Former MLB All-Star Steve Rogers Throws First Pitch at Mickey Mantle Classic

Rogers, a Springfield, Missouri native, made his first appearance at the annual youth baseball tournament in Oklahoma.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:51pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a youth baseball game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conceptually representing the sport's rich history and the tournament's role in inspiring young athletes.A former MLB star's ceremonial first pitch kicks off a youth baseball tournament's championship weekend, connecting the next generation to the sport's storied past.Springfield Today

Ahead of the championship weekend at the Mickey Mantle Classic Tournament in Commerce, Oklahoma, former five-time MLB All-Star Steve Rogers threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Rogers, who was born in Jefferson City and raised in Springfield, Missouri, enjoyed a decorated 13-year career with the Montreal Expos and is the franchise's all-time leader in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts.

Why it matters

The Mickey Mantle Classic is a prestigious youth baseball tournament that draws top talent from across the region. Rogers' appearance as a special guest and keynote speaker provides an opportunity for young players to connect with a baseball legend and be inspired to pursue their own dreams of making it to the major leagues.

The details

After Labette County defeated Rose Hill 6-4 in the semifinal round, Rogers was welcomed to Mickey Mantle Field in Commerce, Oklahoma to throw out the first pitch. During his playing days, Rogers became the Montreal Expos' all-time leader in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts. This was his first time attending the Mickey Mantle Classic, and he expressed his passion for giving back to the next generation of baseball players.

  • Rogers threw out the first pitch ahead of the championship weekend at the Mickey Mantle Classic Tournament.
  • Rogers was the keynote speaker at the Mickey Mantle banquet following the games over the weekend.

The players

Steve Rogers

A former five-time MLB All-Star who played 13 seasons with the Montreal Expos, and is the franchise's all-time leader in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts.

Labette County

A team that competed in the semifinal round of the Mickey Mantle Classic Tournament, defeating Rose Hill 6-4.

Rose Hill

A team that competed in the semifinal round of the Mickey Mantle Classic Tournament, losing to Labette County 6-4.

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What they’re saying

“[My passion for giving back] goes all the way back to my playing days in the big leagues. Ever since then, being involved has been very important to me. I hope at the end of this [these players] can say, 'you know, that could be me one day.'”

— Steve Rogers, Former MLB All-Star

The takeaway

Rogers' appearance at the Mickey Mantle Classic Tournament as a special guest and keynote speaker provides a unique opportunity for young baseball players to connect with a legendary MLB player and be inspired to pursue their own dreams of making it to the major leagues.