The Lancaster JetHawks have been named the host of the 2018 California League All-Star Game. The three-day event will begin at The Hangar on June 17.
The three-day event will be presented by the City of Lancaster. It is the first All-Star Game to be hosted by the JetHawks since 2001, and will feature the best Minor League Baseball talent from the eight California League teams. In addition to the June 19 All-Star Game, the event will feature a Home Run Derby the prior evening, as well as a number of other exciting festivities that will be announced in the coming months.
Several prominent major leaguers have participated in the California League All-Star Game on their way up the ladder. Some of these players include: Carlos Correa (Lancaster 2014) and George Springer (Lancaster 2012), both of whom now play for the Houston Astros; Cody Bellinger (Rancho Cucamonga 2015) and Corey Seager (Rancho Cucamonga 2014) of the Los Angeles Dodgers; Buster Posey (San Jose 2009) of the San Francisco Giants; and Trevor Story (Modesto 2015) of the Colorado Rockies.
“We are thrilled to host the 2018 California League All-Star Game and Festivities at The Hangar,” said JetHawks Executive Vice President Tom Backemeyer. “This tremendous event will give us the opportunity to showcase the JetHawks organization to the entire league — and we plan to put on an exciting three-day event for the players, fans, sponsors, and executives.”
The City of Lancaster, a proud partner of the JetHawks for many years, will be an integral part of the planning, festivities, and ceremonies.
“We could not ask for a better partner for this event than the City of Lancaster,” added Backemeyer. “Every year, their commitment to JetHawks baseball is second to none. We look forward to working with them to bring yet another first class event here to the Antelope Valley.”
“The Lancaster JetHawks are the ideal organization to host the 2018 California League All-Star Game. Not only are they a two-time winner of the California League Championship; they are also very engaged with the community,” said City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “The JetHawks support many of our local charities and host numerous regional events, making them a stellar hometown team. We are proud, honored, and excited to partner with them for next season’s California League All-Star Game.”
During Wednesday night’s announcement of the event, the media and JetHawks season ticket holders had the opportunity to take batting practice on the field at The Hangar. Dignitaries from the City of Lancaster, California League President Charlie Blaney, and JetHawks front office members were also in attendance.