Richmond, IN – The Richmond Flying Mummies, the Northwoods League’s new summer collegiate baseball team set to take the field in their inaugural 2026 season at historic Don McBride Stadium, today announced the addition of four prominent figures to its ownership group: actor Jon Heder and his wife Kirsten, actor Efren Ramirez, Louie Keen, Mayor of Uranus, and realtor and entertainment manager Karla Merklein.
This star-studded expansion brings a unique blend of Hollywood charisma, small-town Americana flair, and business expertise to the Flying Mummies organization as it prepares to “resurrect the thrill” of baseball under the lights in Richmond.
Jon Heder, best known for his iconic role as Napoleon Dynamite, and Efren Ramirez, who portrayed Pedro in the same beloved film, join the group with a shared passion for community, entertainment, and creating memorable fan experiences. Their involvement builds on the team’s existing ties to the *Napoleon Dynamite* legacy with current owner Jon Gries and promises to infuse games with fun, viral moments, and fan engagement that extend far beyond the diamond.
Louie Keen, the colorful and larger-than-life Mayor of Uranus, Missouri—a Route 66 landmark known for its humorous attractions and fudge factory—adds a dose of quirky Midwestern personality to the ownership. As a longtime promoter of fun, community spirit, and roadside Americana, Louie is eager to help bring “wrapped-in-fun” energy to Richmond’s baseball scene. Louie also owns the Uranus Fudge Factories in Richmond and Anderson, Indiana.
Karla Merklein, an accomplished realtor and entertainment manager with deep roots in Southern California, brings strategic business insight and entertainment industry connections. Her expertise in property and talent management will support the team’s growth and community impact initiatives.
The team’s name draws inspiration from Richmond’s unique historical ties—including Egyptian mummies housed in local museums—and the city’s aviation heritage connected to the Wright brothers, reinforcing the franchise’s mission to honor history while building something new.
The team will begin its Inaugural Season on Monday, May 25 at historic McBride Stadium in Richmond.
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The Richmond Flying Mummies are a proud member of the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 32nd season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in history with 26 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires, and front office staff, nearly 2400 NWL alums have been drafted and over 410 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series Champion Max Scherzer (TOR), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist and Brandon Crawford and World Series Champion and Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale (ATL). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and 2019/2021 Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (BAL) and 2023 World Series Champion, MLB All-Star, MLB Gold Glove, two-time Silver Slugger winner and two-time All-MLB first team shortstop Marcus Semien (NYM). League games are viewable live on FloSports.tv.
