Robin Roberts Stadium gets showcase all-star baseball game for 2025 centennial

So much has happened since the last time the Prospect League All-Star baseball game was held.

The once annual event was last held in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic changed up a lot in the sports world, but normalcy in the area's wood-bat collegiate baseball league will return in 2025.

And the game will be held at Robin Roberts Stadium on North Grand Avenue, 100 years after it opened as Reservoir Park.

Count Jamie Toole, the owner and chief storyteller of the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes , as one of the most excited people when the news broke.

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“I think there were several owners in the league that wanted (the all-star game),” Toole said. “We hosted the owners’ meeting in ‘22 and we’re hosting it again this fall.

“We were unanimously voted to host it in 2025.”

Reservoir Park opened May 12, 1925, and renamed after Springfield’s Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Robin Roberts in 1976.

“We’re excited,” Toole said. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase the city. I really think we’ll bring a lot of folks here to Springfield from all 17 other communities (with teams in the Prospect League).”

Having hosted the league’s owners’ meetings helped solidify support for Springfield as the first all-star host since 2019.

“Springfield sells itself with all the craft breweries, coming for the summer and all the extra things to do as far as the ( Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum ), Knights Action Park , the state fairgrounds,” Toole said. “For us, we’re just continuing to showcase the community. Not to down any other location in the Prospect League, but we have a lot going for us in Springfield.”

Prospect League commissioner David Brauer touted the decision in a statement released on the league’s website.

“The return of the All-Star Game is a significant milestone in the Prospect League’s continued ascent,” Brauer said. “With a track record of success and support, the League is confident that Springfield and the Lucky Horseshoes will do an outstanding job in providing a great experience to the attending fans and talented collegiate players involved.”

The 2025 Prospect League All-Star Game is scheduled for July 8.

Toole added that the centennial celebration will be a season-long affair for the Lucky Horseshoes, including honoring previous teams that have called Robin Roberts Stadium home.

Contact Ryan Mahan: 788-1546, ryan.mahan@sj-r.com , Twitter.com/RyanMahanSJR.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Robin Roberts Stadium gets showcase all-star baseball game for 2025 centennial