Champions Tune Up

Last September, the Kansas City T-Bones captured their first Northern League title. After a night of celebrating, the players boarded a bus for the nine-hour trip back from Gary, Indiana, to the Dotte. Such is life in baseball’s independent leagues. The T-Bones’ title defense begins tonight at 7 with an exhibition at CommunityAmerica Ballpark (1800 Village West Parkway). Kansas City, Kansas, Community College provides preseason competition for the third year in a row. “We always enjoy playing the T-Bones,” longtime KCKCC head coach Steve Burleson says. Burleson’s squad should be sharp. Tonight’s game falls a day after the conclusion of the first round of the Jayhawk Community College Conference playoffs. Tickets range from $6 to $16. Call 913-328-5618.

Mon., May 4, 7 p.m., 2009