Hastings Sodbusters baseball to shift ownership, join new league
The Hastings Sodbusters summer baseball team is transitioning to new ownership and a new league for the 2026 season, but isn't going anywhere new.
By News Channel NebraskaHASTINGS, Neb. – The Hastings Sodbusters summer baseball team is transitioning to new ownership and a new league for the 2026 season, but isn't going anywhere new.
According to a Thursday night news release, the Sodbusters are leaving the Independence League, and are being acquired by the Diamond Baseball League (DBL.)
The DBL is a new league that will feature six teams based out of Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri in 2026.
The League will focus on providing a baseball experience akin to the minor leagues for fans, sponsors, and players with a heavy emphasis on promotions and events to benefit the community, and affordable, family entertainment.
Not much will change operationally for Sodbuster fans and players, as the team will still play a normal summer schedule and keep its home turf at Duncan field in an agreement between the league and the city of Hastings for the next three years.
The new Sodbuster leadership team includes Bill Davidson and Matt Perry of National Sports Services, Ralph Nelson, a former Major League Baseball executive, and Dan Roman, a CPA with extensive financial experience in the sports industry.
According to the DBL website, Davidson will oversee team management and operations, Perry leads the league development and expansion, Nelson is the League Commissioner, who will manage baseball operations and investor relations, and Roman manages financial operations.
Even with the change in ownership, former leadership staff Scott Galusha, Trevor Overmiller, Bryan Frew, and Tim and Deb Johnson will still remain with the team going forward.
“This is an exciting time for baseball in Hastings! Our move into a new league opens doors for stronger competition, greater player development and continued growth," said former co-owner and president Scott Galusha. "Matt Perry is a Nebraska guy, and he and his firm have a distinguished track record and stellar reputation in the industry. They will be an amazing addition to the Sodbusters’ family.”
DBL teams will play a minimum of 50 games from May 28 through August 1, followed by playoffs.
The League has six inaugural teams, and previously announced Grand Island as its first team.
The remaining team markets will be announced over the next couple weeks.