Pineville Porcupines Owner Expands into Cowboy Collegiate League with New Galveston Franchise

GALVESTON, TEXAS — The Players League is proud to announce that Rick Bailey, current owner of the Pineville Porcupines, has officially purchased the first Texas franchise in the Cowboy Collegiate League, located in Galveston, Texas. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the League as it continues its mission to grow collegiate baseball and create meaningful community connections across the country.

Bailey, a Houston resident and minor shareholder in The Players League, has been closely aligned with the League’s vision for expansion since its early days. “I’ve always believed in Alec’s mission to bring the game to new regions and give more college players the opportunity to develop on and off the field,” Bailey said. “Texas was a natural fit for me — I live in Houston and have a home in Galveston, so it was the perfect next step.”

A Historic Return of Baseball to Galveston

Galveston’s baseball roots run deep. The city hosted minor league baseball from the late 1800s through 1955 and has long expressed a desire to see the sport return. “Galveston is a destination city for tourists from across the United States, and the community has been vocal about wanting baseball back,” Bailey explained. “We’re thrilled to make that a reality.”

More Than Baseball: A Mission of Awareness and Growth

In addition to player development, Bailey plans to expand his personal mission of spreading autism awareness through baseball into his home state. Like his North Carolina team, the Pineville Porcupines, the Galveston franchise will feature autism-awareness themed hats and jerseys to promote inclusion and education.

“The same way the ONSL helps young men grow in North Carolina, this team will do the same in Texas,” Bailey said. “Our players will not only develop as athletes but also as advocates for something bigger than themselves.”

Building a Foundation for the Future

Bailey’s short-term goal is to establish strong ties within the Galveston community and recruit talented players from colleges across Texas. Long-term, he aims to create a winning culture centered on excellence, unity, and purpose.

“My goal is to build a team the community can rally behind — one that reflects both the spirit of Galveston and the message of autism awareness,” Bailey shared.

A Vision for Texas Expansion

Bailey also sees significant potential for growth across the state. “The opportunity in Texas is enormous,” he said. “We’re already seeing strong interest from Houston, Baytown, Tomball, Katy, and Galveston — all the way up to North Texas, including San Angelo, Wichita Falls, Abilene, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Within two to three years, we could easily see six divisions of five teams spread across Texas. The sky is absolutely the limit.”

The addition of the Galveston franchise represents the next step in The Players League’s ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for college athletes while promoting community-driven initiatives nationwide.

If you’re interested in purchasing a team or learning more about ownership opportunities within The Players League, visit https://www.theplayersleague.us/own-a-team.