Our Daily Show! Ft. JCH Foundation, Caritas, & River Dragons!
ALTON - The Alton River Dragons are nearing the final games of their season, and players James Linzmeyer and Connor Ziman will be sad to see it end.
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Linzmeyer and Ziman both joined the team a few weeks ago. They are thankful for the chance to play summer ball in the Prospect League, and they’re excited to see the team improving as the players come together.
“We’ve just got to get all the parts moving at the same time, and then we should be good,” Ziman said. “On the pitching side, just keep the walks down, keep the runs down, obviously. The hitting side is coming along. It’s just the pitching side, and we should be good.”
Ziman said the team is experiencing “football scores” lately, with high numbers on the board. Linzmeyer agreed and added that their offense “is really coming around.” He wants to see more defensive play in these final few weeks.
Both Linzmeyer and Ziman play college baseball and will return to their college teams in a few weeks. But they’ve enjoyed the opportunity to play in the Prospect League, which they agree has “pretty good” competition rivaling other leagues.
They’re also happy to be in Alton. Linzmeyer previously played in a small Nebraska town, and he has enjoyed Alton’s proximity to St. Louis and the chance to explore both cities. Ziman played in Milwaukee and joined the River Dragons for half a season last year; he was eager to return to Alton for this season’s final half.
“When I came here last year in the beginning of the year, they had [the Memorial Day Parade]. And I think that was pretty awesome. A small town came together. I thought that was pretty sick, just walking in that,” Ziman remembered. “It was an experience, and I loved it. I look back on that a lot.”
The players are proud to represent Alton. They are especially looking forward to the final game of the season on Aug. 1, 2026, which will feature fireworks. But there are several fun promotional nights coming up soon at Lloyd Hopkins Field.
On Thursday, July 23, parents get free admission when their child pays for their own ticket. On July 24, 90s Night will feature free pint glasses for the first 200 guests who are 21 and over. July 25 is themed “love” and promises to be a perfect date night. On July 29, people over 6’5 will receive free admission. On July 30, the first 300 guests will receive an official team photo.
There are also opportunities to help local organizations at River Dragons games. Strikeout Cancer Night on July 26 is an annual favorite; the team’s specialty jerseys will be auctioned off and proceeds will go to cancer awareness and research organizations. A back-to-school drive invites guests to donate school supplies in exchange for $2 tickets on July 31.
The season concludes with the fireworks on Aug. 1. Linzmeyer and Ziman encourage people to get their tickets today and come out to enjoy the fun.
“The team is coming around,” Linzmeyer said. “It’s a good time to come out and see us. It’s good baseball.”
For more information about the Alton River Dragons, including how to get tickets, visit their official website or their official Facebook page.
This featured article is sponsored by the Alton River Dragons. To get your business or organization featured on www.RiverBender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.
