Southern Indiana Welcomes Former MLB Players for Inaugural Exhibition Game This Summer

Baseball is a big deal here in Southern Indiana, where we have a couple of iconic baseball stadiums. Bosse Field in Evansville is the third oldest active stadium in the country (only behind Fenway Park and Wrigley Field), and League Stadium in Huntingburg is nearly 130 years old. Both ballparks were used during the filming of 1992's A League of Their Own, and both are still being used for baseball each season - some very special players will visit League Stadium this summer.

The Dubois County Bombers Charities, in partnership with Visit Dubois County, announced the first-ever Big League Baseball Classic is coming to Huntingburg on Saturday, August 24th. The event promises to bring former MLB players to Historic League Stadium for an exhibition game you won't want to miss! Which MLB players can we expect to see? Event organizers will announce players from time to time as the game gets closer. Two players (as of 2/9/24) have already been announced along with the two head coaches for this very special exhibition game.

Rick Ankiel

Rick Ankiel quickly gained popularity during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals. The young lefty was a dominant force on the mound that is until Rick mysteriously lost all feel and control of the ball. He found himself down in the minors where he switched gears and became an outfielder. Three years later he was back in the MLB completing one of the biggest comebacks the league has ever seen.

Ray Lankford

Ray Lankford gave fans plenty to cheer about during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals. His list of accomplishments with the red birds is pretty astonishing...

• Led the MLB in triples, stolen bases, and scored runs in his first full season.
• FIVE seasons of 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases with the Cardinals. He is the only player in franchise history to accomplish the feat more than once.
• Hit more home runs at Busch Stadium than any other player.
• Enshrined into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in 2018.
• Considered one of the Top 10 St. Louis Cardinals of all time!

The Coaches

If you follow high school baseball in Indiana, whether it's Southern Indiana or not, you are most likely familiar with the two legendary coaches who have been asked to lead the teams at the Big League Baseball Classic. In one dugout you've got Coach Gene Mattingly from Southridge High School, and in the other dugout, you've got Coach Terry Gobert from Jasper High School.

Get our free mobile app

Tickets for the Big League Baseball Classic will go on sale in early March - the specific date is still TBD. Dubois County Bombers 2024 season ticket holders, along with advertisers & sponsors will have access to a 24-hour Pre-Sale before tickets go on sale to the public. BigLeagueClassic.com is the place to go for more info and answers to your questions.