Welcome Back, IronPigs — Summer 2026 Baseball Returns

Baseball returns in Summer 2026 as the Merrimack Valley IronPigs take the field, marking a new chapter for the franchise. Although the IronPigs haven’t played a full summer season since 2019, the team name has remained active over the years through fall baseball and tournament play, keeping the competitive fire alive.

The IronPigs will officially rebrand from the New Hampshire Granite (Cardinals) of the NHBL 35s, bringing together familiar faces from years past. Many former players from the original Granite State IronPigs 21+ team will be returning after a long layoff from the organization, reuniting with one clear goal: to finally capture the New Hampshire Baseball League championship, the one title that has eluded the IronPigs franchise throughout their history.

Additionally, its sad to report but the Granite State Cardinals 21s have officially disbanded after six competitive seasons. While the Cardinals have closed shop in the younger GSBL, baseball for the franchise still remains strong within the league, as the Merrimack Valley Redbirds 21s will continue competing in the league under the leadership of Cameron Conway.

With a "new" familar name, a familiar core, and unfinished business, the Merrimack Valley IronPigs are ready to make Summer 2026 a season to remember.

Season Preview: Granite State Cardinals
 

Poised to Break Through

Entering their fifth season in the GSBL, the Granite State Cardinals are determined to shed their reputation as first-round playoff regulars. Despite consistent postseason appearances since 2021, the elusive deep playoff run has remained out of reach—a fact the Cardinals are eager to change in 2024.

Lineup Core & Offensive Depth
The heart of the Cardinals’ success lies in their veteran core. Table-setters Addison Hanscom and Ben Quick return to spark the offense at the top of the order, while sluggers Nick Lemay, Kevin Veilleux, Siul Mejia, and Frankie McCormick provide a potent blend of power and experience in the middle.

Supporting that core are Oliver Victoria, Juan Arias, and Nick Vaughns—players who add consistency, depth, and clutch potential. The return of Alex Strempel from a medical hiatus adds not only depth but also leadership and energy. Key late-season acquisitions from 2023—Jose Diaz, Nelson Sanabria, and Kenny Tejada—are now fully integrated and ready to contribute for a full campaign.

The Cardinals also made a point to inject fresh legs and new energy into the lineup by bringing in Fall League standout Connor Cook and promising newcomer Christophe Arias.

Pitching: The X-Factor
Pitching will be central to the Cardinals’ aspirations in 2024. Leading the staff is 2023 breakout star Nick Lemay, who captured both Pitcher of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors in a dominant debut season.

Strempel’s return adds valuable depth to the rotation, though questions linger around veteran arm Rabel Vargas's status for 2024. Still, the Cardinals made significant moves to bolster the staff, welcoming a new wave of arms: Mike Stocker, Phil Gangi, and Jon Dehoaz. This infusion of talent not only fills immediate needs but sets up the franchise with a sustainable pitching core moving forward.

Transitions & Leadership
The team bids farewell to longtime contributor Kenny Crowningshield, who retires after a solid run, and says goodbye to “Big Rob” Vargas, who was traded to the Merrimack Valley Redbirds in the offseason.

At the helm, Aaron “Wolfcock” Wovkanech remains as manager—though officially retired as a player (again). His leadership, passion, and knack for making a cameo appearance in a pinch remain vital assets.

Outlook: All Eyes on the Next Step
With a healthy balance of veteran savvy, exciting new talent, and arguably the deepest pitching staff in team history, the 2024 Cardinals are built not just to compete—but to finally break through. A deep playoff run is no longer just the hope—it’s the expectation