Hot Springs Hosts Annual Baseball Weekend with Hall of Famers

Legendary players like Babe Ruth, Goose Gossage, and Fred McGriff to appear at 9th annual event

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Hot Springs, Arkansas will host its 9th Annual Hot Springs Baseball Weekend on August 7-8, 2026, featuring appearances by several Major League Baseball Hall of Famers and other legendary players. The event celebrates Hot Springs' history as the birthplace of MLB spring training, with Babe Ruth and other stars having honed their skills at the city's Majestic Park in the early 20th century.

Why it matters

The Hot Springs Baseball Weekend has become a must-attend event for sports fans, drawing visitors from across the country to experience the city's rich baseball heritage and interact with some of the game's all-time greats. The event also highlights Hot Springs' role in the evolution of professional baseball, as the city's mild climate and natural mineral springs made it an ideal location for spring training in the early 1900s.

The details

This year's event will feature appearances by Hall of Famers Goose Gossage, Fred McGriff, and Jack Morris, as well as other MLB legends like Dale Murphy and Bill "Spaceman" Lee. Fans can look forward to a baseball card show, player meet-and-greets, and other family-friendly activities. The 9th Annual Hot Springs Baseball Weekend is free to attend.

  • The 9th Annual Hot Springs Baseball Weekend will take place on August 7-8, 2026.
  • In 2025, a wreath was placed at the Babe Ruth statue at Majestic Park on the 77th anniversary of his death.

The players

Babe Ruth

One of the most legendary baseball players of all time, Babe Ruth honed his skills at Majestic Park in Hot Springs in the early years of his career with the Boston Red Sox.

Goose Gossage

A 9-time MLB All-Star and Baseball Hall of Famer who played from 1972 to 1994.

Fred McGriff

An MLB first baseman and Hall of Famer who played from 1986 to 2004.

Jack Morris

A four-time World Series winner and five-time MLB All-Star who played from 1977 to 1994.

Dale Murphy

A former MLB outfielder and first baseman who played from 1976 to 1993.

Bill "Spaceman" Lee

A former left-handed MLB pitcher who played for the Boston Red Sox and was inducted into the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2008.

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What they’re saying

“Did you know that Hot Springs, Arkansas, was the birthplace of Major League Baseball Spring training? Baseball legends like Babe Ruth honed their skills at Majestic Park, where Babe trained and practiced in the early years while playing for the Boston Red Sox.”

— KAR K (kygl.com)

What’s next

The 9th Annual Hot Springs Baseball Weekend is free to attend, and fans can visit HotSprings.org for more details.

The takeaway

The Hot Springs Baseball Weekend has become a must-attend event for sports fans, celebrating the city's rich baseball heritage and providing a unique opportunity to interact with some of the game's all-time greats. The event highlights Hot Springs' role in the evolution of professional baseball and its enduring appeal as a destination for baseball enthusiasts.