Flying Boxcars Set 2025 Schedule, Mason to Return as Manager
The Hagerstown Flying Boxcars will open their season at home on April 25 against the Staten Island FerryHawks, and it will be the first time that Meritus Park will host the Atlantic League’s Opening Day celebrations.
After the three-game opening series, the Boxcars hit the road for three straight series, before returning to Meritus Park on May 9 to take on the reigning champions York Revolution for the first of eight series between the sides.
“We are thrilled with our 2025 schedule and excited to welcome the best fans in Minor League Baseball back to Meritus Park in April,” said Flying Boxcars general manager David Blenckstone. “Our inaugural season was incredible, and we can’t wait to build off of the excitement for an even better 2025.”
Schedule highlights for next season include 11 weekends in Hagerstown, as well as 10 Thirsty Thursdays at Meritus Park. The Flying Boxcars will also host in-state rivals, the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, for two series in May and June.
The Flying Boxcars will play Tuesdays through Sundays and will be at home for the 4th of July, when they take on the Staten Island FerryHawks.
Mark Mason will return to the helm for his second season in Hagerstown. With 642 wins he stands fourth all-time in the Atlantic League for wins. The Boxcars went 36-89 in their inaugural season in the North Division of the Atlantic League. Enohel Polanco will return as the team’s hitting coach. He spent 12 seasons with Mason on the York Revolution staff.
The newest member of the staff will be Arthur Rhodes who will take over as pitching coach. Rhodes played 20 seasons in the Major Leagues, making his debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 1991. When he moved to the bullpen in 1996 he hit his stride, posting an 8-1 record and an ERA of 3.5 in 26 games. He was named to the National League All Star team in 2010 as a member of the Cincinnati Reds. Rhodes won a World Series in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals, making three appearances in the series.
Rhodes has strong ties to the Hagerstown area. He played with the class AA Hagerstown Suns when the team was an affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles and was selected as Eastern League Pitcher of the Year during the 1991 season.