Doggy Paddlers, Catfish, Bombers, and Aviators Clinch First Half Division Titles

The first half of the 2026 Prospect League season concluded on Friday, and the Prospect League is proud to officially announce the 2026 First Half Division Champions.

The Quincy Doggy Paddlers, Cape Catfish, Dubois County Bombers, and Lafayette Aviators have clinched each of their respective divisions' first half championship and will host the opening round of the Prospect League Playoffs on Sunday, August 2.

Western Conference

Northwest Division - Quincy Doggy Paddlers
The Doggy Paddlers claimed the Northwest Division First Half Championship with a 16-11 record. Quincy finished just 1 game ahead of the second-place Clinton LumberKings. The first-half title sends the Doggy Paddlers to the playoffs for the first time in Doggy Paddlers history, but the 9th time in Quincy history. The Doggy Paddlers will host the Northwest Division Championship game on August 2 at QU Stadium in Quincy, Illinois.

South Division - Cape Catfish
The Catfish claimed the South Division First Half Championship with a 19-7 record, the top mark in the League. Cape finished 3.5 games ahead of the second-place Jackson Rockabillys. The first-half title sends the Catfish back the playoffs, looking to defend their 2025 League Championship. It will be the 6th playoff appearance for the Catfish, and their 4th straight. The Catfish will host the South Division Championship game on August 2 at Capaha Field in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Eastern Conference

Central Division - Dubois County Bombers
The Bombers claimed the Central Division First Half Championship with a 17-10 record. Dubois County finished just 1 game in front of the second-place Danville Dans. The first-half title sends the Bombers to the playoffs for the first time since 2012 and only the second time in history. The Bombers will host the Central Division Championship game on August 2 at League Stadium in Huntingburg, Indiana. 

Northeast Division - Lafayette Aviators
The Aviators claimed the Northeast Division First Half Championship with a 17-9 record. Lafayette finished 2 games ahead of the second-place Johnstown Mill Rats. The first-half title sends the Aviators back to the playoffs for the second straight season, looking to avenge their Championship Series loss from a year ago. The Aviators will host the Northeast Division Championship game on August 2 at Loeb Stadium in Lafayette, Indiana.

Second Half Information

Each Prospect League Division will reset its standings for a brand-new second half of the season starting Saturday, June 27. The four teams that clinched first-half division titles will not be eligible to win second-half titles. Each first-half champion will host their respective division's second-half first-place finisher or, if the first-half champion finishes in first in the second half, that division's second-half second-place team. The second half concludes following the final game on Saturday, August 1.

About the Prospect League
The Prospect League is a premier, Midwestern, wood-bat collegiate summer baseball league with 20 teams spanning Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania. The League provides college players with a professional setting, featuring excellent competition and high-quality facilities. More than 1.8 million fans attended Prospect League games in the past three seasons, shattering multiple attendance records.

Formerly known as the Central Illinois Collegiate League (1963-2008), the Prospect League boasts over 60 years of tradition as one of the nation's original and most recognizable summer leagues. Its distinguished history includes Hall of Famers, NCAA and World Series Champions, over 200 Major League Baseball alumni, and more than 800 professional players worldwide. For more information, visit prospectleague.com and follow @prospectleague on social media.

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