LANCASTER, PA — The Lancaster Stormers are leaning hard into local history, heritage, and humor in 2026, announcing two alternate identities that aim to celebrate Lancaster County pride while turning heads across independent baseball.
The team revealed it will take the field next season as both the Lancaster Red Roses and the Lancaster Road Apples, each identity designed to spotlight a different facet of the community the Stormers call home.
The Red Roses identity honors Lancaster’s long-standing nickname, the Red Rose City, and its deep Pennsylvania Dutch roots. The name also serves as a throwback to a 20th-century Lancaster baseball club that once played under the same banner. Team officials said the Red Roses branding is meant to reflect tradition, local pride, and the historical bond between the city and the sport.
The Red Roses will make their on-field debut during opening weekend on Saturday, April 25.
A week later, on May 2, the Stormers will fully embrace humor and nostalgia by transforming into the Lancaster Road Apples. The term, old-fashioned slang with deep rural roots, is a tongue-in-cheek nod to the region’s agricultural heritage and a wink to longtime locals who appreciate the joke.
“We are very excited about both alternate identities, as they each serve a different purpose,” said Alexandra Bunn, vice president and assistant general manager. “The Red Roses pay tribute to Lancaster’s history, while the Road Apples bring a fun, unique to Lancaster flair — while still being respectful of the community.”
Both alternate identities will include specialty uniforms, themed in-game presentations, and exclusive merchandise available at Penn Medicine Park. The team said the full 2026 promotional schedule will be released tomorrow.
The Stormers open the 2026 season on the road with a three-game series at York beginning April 21, before returning home for their opener against Long Island on April 24.
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