The Hoots and other collegiate summer leagues and teams exist to give top college players professional-like experience without affecting NCAA eligibility.

The Hoots were a member of the West Division of the Prospect League along with the Cape Catfish, DuPage Pistol Shrimp, Normal CornBelters, Quincy Gems and Springfield Sliders.

[5] After the Hannibal Cavemen folded in 2016, the Prospect League awarded a franchise to Rick DeStefane, with the goal of returning to the field for the 2018 season.

The franchise partnered with the Hannibal Courier-Post to hold a "Dub the Club" contest, which resulted in five "finalist" name choices for the team - Hoots, Hucks, Huckle-Bears, Lumber Barons, and Steamers.

[8] However, due to extensive flooding along the Mississippi River during the spring and summer of 2019, Clemens Field and surrounding property sustained damage that forced the team to play its home games in nearby Quincy, Illinois, home of Prospect League rival Quincy Gems.