A couple of familiar faces are among the latest players announced as part of the 2026 Hoptown Hoppers’ roster.
This morning, the Hoppers announced that Christian County senior shortstop Gage Montes will play for the team this summer. Montes is hitting .330 with seven doubles and 14 RBI for the Colonels this spring.
Montes also has pitched 19.1 innings this spring. He is 3-1 with a 1.81 ERA and 23 strikeouts with only nine walks.
Also on Monday, the Hoppers announced that outfielder Chance Sweeney, from Auburn University of Montgomery, will be returning to the team. Sweeney, a Russellville native, played for Hoptown last summer.
On Sunday, University Heights Academy senior Hayden Hunt was announced as playing for the hometown Hoppers this summer. Hunt is a shortstop/pitcher who has committed to Indiana State.
Hunt is hitting .500 with four home runs and 28 RBI. On the hill, Hunt is 4-2 with one save. He has a 3.21 ERA with 55 strikeouts and only 19 walks.
In addition to Hunt, Zach Hampton, who played for the Hoppers last season, will return this summer. Hampton is a pitcher at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.
Saturday, the Hoppers announced that right-handed pitcher Brady Leonard of the University of Indianapolis, and right-handed pitcher Chance Todd, of Midway University, would be on this summer’s roster.
Friday, left-handed pitcher/outfielder/first baseman Braden Simmon, of Saginaw Valley State, and outfielder Nathan Jessup, of the University of Indianapolis, will play for the Hoppers.
Meet the Hoppers is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on May 27 at Camo Caravan and the season opener is scheduled for May 29 against Madisonville at Hopkinsville High School.
