On a late August evening, a tradition of more than 60 years unceremoniously came to an end at Brooks Stadium in Paducah. It was the last regular game of the 1955 season for the Paducah Chiefs. They took the field against an Owensboro team who had just learned their home stadium had been sold and would be torn down. Even though baseball in Paducah was still going strong, the KITTY League was folding. As the game started, the rain began. By the third inning, officials called the game off. There would be no playoffs, and the Chiefs did not return.

The darkest days of Paducah's baseball story had arrived. The Chiefs' home, Brooks Stadium, later fell into disrepair and eventually was slated to be demolished. Paducah remained a baseball town, however. Efforts to restore Brooks Stadium were successful, and in a great resurgence, the town became host to storied high school athletics, the rich tradition of American Legion baseball, college games, and the NCBA world series. In the back of many minds, however, were thoughts of our beloved Chiefs.

Doc Hideg and Greg McKeel, who'd helped lead the baseball renewal, were approached by the Ohio Valley League. After some investigation, it was decided to bring a team from Paducah into the league.

"There was no doubt in Greg's mind or the commission's mind that we would bring back the team Brooks Stadium was built for," says Doc Hideg. By the fall of 2015, it was official. The Paducah Chiefs would return.

The college summer league will make its first appearance June 4 at Brooks Stadium. Twenty-one home games will follow in addition to a league All-Star game. Tickets will be $5 each or $10 for chair seats. Chair seats are $8 if purchased as part of the season ticket package. For season tickets, call 270-210-9766 or 270-444-0110 or 270-442-6268 or email paducahchiefs@gmail.com.

Greg, who will be the team's general manager, is happy to see the Chiefs return and hopes it will get more people to come experience the game and the stadium. "I'm amazed at how many people come up to me and tell me that even though they aren't baseball people, they are excited about this. Even if you aren't a baseball fan, you'll want to go see this team and soak up the atmosphere. It's unlike any other!"