If it’s mid-June, there’s a minor league All-Star game somewhere.
The Florida State League kicked off the parade this year on the 17th in Lakeland, Florida, home of the Flying Tigers. I’m still trying to figure out if they used a commemorative game ball.
On the 20th there are no fewer than five ASGs! Here’s a breakdown in terms of game ball availability:
The California League reportedly did not commission a game ball, and neither did the Midwest League. This is a missed opportunity for the Cali League, as 2017 is the first year they’ve not teamed with the Carolina League for the event since 1995.
The Columbia Fireflies are playing host to this year’s Sally League ASG, and they’ve made the game balls available in their online store. Kudos to the Fireflies!
Rounding out this busy Tuesday are the aforementioned Carolina League, hosted by the Salem Red Sox, and the Southern League, hosted by the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Availability of those balls (or even their existence) is pending confirmation.
Finally on June 27th the Texas League wraps up the month in Frisco, Texas, home of the RoughRiders. A special ASG ball will be used, but apparently will not be made available online, so call the store the day of the game.
Check back in a couple of weeks and I’ll have updates on the ASGs coming in July.