Hot Springs Baseball Weekend returns August 8 & 9 at the Hot Springs Convention Center and Majestic Park to celebrate Hot Springs' history as the Birthplace of Major League Baseball Spring Training! From fascinating panel discussions to a bustling baseball card show, this FREE event is a dream for any baseball enthusiast. Here's everything to know about Hot Springs Baseball Weekend, from legendary special guests to the Babe Ruth World Series at Majestic Park!
Hot Springs Baseball Weekend kicks off on Friday, August 8 at Majestic Park Baseball Complex, where our baseball special guests will throw the First Pitch in the Babe Ruth League World Series for 14 year olds!
See legends of the game Johnny Bench, Bret Saberhagen, Bill Spaceman Lee, Steve Garvey, Fergie Jenkins, and Al Hrabosky throw the first pitch on Friday, August 8 at 7PM. Please note: this is a ticketed event. Tickets can be purchased at majesticpark.org.
Meet the Legends
Johnny Bench
From the small town of Binger, Oklahoma, to the hallowed halls of Cooperstown, Johnny Bench's journey is a testament to talent, hard work, and an unyielding passion for the game.
Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in 1965, Bench quickly ascended through the ranks. In 1968, at just 20 years old, he was named National League Rookie of the Year, the first catcher ever to receive the honor. His powerful bat and exceptional defense made him an instant star. Bench became the cornerstone of the "Big Red Machine," leading the Reds to four National League pennants and back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. He was a 14-time All-Star, a two-time National League MVP, and a 10-time Gold Glove winner, showcasing his unparalleled skill behind the plate.
Session: Saturday, August 9 at 3:30PM | The Greatest Catcher in Baseball History
Bret Saberhagen
In an era of power pitchers, Brett Saberhagen stood out with his remarkable command and uncanny ability to dominate. From a 19th-round draft pick to a two-time Cy Young Award winner, his story is one of understated brilliance. Drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1982, Saberhagen quickly ascended the minor league ranks, making his big league debut at just 19 years old in 1984. He showed flashes of potential, but his true breakout was just around the corner.
In 1985, at only 21, Saberhagen exploded onto the scene. He went 20-6 with a 2.87 ERA, earning his first American League Cy Young Award. He became the undisputed ace of the Royals' pitching staff, leading them to their first World Series championship. In that unforgettable 1985 Fall Classic, he pitched two complete games, including an 11-0 shutout in the decisive Game 7, earning him the World Series MVP.
Session: Saturday, August 9 at 1:00PM | Talking Pitching with Kansas City Legend Bret Saberhagen
Bill "Spaceman" Lee
Bill “Spaceman” Lee was a left-handed pitcher drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 1968. He wasn't known for a blazing fastball, but rather a repertoire of crafty off-speed pitches, including his famous "Leephus pitch"—a slow, arcing curveball that defied conventional wisdom.
After a few years in the bullpen, Lee blossomed as a starter in 1973, winning 17 games and earning an All-Star selection. He followed that with two more impressive 17-win seasons, becoming a workhorse for the Red Sox, instrumental in their memorable 1975 pennant run.
He pitched in the legendary 1975 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds, a series many consider one of the greatest ever. While the Red Sox ultimately fell short, Lee's unique presence on the mound was undeniable. In 1979, after a well-documented feud with Red Sox manager Don Zimmer, Lee was traded to the Montreal Expos. He continued to win, notching another 16-win season, and remained a beloved eccentric, even famously injuring himself sliding headfirst into a base.
Session: Saturday, August 9 at 9:30AM | The Spaceman Chronicles: The Baseball Life of Bill Lee
Steve Garvey
Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968, Steve Garvey's early career was a search for a position. But once he settled at first base, he became an undeniable force.
Garvey was the cornerstone of the legendary Dodgers infield that dominated the National League in the 1970s, winning four pennants and the 1981 World Series. He was a perennial All-Star, earning eight straight selections from '74 to '81, and capturing four Gold Glove Awards. During the 1974 season he batted .312 with 21 home runs and 111 RBIs, earning the National League MVP award..
But perhaps his most astonishing achievement was his durability. From 1975 to 1983, Garvey played in an astounding 1,207 consecutive games, setting a National League record and earning him the moniker "Iron Man." He rarely missed a beat, a testament to his dedication and physical conditioning.
Session: Saturday, August 9 at 10:45AM | Steve Garvey: National League MVP
Fergie Jenkins
From the small town of Chatham, Ontario, emerged a pitching legend whose arm brought fear to opposing batters and joy to millions of fans. Ferguson "Fergie" Jenkins, a true master of the mound, carved out a Hall of Fame career that left an indelible mark on baseball.
Ferguson Jenkins established himself as one of baseball's most remarkable and durable pitchers over his 19-year Major League Baseball career. While he debuted with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1965, his true rise to stardom began with the Chicago Cubs after a trade in 1966. Jenkins's tenure with the Cubs, from 1966 to 1973, dened his prime. The crowning achievement of his career came in 1971 when he secured the National League Cy Young Award, making him the rst Canadian and rst Cubs pitcher to earn the honor. That season, he posted an exceptional 24-13 record with a 2.77 ERA, coupled with an impressive 263 strikeouts against just 37 walks.
