Hot Springs Baseball Weekend returns August 7 - 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.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
7:30 p.m. - Free screening of the documentary “The Battered Bastards of
Baseball” The first 200 guests will receive a complimentary Weekend poster.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. - Society for American Baseball Research
(SABR) Meeting. Non-members welcome. Speaker: Frank Amoroso author of
the new book “Ode to the Baseball Gods: Epic Battle in Hot Springs."
(Room 201)
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. - Baseball Card Show in the Grand Lobby.
9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. - The Ultimate Ace - Dave “Smoke” Stewart
10 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Fire Up the Tomahawk Chop: A Career
Retrospective with Fred McGriff
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. - Dale Murphy and the Rise of the Braves
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Ten Innings of Glory:
Jack Morris and the Art of the Big Game
3 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Outspoken & Unplugged: If Bill Lee and
Al Hrabosky Were MLB Commissioner for a Day
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - The Legends of the Diamond:
An Unfiltered Q&A with Baseball’s Greatest
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. - Baseball Card Show Continues in the Grand Lobby.
Meet the Legends
Al Hrabosky
One of the St. Louis Cardinals’ most beloved players, legendary relief pitcher Al Hrabosky—affectionately known as the "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. Whether you know him from his fiery days on the mound or from his 40+ years as a staple of the Cardinals television broadcasting team (where he has been a color commentator since 1985), "Al" is a fan favorite.
As event organizer Steve Arrison notes:
“The hundreds of fans who have attended his presentations have loved his tales of Major League Baseball.”
Don't miss the chance to hear unforgettable stories from a true baseball icon!
Dave Stewart
The legendary Dave Stewart is officially joining the star-studded lineup for the Ninth Annual Hot Springs Baseball Weekend this August 7–8! Known throughout the baseball world as “Smoke,” Stewart is one of six remarkable players heading to the historic city celebrated as The Birthplace of Major League Baseball Spring Training.
Drafted by the Dodgers in 1975, Stewart forged 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:
- Three-Time World Series Champion (winning a ring with three different clubs).
- Four Consecutive 20-Win Seasons.
- Postseason Heroics: Named a 1989 World Series MVP and a two-time LCS MVP.
After hanging up his cleats with 168 career wins, "Smoke" continued to shape the game from the front office and the dugout. He served as a pitching coach for the Padres, Brewers, and Blue Jays, excelled as a top sports agent, and ran the front office as General Manager for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Don't miss your chance to meet a true baseball titan and a master of the mound!
Fred McGriff
Baseball fans, get ready to welcome absolute greatness! Hall of Famer Fred McGriff brings his legendary resume and powerful legacy to the lineup. Over a stellar 19-season Major League career, McGriff established himself as one of the most consistent and feared power hitters of his generation.
Originally drafted by the Yankees in 1981, McGriff 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.
"The Crime Dog" by the numbers:
- Finished his career tied with the legendary Lou Gehrig at 493 home runs—just seven shy of the elusive 500-HR club.
- Smashed 30 or more home runs in seven consecutive seasons (and 10 times total).
- Along with Gary Sheffield, he is one of only two players in MLB history to hit 30 home runs for five different franchises.
- A 5-time All-Star, 3-time Silver Slugger, and a postseason weapon who batted .303 with 10 home runs across 10 playoff series.
With 2,490 hits and 1,550 RBIs, McGriff’s career is a masterclass in elite hitting. Don't miss the opportunity to see a first-ballot legend of the game!
Jack Morris
Get ready to meet the ultimate big-game pitcher. Hall of Famer Jack Morris is joining the lineup, bringing the legendary grit and fierce intensity that defined an era of baseball.
A four-time World Series Champion and five-time All-Star, 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. But his legacy is best summed up by his Hall of Fame manager, Sparky Anderson:
“He was the last of a breed: Somebody who actually comes to the park with anger to beat you.”
Morris’ unforgettable career highlights include:
- Led the AL in wins in 1981, won 20 games in 1983, and tossed a no-hitter on April 7, 1984, fueling the Tigers' historic 35-5 start and eventual World Series title.
- Author of what is widely considered the greatest Game 7 World Series pitching performance of all time.
- As teammate Kirk Gibson put it, “He’s the best closer I’ve ever seen. If you have a lead in the seventh inning and Morris was on the mound, it was a win.”
Don't miss your chance to hear from a true pitching icon who redefined what it means to be a competitor!
Bill “Spaceman” Lee
Bill “Spaceman” Lee wasn't just a pitcher; he was a one-man media sensation. Dubbed "Spaceman" by former Red Sox infielder John Kennedy, Lee’s eccentric personality and unfiltered, outspoken commentary made him a beloved crowd favorite and a frequent fixture in the press. Never one to shy away from controversy, Lee publicly defended everything from Greenpeace and population control to China and Boston’s school busing system.
His fierce, unpredictable nature was on full display during the 1975 World Series, where he berated an umpire over a controversial call, threatened to bite off the man's ear, and urged the American public to write letters demanding a replay of the game.
Lee’s legendary wit was later captured in his 1984 book, The Wrong Stuff. Written largely tongue-in-cheek, the book famously included his claim that smoking marijuana made him entirely impervious to toxic bus fumes during his daily jog to Fenway Park. Authentic, rebellious, and wildly entertaining, the "Spaceman" remains one of baseball's most unforgettable icons.
Dale Murphy
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. Though he started behind the plate as a catcher and briefly handled first base, it was his transition to the outfield that launched him into superstardom. There, he 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.
Murphy’s peak dominance defined an entire era of baseball. 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. His relentless production made him the ultimate powerhouse of the 1980s; for the decade spanning 1981 to 1990, Murphy led all of Major League Baseball in home runs and RBIs, while also topping the National League in games, at-bats, hits, runs, extra-base hits, total bases, and runs created.
Widely celebrated as one of the most beloved players ever to wear an Atlanta Braves uniform, Murphy retired in 1993 with 7,960 career at-bats after stints with the Phillies and Rockies. His legendary impact is permanently honored by the Braves, who made him one of just five players to have his jersey number retired—forever cementing his place alongside the immortal Hank Aaron, Eddie Mathews, Warren Spahn, and Phil Niekro at Turner Field.
A Collector's Paradise: The Baseball Card Show
Head to the Grand Lobby of the Hot Springs Convention Center on Saturday, August 8, from 9AM - 5PM and Sunday, 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.
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 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 guest's 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 movie screening on Friday, August 7, limited to 200.
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!
