The Salem Red Sox, in conjunction with the Carolina League, have released the 2017 rosters for the Carolina League All-Star game to be held in Salem, VA at the Red Sox’ Haley Toyota Field on Tuesday, June 20.
For the first time since 1995, the Carolina League will hold their own classic. Over the last 21 seasons, the Carolina League and the California League partnered up to show off their best players in their respective leagues. The last time the All-Star game was in Salem was in 2006. The Carolina League All-Stars won the game, 6-3 in front of 5,133 fans.
According to reports, the top reason as to why the two respective leagues decided to split this year’s All-Star classic was travel expenses. This article from Baseball America goes into detail as to why the two leagues decided to split this year’s classic.
As for the game and the festivities surrounding the classic, there will be a lot fun activities to keep people entertained throughout the event. Leading up to the All-Star game, there will be a hitting challenge on Monday, June 19 at the old Salem Red Sox stadium, Kiwanis Field. Also, there will be a fan fest where fans can meet certain players and coaches. As for the hitting classic set to be at Kiwanis Field, the Red Sox have put together some videos of people’s experiences at Kiwanis.
The All Star Hitting Challenge returns to Kiwanis Field on June 19th! @MikeHamlar remembers the time he spent at Kiwanis with his dad pic.twitter.com/fMNbY5zhJ5
— Salem Red Sox (@salemredsox) June 16, 2017
The All Star Hitting Challenge returns to Kiwanis Field on June 19th! @allenwlawrence remembers his time there as a kid. pic.twitter.com/CmTNPs3alk
— Salem Red Sox (@salemredsox) June 14, 2017
Professional baseball returns to Kiwanis Field for the first time since 1995 on June 19 for the All-Star Hitting Challenge! pic.twitter.com/q2b6uv0GsL
— Salem Red Sox (@salemredsox) June 12, 2017
