Chicago Dogs to host 2022 American Association All-Star Game for the first time on July 11-12
"Take me out to the ballgame, take me out with the crowd, buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks, I don't care if I ever get back," says the popular old song that is part of the tradition of baseball. Written in 1908 by Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer, this song will sound particularly exciting for the Chicago Dogs players and fans as the team will host a homerun derby and a longest throw contest between the best athletes from the American Association on July 11 and the 2022 American Association All-Star Game on July 12. The gates at Impact Field, located at 9850 Balmoral Avenue in Rosemont, will open at 5:30 p.m. on both days inviting guests to have a great experience at this 6,300-seat stadium.
On Monday, July 11, the homerun derby will start at 7 p.m., followed by the longest throw contest. There will also be live music by local 80's cover band Hi-Infidelity beginning at 8:30 p.m. On Tuesday, July 12, there will be a pregame catch on the field from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. along with player autographs from 5:55 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Those activities will be followed by the long-awaited 2022 American Association All-Star Game that will start at 7 p.m.
"We are excited to be hosting the American Association mid-summer classic and would like to thank the owners and our commissioner for this great opportunity," said Chicago Dogs owner Shawn Hunter. "This July, our fans will see the best players in our league showcase their talents in the skills competition and All-Star Game. With the continued support of Impact Networking and the Village of Rosemont, the Dogs look forward to an unforgettable event."
The American Association All-Star Game was originally planned for 2020. The wait was long, but it also gave the athletes more time to practice and polish their skills. The game will feature squads composed from the East and West Divisions. The Chicago Dogs are currently in 1st place in the East Division. The East Division will be represented by the Chicago Dogs, Cleburne Railroaders, Gary SouthShore RailCats, Kane County Cougars, Lake Country DockHounds, and Milwaukee Milkmen. The West Division will be represented by the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, Kansas City Monarchs, Lincoln Saltdogs, Sioux City Explorers, Sioux Falls Canaries, and Winnipeg Goldeyes.
"The American Association couldn't be more excited to revive our annual All-Star Classic in Chicago this summer," said Joshua Schaub, commissioner of the American Association. "For our players, coaches, clubs, and fans, it will serve as a celebration of American Association baseball and the great game that brings us together."
The West team honorary manager will be WGN sports anchor and reporter Pat Tomasulo. The East team honorary manager will be football running back and son of Walter Payton, Jarret Payton. Dogs manager Butch Hobson will manage the East, while Joe Calfapietra of the Kansas City Monarchs will lead the West. It is noteworthy to mention that the Kansas City Monarchs are the league champions from 2022.
The current manager for the Chicago Dogs is Clell Lavern "Butch" Hobson Jr., an American former professional baseball third baseman and manager. Hobson returned to Chicago for his fifth season in 2022 after leading the club to its first playoff appearance last year. He has more than 30 years of experience in major and minor league baseball, including three seasons as manager of the Boston Red Sox. He is entering his 23rd season managing in independent baseball, having also spent time in the Atlantic, Can-Am and Texas-Louisiana Leagues, where he won championships in 2014, 2007 and 2000. Hobson played in Major League Baseball for the Boston Red Sox (1975-80), California Angels (1981), and New York Yankees (1982), belting 30 homers in 1977. The Chicago Dogs players are lucky to have Hobson as their coach as it's known that "Hobson's legacy is that of a power-hitting third baseman who brought a football mentality to the diamond in the way he played through pain and gave every ounce of effort on the field that his body could muster."
There will be seven Chicago Dogs players on the East team including: Ryan Clark (Pitcher), Ryan Lidge (Catcher), KC Hobson (Infielder), Grant Kay (Infielder), James Reeves (Pitcher), Paul Schwendel (Pitcher) and Danny Mars (Outfielder).
The All-Star athletes will be sporting custom uniforms. The 2022 All-Star Game logo was designed by Dan Price, Brand Marketing Director of Adrenaline Sports Marketing, who has also done work for the U.S. Olympic Committee and NBA. Limited merchandise will be available for purchase.
Tickets for the All-Star game, starting at $9, are currently available at https://thechicagodogs.com/Allstar/ or by calling 847-636-5450. Premium seating opportunities are available at Impact Field's luxury suites and Rivers Stadium Club. The Rivers Stadium Club includes access to an all-inclusive premium buffet provided by Levy Restaurants as well as beer, wine and soda. Tickets can be purchased in advance for the Rivers Stadium Club or a luxury suite by calling the box office.
Follow the team on social media at @TheChicagoDogs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. For more information, please visit https://thechicagodogs.com/.
Natalia Dagenhart