Former National Park College (NPC) Nighthawk Athletic Director and head baseball coach Rich Thompson was announced as the Manager of the Arkansas Travelers this week.
A former Travelers pitcher, Thompson returns to lead the team that sparked his professional career, where he made 63 appearances on the mound during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. In 2007, Thompson pitched in the MLB All-Star Futures Game before making his Major League debut with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Thompson’s Major League Baseball career spanned parts of six seasons, including time with the Angels, the Oakland Athletics and the Toronto Blue Jays.
“I’m excited to be back with the Travelers,” Thompson said. “I wouldn’t be an Arkansan without the Travs and I’m looking forward to making the jump back into professional baseball. It is great to give back to the game and these players. I am thrilled to be part of the future of the Travs and the Mariners.”
National Park College maintains a strong partnership with the Arkansas Travelers through athletic sponsorships and youth development initiatives. NPC works closely with the Arkansas Travelers Youth Foundation to support baseball camps, scholarships and community outreach programs that help grow the game across Arkansas. The College’s continued relationship with the Travelers reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to athletics and fostering the next generation of student-athletes.
Founded in 1901, the Arkansas Travelers are the Double-A Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Seattle Mariners and call CHI St. Vincent Field at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock home. The club will celebrate 125 years of baseball in 2026.
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