Triple-A All-Star Game to put El Paso on national stage
The El Paso Chihuahuas are planning for a big summer, culminating in the 2019 Triple-A All-Star Game and related events taking place from July 8-10.
The Pacific Coast League announced two years ago the 32nd edition of the premiere game in the minors would be held at Southwest University Park. The event is televised nationwide and is a showcase of the best players that Triple-A baseball has to offer.
“This is something you won’t see again here for decades,” said Alan Ledford, President of MountainStar Sports Group, which owns the Chihuahuas.
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The showcase game alternates between the Pacific Coast League and the International League, and with dozens of teams bidding for the event, it is a highly competitive coup to be selected, Ledford explained.
Aside from bringing the best Minor League players to the Sun City to show off their skills, the game promises to bring VIPs from the Minor and Major Leagues and presents an opportunity for the City of El Paso to promote itself.
“You know, six or seven years ago, we always wanted to make sure we did it at the top level,” said Chihuahuas Vice President Brad Taylor. “And it’s for the reason to serve our community and to be able to put this city on the national stage several times.”
The PCL’s top official echoed that sentiment Tuesday.
“Now is El Paso’s time,” said Branch Rickey, President of the Pacific Coast League.
Advance tickets to the All-Star festivities will go on sale Wednesday at Southwest University Park during El Paso’s game against Albuqueurque. Gates for that event open at 6:00 p.m. with the first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the general public will then become available the following day.
Rickey says El Paso already has a sterling reputation across the minors, and the events coming up in July should only help solidify that reputation.
“When you travel as I do and go to other ballparks, you bump into people who have just been to El Paso. And you hear the word of mouth going around,” said Rickey. “Everybody in our league is extraordinarily proud of what’s been accomplished here.”
