The Lincoln Saltdogs will welcome the American Association’s top talent to Haymarket Park next week as the city hosts the league’s All-Star festivities for the first time since 2003. Saltdogs General Manager Shane Tritz tells KLIN News the event is coming to Lincoln during the franchise’s 25th anniversary season and is both a celebration of the team’s history and an opportunity to showcase the community.
The three-day event begins Monday, July 13, with a welcome social for league executives. On Tuesday, the Saltdogs will host a free youth baseball clinic at the Sandhills Global Youth Complex, led by Saltdogs players and coaches. League officials and team representatives will also tour the Museum of American Speed, the Tom and Nancy Osborne Athletic Complex and Memorial Stadium.
Tuesday evening features the American Association Hall of Fame Banquet at Lincoln Station. Saltdogs Chairman and CEO Jim Abel, former player Nate Samson and Fargo-Moorhead manager Chris Coste will be inducted. Former Nebraska baseball coach and Major League player Darren Erstad will be the guest speaker.
The festivities culminate Wednesday, July 15, with the Home Run Derby beginning at 5 p.m. and the American Association All-Star Game at 7:30 p.m. The game will be televised nationally on MLB Network for the first time.
Fifty players, 25 from each division, will participate in the game. Lincoln will be represented by three West Division All-Stars: pitcher Jacob Morrow and hitters Connor Panas and Zach McCleve. Tritz says hosting the All-Star Game gives the Saltdogs a chance to show off both Haymarket Park and the city while celebrating 25 years of providing affordable family entertainment in Lincoln.