KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The Kalamazoo Growlers officially announced today that the 2018 Northwoods League All-Star Game will be hosted in Kalamazoo on Tuesday, July 24 at Homer Stryker Field. The Northwoods League All-Star Game brings together the top talent from across the League as voted on by League coaches and media, with the best of the South Division facing off against the best of the North Division, and will be preceded by a Home Run Derby.
This marquee event takes on special significance this year as the Northwoods League is celebrating its 25th Season. The event will include a banquet honoring the All-Star Players from across the Northwoods League, sponsored by Discover Kalamazoo.
The traditional lineup of events features the addition of a Kids Home Run Challenge presented by Cole Automotive. Eight local youth baseball organization players will have an opportunity to hit home runs in the outfield leading up to the start of the Northwoods League All-Star Game, showcasing young local talent in this community celebration.
“We are honored to host the 2018 Northwoods League All-Star Game here in Kalamazoo,” said Brian Colopy, Managing Partner of the Kalamazoo Growlers.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to showcase the best of the best to our community,” he said.
This season is the Growlers’ fifth in Kalamazoo and they have been busy making upgrades to the ballpark, including a video board and accessibility renovations.
An itinerary for the event is as follows:
Northwoods League Home Run Derby & All-Star Game
Tuesday, July 24
Homer Stryker Field
251 Mills St., Kalamazoo, MI 49048
5:00 PM Gates open
5-5:45 PM Pre-game autographs for all-stars
5:45-6:45 PM Northwoods League Home Run Derby
6:45-7:05 PM Kids Home Run Challenge
7:15 PM Pre-game ceremony with player and coach introductions
7:25 PM National Anthem
7:30 PM Northwoods League All-Star Game
For those coming in from outside the area, The Holiday Inn West is the official lodging partner of the 2018 Northwoods League All-Star Game. Guests can call to make reservations and mention the All-Star Game for a special rate, at 1-800-HOLIDAY.
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The Kalamazoo Growlers are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Entering its 25th anniversary season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 20 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 185 former Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (BOS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET) and Curtis Granderson (TOR). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.growlersbaseball.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Growlers as your favorite team.