The Chicago Dogs, the city’s American Association baseball team named after Chicago’s favorite and oldest culinary tradition, are thrilled to announce that award-winning Impact Field will host the East Division American Association All-Star Game on July 11 and July 12. The jewel event will bring together the best talent from the American Association, along with two days of festivities for fans that include live music, autograph signing, pregame catch on the field and more. A skills competition between the athletes will also take place including a homerun derby and best throwing contest. The All-Star game will take place on July 12 beginning at 7pm at Impact Field in Rosemont (9850 Balmoral Ave., 60018).
“We are excited to be hosting the American Association mid-summer classic and would like to thank the owners and our commissioner for this great opportunity,” said Chicago Dogs owner Shawn Hunter. “This July, our fans will see the best players in our league showcase their talents in the skills competition and All-Star Game. With the continued support of Impact Networking and the Village of Rosemont, the Dogs look forward an unforgettable event.”
This is the first time the Chicago Dogs will host the American Association All-Star Game, which was originally planned for 2020. The Chicago Dogs are currently in 1st place in the East Division and coach Butch Hobson with football running back and son of Walter Payton, Jarret Payton. The West team honorary manager will be WGN sports anchor Pat Tomasulo with Joe Calfapietra of the Kansas City Monarchs (Monarchs are the league champions from 2022).
There will be seven Chicago Dogs players on the East team including: Ryan Clark (Pitcher), Ryan Lidge (Catcher), KC Hobson (Infielder), Grant Kay (Infielder), James Reeves (Pitcher), Paul Schwendel (Pitcher) and Danny Mars (Outfielder).
On July 11th, gates to the park will open at 5:30pm with the homerun derby starting at 7pm, followed by the longest throw contest. There will also be a historic delivery truck from Vienna Beef on display for fans to take photos in front of, as well as live music by local 80’s cover band Hi-Infidelity beginning at 8:30pm.
On July 12th, gates open at 5:30pm for the 7p All-Star game. To kick off the game, there will be pregame catch on the field from 5:30 – 6:15pm along with player autographs from 5:55 – 6:15pm.
“The American Association couldn’t be more excited to revive our annual All-Star Classic in Chicago this summer,” said Joshua Schaub, commissioner of the American Association. “For our players, coaches, clubs, and fans, it will serve as a celebration of American Association baseball and the great game that brings us together.”
The All-Star athletes will be sporting custom uniforms and the 2022 All-Star Game logo was designed by Dan Price, Brand Marketing Director of Adrenaline Sports Marketing, who has also done work for the U.S. Olympic Committee and NBA. Limited merchandise will be available for purchase.
Tickets for the All-Star game, starting at $9, are currently available at TheChicagoDogs.com/Allstar or by calling 847-636-5450. Premium seating opportunities are available at Impact Field’s luxury suites and Rivers Stadium Club. The Rivers Stadium Club includes access to an all-inclusive premium buffet provided by Levy Restaurants as well as beer, wine and soda. Tickets can be purchased in advance for the Rivers Stadium Club or a luxury suite by calling the box office.
Follow the team on social media at @TheChicagoDogs on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. For more information, visit TheChicagoDogs.com.
About The Chicago Dogs:
The Chicago Dogs are members of the American Association of Professional Baseball. Named after Chicago’s favorite and oldest culinary tradition, the Chicago Dogs’ logo features the colors and stars of the iconic Chicago flag. Home games are played at the state-of- the-art Impact Field located at 9850 Balmoral Avenue in Rosemont, Ill. The team is managed by former Boston Red Sox Manager, Butch Hobson, who brings more than 30 years of experience to Rosemont. Chicago Dogs games welcome fans of all ages for a one-of-a-kind experience where every day is fan appreciation day.
About Impact Field:
Impact Field is a 6,300-seat stadium located in Rosemont at the intersection of Balmoral Avenue and Pearl Street, west of I-294, at 9850 Balmoral Avenue. The ballpark serves as the home of the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball minor league team, the Chicago Dogs. Sponsored by Impact Networking, Impact Field offers a variety of different spaces and experiences for visitors including a private club, suites, field-level experience and more. Impact Field has been voted “Best Independent Ballpark in America” by “Ballpark Digest” in 2018 and 2019.