By Roger Rael
The Raton Range
The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and summer nights at the ballpark are returning to Trinidad.
The Trinidad Triggers have announced Amanda Lauger as the team’s new general manager as the organization prepares for the 2027 baseball season, bringing renewed excitement to fans across Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico.
For Louger, the appointment is more than a new job. It is a continuation of a relationship that started when the Triggers first came to Trinidad.
“I’m really excited,” Lauger said. “I’m kind of grateful because when the team first started, I was one of the original host homes. I got to work with them in that capacity.”
Over the years, Lauger became more involved with the team, helping with concessions, the beer garden, and eventually learning the daily operations of running a baseball club.
Last season, she served as assistant general manager, allowing her to see the behind-the-scenes work required to keep a summer collegiate baseball team operating.
“I got to really see the daily operations and see how things work,” Lauger said. “I think that gave them enough confidence to let me take over.”
Lauger will continue working alongside Triggers manager Chip White, who she said will be an important part of building the team moving forward.
Building on a Championship-Caliber Team
The Triggers enter the next chapter with a strong foundation.
Lauger said last year’s team had the talent to compete for a championship, but circumstances beyond the team’s control affected their postseason run.
“We had a really excellent team last year,” Lauger said. “It looked like we had a championship team.”
She said the organization hopes to bring back many returning players while continuing to build through scouting and recruiting.
“The best way to get better players that other players are willing to work with is to utilize the ones that you already have,” Louger said.
The Triggers will once again face strong competition, including Garden City, which won the championship last season, along with Alpine.
The league landscape will look different in 2027 following the departure of North Platte, Nebraska, with teams potentially being added from Kansas or Nebraska.
Host Families Remain the Heart of the Triggers
One of the unique traditions surrounding the Trinidad Triggers has been the relationship between players and local host families.
Louger said that tradition will continue.
“We’re always looking for host homes,” she said. “That way they have a place to go, they have a place to sleep. The host families usually feed them, and they spoil them.”
For Lauger, those relationships are what make the Triggers more than just a baseball team.
“It’s like a home away from home for them,” she said. “You develop a relationship with these players that is long-lasting. They still contact their host families long after they’re gone.”
Fourth of July Celebration Expected to Grow
One of the biggest events on the Triggers calendar has traditionally been the Fourth of July game.
Lauger said the organization hopes to make the celebration even bigger in 2027 while preparing for challenges such as drought conditions that affected last year’s fireworks plans.
“I want to put some contingency plans in place,” Lauger said.
Future ideas include a horseshoe tournament, more vendors and additional activities surrounding the game.
“The budget is where all my sponsors come in,” Louger said. “We welcome any sponsors. It doesn’t matter if it’s $50 or $5,000. We’ll take it because every penny helps.”
Community Support Needed
As Lauger begins building her team, she said community involvement will be critical.
The organization is looking for volunteers to help with areas such as merchandise, marketing, game-day operations, and events.
“The more hands on deck that I have, the easier it’s going to make it be and the better it’s going to be for the season,” Lauger said.
Her goal is simple: bring people back to the ballpark.
“Getting butts in those seats and having a hot dog and a beer and cheering on our team,” she said.
A New Chapter for Trinidad Baseball
Lauger said she is already enjoying working with Triggers owner Andrew Dunn and appreciates his experience operating multiple baseball teams.
“He owns 16 baseball teams,” Lauger said. “He’s been doing this for many years, so I’ve got to sit down and listen to what he has to say.”
For fans who have been waiting for the return of baseball in Trinidad, 2027 promises to be a season filled with anticipation.
The Triggers are coming back, and Lauger hopes the community will be ready to welcome them home.
Fans interested in volunteering, hosting players, or becoming sponsors can contact Amanda Louger through Facebook at Amanda and Scott Lauger or by phone at 719-493-3953.
