The Kingsport Axmen have some unexpected relief coming this season. General Manager Logan Davis announced Saturday that the team has signed Eric Stangel and Justin Stangel, two comedy writers and producers with no professional baseball experience, to shore up the back end of the bullpen for the Appalachian League squad.
This is the 8th team the brothers have signed with since 2020.
“We are excited to be part of the Axmen. This brings us one step closer to our lifelong dream we’ve had since we started this two years ago,” said lefthander Eric Stangel.
When asked what he thought about the role he’ll be playing in 2022 this season from the pen, Star Trek fan Justin Stangel said “I have no idea what that means. The uniforms are sweet though.”
The Axmen are so excited about the new season, which opens June 2nd, and their 2 new pitchers, that they’re offering a special 22% discount on all merchandise for all fans who use the code “signingday” at checkout on Saturday April 2nd. The team store can be found at http://kingsportaxmen.milbstore.com
The Axmen have a special connection with their Tennessee community. This season they’re sponsoring a Little League squad they’ve dubbed the “Mini-Axmen” as well as a travel ball tournament called the Axmen Classic.
Eric and Justin have previously signed with the Portland Pickles, Cleburne Railroaders, Lake Erie Crushers, St. Paul Saints, Akron Rubberducks, Carolina Disco Turkeys, and Hudson Valley Renegades.
The Stangels are currently tied with Bobby Bonilla, among others for Most Baseball Teams with 8. The All time record is Edwin Jackson, who played for 14, but unlike Eric and Justin never won two Emmys. (Yes we realize that’s the major league record, but we couldn’t find the minor league record so we just went with it. Calm down stat nerds.)
Video of the signing can be found below. Trigger warning: You see A LOT of Justin. Like a lot.
Justin & Eric… And you. 