Session: Saturday, August 9 at 2:15PM | Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins
Al "The Mad Hungarian" Hrabosky
Few players commanded the mound with the raw, theatrical intensity of Al Hrabosky. Known universally as "The Mad Hungarian," his career was as much about psychological warfare as it was about pitching.
Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969, Hrabosky made his Major League debut just a year later. He quickly established himself as a dominant relief pitcher, but it was his on-mound antics that truly captivated audiences. Before each pitch, Hrabosky would walk towards second base, vehemently rub the ball, take a deep breath, and then storm back to the rubber, often muttering to himself.
This dramatic routine wasn't just for show; it was designed to intimidate batters and pump himself up. During the 1975 season he led the National League with 22 saves, posted a remarkable 13-3 record, and a minuscule 1.66 ERA, earning him the prestigious "Fireman of the Year" award. He was the emotional heartbeat of the Cardinals bullpen.
Session: Saturday, August 9 at 4:45PM | Ask The Pros featuring Johnny Bench, Ferguson Jenkins, Bill Lee, Steve Garvey, Bret Saberhagan, and Al Hrabosky
A Collector's Paradise: The Baseball Card Show
Head to the Grand Lobby of the Hot Springs Convention Center on Saturday, August 9, from 9AM - 3PM for a fantastic baseball card show!
Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting, you'll find a wide array of vintage and modern cards, memorabilia, and collectibles. It's the perfect opportunity to find that missing card from your collection or discover a new treasure.
A Double Hitter: Babe Ruth World Series
Adding to the exciting Baseball Weekend, the Babe Ruth World Series for 14-year-old players will be taking place simultaneously, August 7 - 16, at Hot Springs' five-field baseball complex, Majestic Park! Come out and watch the next generation of baseball stars compete for a national title on the very grounds where the Sultan of Swat himself once roamed.
Teams from all around the world will compete for the Babe Ruth World Series title including Puerto Rico; Nigeria; New Zealand; Philippines, and Mexico.
American teams include the Arkansas State Champions; New England Champions; Middle Atlantic Champions; Ohio Valley Champions; Southeast Champions; Midwest Plains Champions; Southwest Champions; Pacific Northwest Champions, and Pacific Southwest Champions.
Get your Babe Ruth World Series tickets now at majesticpark.org!
More Than Just a Weekend
Hot Springs is the Birthplace of Major League Spring Training, and we won't let you forget it! From legends like Babe Ruth hitting 500-foot home runs into the Arkansas Alligator Farm, to Honus Wagner being the face behind Hot Springs High Schools black and gold colors, baseball history runs deep in the Spa City. Your baseball journey doesn't have to end at Baseball Weekend, Hot Springs offers a wealth of baseball history waiting to be explored throughout the city. Add these baseball stops to your list for a full Hot Springs baseball experience.
The Historic Hot Springs Baseball Trail
Take a self-guided tour along the Hot Springs Baseball Trail and walk in the footsteps of legends. The trail features historical markers at significant locations where icons like Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, and Cy Young trained and played. Learn about the pivotal role Hot Springs played in the development of Major League Baseball spring training, download the FREE app in the app store or visit hotspringsbaseballtrail.org.
Majestic Park
While you're soaking in the history, don't miss the chance to experience the future of the game at Hot Springs' own Majestic Park. This state-of-the-art, five-field baseball complex stands on the historic grounds where the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies once held their spring training camps. Today, it hosts major tournaments, including the Babe Ruth World Series, drawing teams and families from across the nation. With its pristine fields, modern amenities, and a palpable sense of baseball history in the air, a visit to Majestic Park is the perfect way to round out your baseball weekend. Plus, see the new baseball mural and one of three bronze Babe Ruth statues in the world at Majestic Park.
The Gangster Museum of America
For a truly unique slice of local history, step into The Gangster Museum of America and discover the surprising connection between notorious mobsters and legendary ballplayers. During the early 20th century, Hot Springs was a neutral territory where figures like Al Capone and Owney Madden came to relax and run their empires. Hot Springs was also hosting Major League Baseball Spring Training during this time with some of baseball's biggest stars, including Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner.
Learn about why Hot Springs was selected, and how the thermal spring water played a major role in these legends baseball careers. Find more information at thegangstermuseum.com.
Sip on Baseball History
Hot Springs' famous thermal water that helped many legendary players of the game during Spring Training can be found brewing craft beer at Superior Bathhouse Brewery! Step into this historic bathhouse turned brewery and order up a Spring Training beer.
This light-bodied ale greets you with a gentle malt sweetness, balanced perfectly by bright, floral notes from German Saaz hops. Brewed with a touch of wheat for smoothness, it finishes crisp and refreshing—just right for a sunny day at the ballpark or anytime you’re ready to step up to the plate. Superior Bathhouse Brewery also offers delicious lunch menu items and root beer - made with Hot Springs' thermal water too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will there be an open autograph session where guests will sign memorabilia?
A: There will not be an open autograph session.
Q: When will the pre-signed autograph cards be available?
A: Autograph cards will be handed out directly before each guests session, limited to 125.
Q: When will the Hot Springs Baseball Weekend Posters be available?
A: Baseball Weekend posters will be handed out before the first session on Saturday, August 9, limited to 125.
Mark your calendars for a weekend of baseball bliss in Hot Springs. With a lineup of legendary players, a vibrant card show, and a city steeped in baseball history, Hot Springs Baseball Weekend is an event you won't want to miss!
