SPRINGDALE - The Texas League All-Star Game is being held for the first time tonight at Arvest Ballpark, but Northwest Arkansas Naturals Manager Brian Poldberg is no stranger to the event.
Poldberg will manage the North Division team for the third time in the past four seasons. He’s still, however, looking for his first victory.
“I’m just glad this year we’re at home and I’m not having to travel, fly in and fly out,” Poldberg said.
Poldberg led the North in a 5-4 loss to the South in the 2010 game held at Midland, Texas. In 2011, Poldberg’s North team fell to the South 3-2 at San Antonio.
“It’s a great deal for the players,” Poldberg said. “It’s a fun experience to get to play against the best in the league.”
Injuries and transactions have impacted the all-star rosters since its initial release, and now 14 players from the Naturals and Arkansas Travelers are part of the North roster.
Travelers catcher Jett Bandy and first baseman C.J. Cron join Northwest Arkansas shortstop Orlando Calixte, outfielder Roman Hernandez and designated hitter Matt Fields in tonight’s starting lineup. The North reserves are entirely local players and include Arkansas infielder Taylor Lindsey and outfielder Randal Grichuk and Naturals catcher Mitch Canham and infielder Rey Navarro.
“I’ll have a meeting with the players and tell them that this is their game,” Poldberg said. “They know what their tools are. I’m not going to put them in a position to do anything crazy. If they want to steal, they steal. If they want to bunt, they bunt. This is their showcase.
“I just want them to go out there and play the game hard, respect the game, do what they need to do. Just don’t get hurt on my watch.”
The Texas League All-Star Game was last played in Arkansas in 2006 when Ray Winder Field in Little Rock hosted the game in its final year as the home of the Arkansas Travelers. Ray Winder also hosted the game in 1973, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1988 and 1998. Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock, the Travelers’ home since 2007, is scheduled to host the event in 2014.
All-Star game events kicked off Monday when the Naturals hosted an event at Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.
The featured speaker at the event was former Kansas City Royals outfielder Willie Wilson, who stepped in to replace George Brett, who was scheduled to speak before recently being named the Royals’ hitting coach.
Arvest Ballpark gates will open at 3 p.m. today and fans will be allowed to watch batting practice and get autographs.
The first 5,000 fans will receive a commemorative game ticket and with the first 2,500 receiving an all-star cap. A home run derby will be at 6 p.m. with the game and a fireworks display following.
Texas League All-Star Game WHERE Arvest Ballpark, Springdale WHEN Gates open at 3 p.m. today and fans will be allowed to watch batting practice and get autographs. The home run derby will begin at 6 p.m. with game and fireworks following. First pitch is schedule for 7 p.m.
TV Cox Sports TICKETS Can be purchased by calling (877) 444-2637 or at www.nwanaturals.com. As of Monday, less than 1,000 chairback seat tickets remained. Berm seating tickets are also available.
Sports, Pages 15 on 06/25/2013