The calendar has turned to June, meaning that 2018 Minor League Baseball All-Star games are just around the corner. A series of All-Star games later this month kicks off this year’s slate, which includes contests from Class AAA down to the short-season leagues.
To preview what fans can expect this summer, we provide a quick overview of upcoming Minor League Baseball All-Star games.
Class AAA
International League vs. Pacific Coast League
Date: July 11 Location: Huntington Park (Columbus Clippers)
The festivities for the Triple-A All-Star Game will begin on July 9, with the Home Run Derby and Skills Competition. The All-Star Game will take place two days later, and will mark the first to ever be played at the ballpark. Huntington Park will be the site of two marquee events at the Class AAA level this season, as it is also set to host the National Championship Game on September 18.
Class AA
Eastern League All-Star Game
Date: July 11 Location: ARM & HAMMER Park (Trenton Thunder)
There will be two days of events at ARM & HAMMER Park, beginning on Tuesday, July 10, when the ballpark hosts a Home Run Derby and a charity baseball game. The day of the All-Star Game will feature numerous events, including pre-game batting practice and autograph sessions. Fireworks will follow the events on both days.
Southern League All-Star Game
Date: June 19 Location: Regions Field (Birmingham Barons)
Southern League All-Star Game festivities begin on June 18, when an All-Star Gala will take place at Good People Brewing—located across the street from Regions Field. A packed All-Star Game day begins with the All-Star Luncheon in the Diamonds Direct Ballroom at Regions Field, followed later in the day by a Home Run Derby, the All-Star Game, and a Postgame Party. The Postgame Party will take place at The Switchyard at Regions Field.
Texas League All-Star Game
Date: June 26 Location: Security Bank Ballpark (Midland RockHounds)
A packed All-Star Game day will include a pre-game Home Run Derby and autograph session, with a happy hour at the ballpark running from 5:00-7:00. The All-Star Game will follow, with a post-game firework show also in the works. In addition, the RockHounds will welcome Jose Canseco and Rollie Fingers as special guests for the evening.
High A
California League All-Star Game
Date: June 19 Location: The Hangar (Lancaster JetHawks)
All-Star festivities will kick off on June 17, when the JetHawks host a free tailgate beginning at 3:30. 38 Special will perform a concert at the ballpark that evening. Many of the highlights will take place on June 19, including a pre-game Home Run Derby, a special appearance by Hall of Famer Roberto Alomar, the California League Hall of Fame indication ceremony, and the All-Star Game.
Carolina League All-Star Classic
Date: June 19 Location: Five County Stadium (Carolina Mudcats)
The day of the All-Star Classic will feature numerous events, an autograph session, a Miracle League Game, followed by the All-Star Game. While this is the first time that Five County Stadium has hosted the Carolina League All-Star Classic, it hosted two previous All-Star events when the Mudcats were members of the Class AA Southern League.
Florida State League All-Star Game
Date: June 16 Location: George M. Steinbrenner Field (Tampa Tarpons)
All-Star Weekend is set for Tampa, starting with a Home Run Derby on June 15. The All-Star Game will take place the next night and will be followed by a post-game fireworks display.
Low A
Midwest League All-Star Game
Date: June 19 Location: Cooley Law School Stadium (Lansing Lugnuts)
When the All-Star Game arrives in Lansing, the Lugnuts will celebrate with a day full of events. The All-Star Game day festivities begin with a block party at 3:00, with the ballpark’s gates opening at 3:30 for a series of events that include a pre-game autograph session, catch on the field, a Home Run Debry, and the All-Star Game. The All-Star Game will be followed by a fireworks display.
South Atlantic League All-Star Game
Date: June 19 Location:First National Bank Field (Greensboro Grasshoppers)
Festivities for the South Atlantic League All-Star Game will begin with a Hall of Fame Luncheon at The Terrace at Greensboro Coliseum, before shifting at the ballpark. Gates will open at 4:00 to let fans in for a slate of events that features an autograph session, Home Run Derby, and then the All-Star Game—followed by a post-game fireworks show.
Short Season A/Rookie
New York Penn League All-Star Game
Date: August 14 Location: Medlar Field at Lubrano Park (State College Spikes)
There will be two days of events in State College, starting with the All-Star Game Tailgate Gala on August 13. Fans can return to Medlar Field at Lubrano Park the following day, with the events including a All-Star Celebrity Softball Game, a New York-Penn League Owner/Executive Picnic, and the All-Star Game.
Pioneer League vs. Northwest League All-Star Game
Date: August 7 Location: Suplizio Field (Grand Junction Rockies)
In one of just two interleague MiLB All-Star Games this year, the Pioneer League All-Star Stars will host the Northwest League All-Stars in Grand Junction. The tradition of the two leagues squaring off in an All-Star Game began in 2015 and is set to continue through at least 2020 under an agreement announced by the circuits last year.
This article first appeared in the twice-weekly Ballpark Digest newsletter. Are you a subscriber? Sign up here for the free newsletter!