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Although there is no major league baseball team in Arkansas, every August, Hot Springs becomes one of big-league baseball’s most popular destinations. Cooperstown, New York, home of the Baseball Hall of Fame, hosts an event Major League Baseball calls Hall of Fame Weekend, culminating with the induction of the new Hall of Fame class on July 27. The 2025 Hot Springs Baseball Weekend, Arkansas’s version of a weekend celebration dedicated to baseball history, follows the Cooperstown event on August 8-9.
The eighth annual Hot Springs Baseball weekend promises to be a “do not miss” celebration highlighted by the appearance of Hall of Famers Ferguson Jenkins, Johnny Bench and four more former big-league stars. Cardinals’ favorite Al Hrabosky, who is a popular regular at HSBW, is joined by two-time Cy Young Award winner, Brett Saberhagen, colorful All-Star Bill “Spaceman” Lee and National League MVP(1974) Steve Garvey.
Jenkins pitched for the Arkansas Travelers 60 years ago this summer. The Future Hall of Famer, who was 22 years old that summer in Little Rock, won 8 and lost 6 and led all the starting pitchers in ERA, before a late-season call-up to the Phillies.
“We’re pleased that Fergie will be returning to Hot Springs to join five other icons for a weekend of fun and information for all of the fans who turn out here in Hot Springs, The Birthplace of Major League Baseball Springs Training,” Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison said. “Fergie was with us for the very first Baseball Weekend in 2018 when he and Al Hrabosky helped us install the final markers in our Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail. We are honored that he’s coming back for this free public weekend celebration.”
Jenkins, who played most of his career for the Cubs, also pitched for the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers. He was a 20-game winner seven times. A three-time All-Star selection, Jenkins won the Cy Young Award in 1971 and became the first Canadian inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.
Hall of Famer Johnny Bench returns in 2025 after being a popular guest in 2024. Bench, who played his entire career with the Cincinnati Reds, is often cited by historians as the most outstanding catcher in baseball history. He was the leader of the Reds team known as the Big Red Machine that dominated the National League in the mid-1970s, winning six division titles, four National League pennants and two World Series championships. A 14-time All-Star, Bench was voted the National League MVP on two occasions and the World Series MVP in 1976. Bench was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.
In addition to Jenkins and Bench, the lineup for HSBW includes two major league All-Star pitchers, Bill Lee and Brett Saberhagen.
Bill Lee’s personality earned him national attention as well as the nickname “Spaceman,” given to him by former Red Sox infielder John Kennedy. His outspoken manner and unfiltered comments were frequently the subject of humorous baseball stories. Lee won 119 games over 14 big-league seasons. He won 17 games for three consecutive seasons with the Boston Red Sox from 1973 to 1975. Lee was selected as an American League All-Star in 1973 and was named MLB Pitcher of the Week twice in 1975. Lee promises to be an entertaining guest.
Bret Saberhagen was a 167-game winner for the Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, Colorado Rockies and Boston Red Sox from 1984 through 2021. Saberhagen was a three-time All-Star, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, and a Gold Glove Award winner. He was the Most Valuable Player of the 1985 World Series, when the Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. He led Major League Baseball in wins and ERA in 1989 and threw a no-hitter in 1991.
Also appearing will be fan favorite Al Hrabosky and LA Dodgers great Steve Garvey. A regular at Hot Springs Baseball Weekend, Hrabosky has become known locally as “Mister Baseball Weekend.” This year’s event will be the first for Garvey, one of the legends of Dodgers and Padres baseball.
Known as the Mad Hungarian, Hrabosky is one of the St. Louis Cardinals’ most beloved former players. “Hrabosky has been a featured guest at every one of our Baseball Weekends except 2023,” said Steve Arrison, CEO of Visit Hot Springs. “The hundreds of fans who have attended his presentations have loved his tales of Major League Baseball.” Hrabosky is part of the Cardinals’ television team and began working as a commentator on Redbird telecasts in 1985. He will be inducted into the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame in September.
Steve Garvey played first base for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres from 1969 to 1987. Garvey was a National League All-Star for 10 seasons. He won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1974 and was the National League Championship MVP in 1978. Garvey was also a member of the 1981 World Series-winning Dodgers. Garvey signed with the Padres in December 1982 and remained with the team until 1987, when his playing career ended. In 1984, Garvey was once again named a National League Championship Series MVP; he hit a dramatic walk-off home run to win Game Four of the Championship Series for the Padres.
More sessions, presentations, and events at the 2025 Hot Springs Baseball Weekend
Friday, August 8:
The Babe Ruth World Series begins at Majestic Park. The first game begins at 7:00 with Hot Springs Baseball Weekend guests taking part in the opening ceremonies.
Saturday, Aug. 9:
Greatest Slugger of All Time, Ruth vs. Ohtani, 8:30 a.m.
Author and historian Bill Jenkins, a Babe Ruth scholar, shares his work on the Greatest Slugger of all time. The Debate Ends Here.
The Sports Card Show, a popular event held in conjunction with Baseball Card Weekend, has moved. The buy, sell, and trade event brings exhibitors from throughout the region and is one of the premier shows of its kind in Arkansas. Look for signs directing attendees to the dealers’ tables. For more information, call Mike Wallace at 501-733-6485.
2025 HOT SPRINGS BASEBALL WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Hot Springs Convention Center
Friday, August 8
7:00 p.m. – First Game of the 14-Year-Old Babe Ruth World Series
Host Team Hot Springs vs. Nigeria
First pitch to be thrown out by Hot Springs Baseball Weekend guests.
Saturday, Aug. 9
8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. – Ruth or Ohtani or ? ? – The GOAT Debate Ends Here!
Baseball historian Bill Jenkinson will present his case for the player who deserves the label Greatest Slugger of All Time. Jenkinson has interviewed the top sluggers, including Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Joe DiMaggio, Mark McGwire, Ken Griffey Jr., and has studied the careers of every great power hitter in Major League history.
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. – Baseball Card Show Opens (Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center)
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – The Spaceman Chronicles: The Life of the Earthling Named Bill Lee
Bill “Spaceman” Lee shares colorful anecdotes from his unconventional baseball career. The former Red Sox and Expos pitcher recounts tales from the mound and clubhouse, offering his unique perspective on the game, teammates and life beyond the diamond.
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Steve Garvey: National League MVP
Dodger and Padre first baseman Steve Garvey talks about his baseball career that includes a World Series Championship, a National League MVP Award, two National League Championship Series MVP awards, and 10 times named an All-Star.
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Talking Pitching with Kansas City Legend Bret Saberhagen
The four-time Royals pitcher of the year won two American League Cy Young Awards, a World Series MVP, and was the ultimate big game pitcher.
2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Hall of Famer Ferguson Jenkins
One of the most dominating pitchers of the late 1960s and early 1970s will talk about his legendary career playing for four major league teams.
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Johnny Bench – The Greatest Catcher in Baseball History
Cincinnati Reds great and Baseball Hall of Fame member Johnny Bench talks baseball and the Big Red Machine.
4:45 p.m. – Ask The Pros featuring Johnny Bench, Ferguson Jenkins, Bill Lee, Steve Garvey, Bret Saberhagen and Al Hrabosky
Events take place in Horner Hall at the Hot Springs Convention Center unless otherwise noted.
This is not an autograph signing event. All sessions are presentations or panel discussions.
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