HASTINGS – Major League scouts are expected to frequent Hastings this summer.
The Expedition League announced at a press conference on Tuesday morning that Hastings has been chosen as the host-site of the league’s inaugural all-star game.
League President Steve Wagner said the facilities at Duncan Field made it an easy choice on where to hold the ten-team league’s first ever all-star spectacle.
“Duncan Field is an absolute gem. It’s beautiful. It just felt right,” Wagner shared. “This was one of the first communities that we came to and so that played a large part in it. Having the great relationships that we developed, we really wanted to reward Hastings for that, and also the ball park is such a great venue. Having all the all-stars come to town will be great for Hastings and the surrounding communities.”
The wood bat league looking to emulate that of a minor league experience will feature primarily Division I and II talent. Teams are located in North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Canada, and Nebraska and will be separated into two divisions: the Lewis Division and the Clark Division.
Bryan Frew, who is the owner, general manager, and head coach of the Hastings team jumped at the opportunity to host the event that he anticipates will attract scouts from at least half of the MLB franchises due to the heavy concentration of top talent.
“Having the all-star game is absolutely huge,” Frew explained. “I know how big of a deal it is, and I feel honored that he (Wagner) would entrust me with that for the first year. We’re going to do a great job. I know the community is going to support it really really well.”
Plans for the all-star game festivities include a home run contest and other competitions.
The Expedition League’s inaugural season is set to begin on May 25th with the all-star game being played halfway through the 64-game season.
