Buzz Plenty From First Homestand and Opener as 2026 Season Rolls On

Baseball can be so much more than just a game. Some say it is a great metaphor for life and dealing with failure. Some say it’s poetic. Here in Washington, Pennsylvania, baseball is about family. With the 2026 season, the Washington Wild Things are celebrating their 24th year of existence. EQT Park was full of energy for the home opener and the rest of the opening homestand, fans young and old here to cheer on the team and “Go Wild.”

Don and Kathi Oles are from the south hills of Pittsburgh and have been fans of the Wild Things since 2012, attending 10 Opening Day games over the years. He added that he and his wife have been a host family in the past, saying that they recommend it to anyone who has thought about offering to do so. The thing that they are most excited about this season is the excitement and continued support of the team.

“Well, I love baseball, and it's good affordable family fun. So I thought I would definitely come give it a shot. That was 12 years ago, and here we are,” Don said. “I appreciate the opportunity to be here and thanks to Chris Blaine and everybody else for putting this on and let's go Wild Things.”

Jeff Cadman has been a season ticket holder for 17 years after his family moved to the Washington area back in 2008. Cadman said that after going to a few games during the 2008 season, his wife decided to buy him Wild Things season tickets for the 2009 season, and she has been doing that every Christmas ever since.

“It seems we have some hitters. We got some batters. They’ve hit 14 or 15 home runs so far over the first seven games, so fireworks,” Cadman added.

Joe Biddle has been a Washington Wild Things fan for five years and is currently a season ticket holder. When asked about why he became a Wild Things fan, his answer was simple;

“I love baseball,” Biddle said.

Biddle said he’s excited to root for the team to get over the bump.

Chris Blaine, who is in her second year as the CEO of Sports Facility, LLC, was the first ever Wild Things employee and has been with the organization since 2001.

“What I've learned is I absolutely love the people. I love our fans. I love the players that I get to know. I love our staff. This is all about people. It's all about an experience. It's all about making memories,” said Blaine. “And it's very good for our community, and that's what I love about it. That's what it's all about for me.”

Blaine mentioned that EQT Park is a place for real baseball fans, as well as families to come out and enjoy a baseball game. She also reflected on the very beginning of the Wild Things and the early success that the organization had.

“The first year, we set Frontier League records. We were fabulous. We made it to the championship series. We had the winningest record in the league. We set a new league record for wins,” said Blaine. “We were sold out and operated at 107% capacity the whole summer long. It was like a dream. It was like all the stars aligned.”

Now the goal is to get back to that.

Jeff Kotula, President of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, and Larry Maggi, Washington County Commissioner, threw out the first pitch alongside each other. They talked about how the energy around EQT Park was contagious on opening night.

“This has been one of our best tourism attractions in Washington County for over two decades. You know, we're excited that they're here, we're excited for the new improvements, and I think everybody here is just going to have a fantastic season,” Kotula said. “I want to make sure that everybody knows the great asset that we have here with the Washington Wild Things. Come to a game, check them out, show your team spirit by having a hat or a sweatshirt on during game day. It's a great experience.”

Maggi mentioned how Washington County is a special place, but places like EQT Park are what make the county “really extra special.”

“You see a lot of families out here walking around there eating… smiling... laughing. We’ve got a great product here with the Wild Things. So, we're excited about the new season, and about the changes that have been made to the ballpark,” Maggi added. “It's the best bang for your buck in Washington County. Come up here: it’s good family entertainment. You’ve got some great baseball. You don't have to fight traffic. It's just a nice summer evening out. Come on down here and wear your paraphernalia and enjoy the night.”

Bob Sill visited the ballpark for the first time on opening day and was impressed with what the Wild Things had to offer.

“You know, a lot of players have gone to the majors from here and their names and photographs are posted all over the place. It's really pretty cool. It's good baseball. A lot of these guys trying to keep their dream alive,” Sill said, “They play hard. They play real baseball. They're not playing for the millions of dollars… they get dirty, they go after it, and they're playing for the love of the game.”

Mike and Beth Teznar have been fans of the Wild Things since their first season in 2002. They have been to a game every single year, minus the COVID season. When asked why they became Wild Things fans, their answer was simple.

“It's close to home and the price [is great]. I want to see a game. That's all. I know what these guys are trying to do. They're trying to get to the [next level]. So, there's a lot of activity,” Mike said, “I hope they win every game.”

When asked what he is most excited about for opening day, Mike said,” I want a ham barbecue sandwich.”

Doug Krantz is a season ticket holder and has been a fan of the Wild Things since he moved to the area in 2015. When asked why he became a fan, he told a story about the first time he ever stumbled upon the Wild Things.

“When I moved to Pennsylvania from the state of Indiana, I got here, I didn't know a single soul. I was really lonely. And so I said, I gotta go out and get something to eat, but instead of turning left out of the hotel, and going down the hill, I turned right to see if there was anything up here, and I pulled into [the stadium lot],” Krantz said, “I decided I'm going to the baseball game, and I went the first three in that three-game series. I didn't know anybody, and I sat here and I thought, ‘you know, I'm going to be okay. I'm going to be okay here in Pennsylvania.’”

On top of wishes for the team to do well, Krantz hopes that he will be allowed to play the accordion at the 2026 Frontier League All-Star game in Florence, Kentucky.

Baseball can be much more than just a game, and these fans are firsthand examples. Join the Wild Things Family and come out to EQT Park and “Go Wild.”