The 9th annual Hot Springs Baseball Weekend will take place Aug. 7 through Aug. 9 at the Hot Springs Convention Center, giving fans young and old alike the chance to rub elbows with the game’s legends.
This year’s lineup in the city that’s celebrated as “The Birthplace of Major League Baseball Spring Training” includes Hall of Fame members Fred McGriff and Jack Morris, joined by Dale Murphy, Bill “Spaceman” Lee, Dave Stewart and Al Hrabosky.
Over a stellar 19-season Major League career, Fred McGriff established himself as one of the most consistent and feared power hitters of his generation. “The Crime Dog” was originally drafted by the Yankees in 1981 and blossomed after a trade to the Blue Jays, kicking off a full-time big league career in 1987. From there, he became a dominant force for the Blue Jays, Padres, Braves, Devil Rays, Cubs and Dodgers.
A four-time World Series Champion and five-time All-Star, Jack Morris was the ace you wanted on the mound when everything was on the line. He racked up 254 big-league victories and made an incredible 14 straight Opening Day starts.
Drafted by Atlanta in the first round of the 1974 Major League Draft, Dale Murphy climbed through the minors to make his big league debut in 1976. Once he transitioned to the outfield, Murphy made history as the youngest player ever to win back-to-back MVP awards (1982 and 1983), ultimately racking up seven National League All-Star selections, four Silver Slugger awards, and five Gold Gloves. During his breathtaking 1983 MVP campaign, he became the only player in Major League history to compile a $.300+$ batting average, $30+$ home runs, $120+$ RBIs, $130+$ runs scored, $90+$ walks and $30+$ stolen bases in a single season. Murphy retired in 1993 with 7,960 career at-bats after stints with the Phillies and Rockies.
Bill “Spaceman” Lee wasn’t just a pitcher; he was a one-man media sensation. His eccentric personality and unfiltered, outspoken commentary made him a beloved crowd favorite and a frequent fixture in the press. Lee’s fierce, unpredictable nature was on full display during the 1975 World Series, when he berated an umpire over a controversial call, threatened to bite the umpire’s ear off, and urged the American public to write letters demanding a replay of the game.
Known throughout the baseball world as “Smoke,” Dave Stewart was drafted by the Dodgers in 1975, forging an intimidating 18-year major league career (1978–1995) defined by clutch postseason dominance and a legendary scowl. He pitched for the Dodgers, Rangers, Phillies, Athletics and Blue Jays, cementing his legacy with some incredible milestones.
One of the St. Louis Cardinals’ most beloved players, legendary relief pitcher Al Hrabosky (AKA “Mad Hungarian”), has earned a new title: Mister Baseball Weekend. A newly minted member of the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame, Hrabosky has been a featured guest at every single annual Baseball Weekend celebration except for one, due to family obligations.
For the complete schedule and more information on the weekend and its events, click here.
READ ALSO: Little Rock Zoo Closes Temporarily Due to Extreme Heat
