Which Dayton-based company, founded in 1884, became one of the largest department store chains in the U.S.?

This Weeks Events

• 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm Dad’s Place – A Farce (Matinee & Evening) Theatre Ticketed
  The Loft Theatre — Price: $–$$
  Choice of matinee or evening performance.
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Featured Park

From “This Ain’t Us” to a Historic Run — and Then the Agonizing Loss

The Dayton Dragons captivated fans with an electrifying 15-game winning streak that rewrote the record books, only to see it end in dramatic fashion with a 9th-inning collapse. Here’s a look back at their run, what fueled it, and how it came to a close.

The Streak That Took Flight

Just a few weeks ago, the Dragons were mired in one of their toughest stretches of the season. After a rough road trip in Lansing, players regrouped and vowed to change their story. Infielder Carter Graham reflected: 'We looked at each other and said, Hey, this ain’t us.' That moment sparked a renaissance that led to six straight wins at home over Peoria, followed by another sweep in Fort Wayne. The streak grew to 12, tying a franchise record, before ultimately climbing to 15 straight victories—the longest in franchise history and one of the most impressive streaks in all of Minor League Baseball.

Keys to Their Run

• Team chemistry and confidence: Manager Vince Harrison Jr. credited a mental shift, as players began to play freely and without fear.
  - Pitching dominance: The Dragons posted a 2.27 ERA over the stretch, holding opponents to three runs or fewer in 12 of the games.
  - Offensive spark: Peyton Stovall caught fire, batting .333 during the run and delivering clutch hits that propelled the offense.
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The Heartbreaker — 9th Inning Collapse

On September 4, 2025, the Dragons held a 3–0 lead heading into the ninth inning against the Lansing Lugnuts. But the bullpen faltered: a leadoff double, walks, and hit batters opened the door. Cameron Leary’s two-run single cut the lead to 3–2. A wild pitch tied the game, and Pedro Pineda’s two-run hit gave Lansing a stunning 5–3 lead. Dayton scratched across a run in the bottom half, but fell 5–4, ending the magical run at 15 games.

Reflections and Next Steps

Despite the crushing loss, players and coaches found pride in their accomplishment. Center fielder Carlos Jorge said: 'It’s part of the game… We already made history, so I’m proud of us.' Manager Harrison Jr. noted the team had themselves to blame for mistakes, but praised the growth and fight. With three games left in the season, the Dragons will aim to finish strong and build momentum into the future.

Summary Timeline

The Dayton Company (later known as Dayton-Hudson, eventually Target Corporation).