Tuesdays: Creation Station (ages 6-11), 4-5:15 p.m. Painting, drawing, clay, collage, sculpture and more. Pre-registration recommended; register at spivaarts. org/classes. In advance $6, at the door $8. More information: jhenning@spivaarts. org, 417.623.0183.

RECURRING CLASSES:

Create N’ Sip Studios, 223 W. 3rd Street:

Wednesdays: Wine’d Down Wednesday, 5-9 p.m. Canvas and home decor DIY event. Choose the project that works for you. Prices vary depending on chosen project. $28-$58. Info: coleman@creatensip.com, 417.680.5434.

Saturdays: Saturday Morning Choose Your Canvas, 10 a.m. Select the painting you want to recreate and let the experienced staff at Create N Sip help you make a masterpiece. Prices vary depending on chosen project. Cost: $28-$176. Information: coleman@creatensip.com, 417.680.5434.

Local Color Art Gallery & Studio, 1027 S. Main Street: Call the gallery at 417.553.0835 to sign up.

Every Tuesday: Beginner’s watercolor class, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $20. Bring your own supplies. Ages 8 and up.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday: 2 p.m., $20. Improve your painting and learn principles of design. Bring your own watercolor, oils or acrylic paint.

June 9: Watercolor, 1-3 p.m. All supplies furnished; $30.

June 17: Saturday Paint Class, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., $30, includes all supplies and ice cream cone from Caroline’s; ages 8 and up; paint Monet or Van Gogh.

June 30: Silk Screen and Glass Suncatcher, 4-6 p.m. $35, includes all supplies; ages 8 and up.

Neosho, MO

June 14-18: Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins Jr., Crowder College. Summer musical. More information: natashaobriendavies@crowder.edu, 417.455.5458.