DATE: August 5, 2026
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, Arkansas — Babe Ruth’s great-grandson will be on hand Saturday and Sunday as part of the expanded baseball card show that is one of the highlights of the Ninth Annual Hot Springs Baseball Weekend at the city’s Convention Center.
“Brent Stevens, the Bambino’s great-grandson, will be here in Hot Springs, where the immortal Babe trained and played in the early part of the 20th Century,” said Derek Phillips, organizer of this year’s celebration of Hot Springs’ role as The Birthplace of Major League Baseball Springs Training. “Babe Ruth was such an important part of Hot Springs’ history that we created an eight-foot bronze statue of him to stand at the entrance to our Majestic Park baseball complex.” Phillips is general manager of Majestic Park.
“Stevens will be joined by six legendary Major League players who will greet fans and participate in free panels and discussions,” Phillips said. “This year’s lineup includes Baseball Hall of Fame members Fred McGriff and Jack Morris, Dave “Smoke” Stewart, Dale Murphy, Bill “Spaceman” Lee and Al Hrabosky. McGriff, Stewart and Morris will be first-timers at the annual celebration, which includes talks by the legends, interaction with fans, a huge baseball card show and other activities. It’s all free and open to the public.”
Brent Stevens will be at the Baseball Weekend card show to promote
the book Out of the Mouth of Babe: Babe Ruth on Life: Pitching, Hitting, Striking Out, and Coming Back Swinging.
The book was compiled by Brent Stevens, Kelly Bennett and Stu Dressler. Foreword segments were written by Ruth’s grandson, Tom Stevens, and Marty Appel, former public relations director for the New York Yankees.
The book features more than 85 direct quotes from Babe Ruth and includes rare archival photographs, some from the personal Ruth-Stevens family collection. It was named a winner at the 2025 America Book Fest Best Book Awards.
The Ninth Annual Hot Springs Baseball Weekend has been expanded to three days — Friday through Sunday — with the additional day devoted to the bigger and better baseball card show.
The full schedule for this year’s Hot Springs Baseball Weekend (all events in the Convention Center’s Horner Hall unless otherwise noted):
FRIDAY
• 7:30 p.m. – Free screening of the documentary “The Battered Bastards of Baseball”.
The first 200 guests will receive a complimentary Weekend poster.
SATURDAY
• 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. – Society for American Baseball Research
(SABR) Meeting. Non-members welcome. Speaker: Frank Amoroso author of the new book “ Ode to the Baseball Gods: Epic Battle in Hot Springs. (Room 201)
• 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Baseball Card Show in the Grand Lobby.
• 9 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. – The Ultimate Ace- Dave “Smoke” Stewart
Dave Stewart’s career is a masterclass in mental toughness and perseverance.
A three-time world champion and the 1989 World Series MVP, “Smoke” Stewart is remembered as the ultimate ace. Hear about his career in MLB where he was not just a great player a player but also a pitching coach, general manager and mentor to many.
• 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Fire Up the Tomahawk Chop: A Career
Retrospective with Fred McGriff
Relive the magic of ‘90s baseball with the man who helped bring a title to Atlanta. Fred McGriff shares behind-the- scenes stories from the clubhouse, the pressure of the postseason, and his memories of playing alongside fellow legends. Fans will have the chance to hear “The Crime Dog” reflect on his favorite career milestones and his perspective on the state of the modern game.
• 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Dale Murphy and the Rise of the Braves
Sit down with Braves legend Dale Murphy as he discusses the defining moments of his 15 seasons in Atlanta. Beyond the 398 career home runs and seven All-Star selections, Murphy was known for his “squeaky-clean” image and leadership both on and off the field. This session explores his transition from a struggling young prospect to back-to-back MVP, his thoughts on the Hall of Fame, and his enduring legacy as a role model for the next generation.
• 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Ten Innings of Glory: Jack Morris and the Art of the Big Game
Sit down with four-time World Series champion Jack Morris as he discusses his storied career. From his legendary 10-inning shutout in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series —often called the greatest pitching performance in postseason history — to his no-hitter in 1984, Morris was the ace you wanted on the mound when the season was on the line. Hear firsthand stories about his championship runs with the Tigers, Twins and Blue Jays.
• 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Outspoken & Unplugged: If Bill Lee and
Al Hrabosky Were MLB Commissioner for a Day
Get ready for a high-energy session with two fan favorites brought back by popular demand. Bill “Spaceman” Lee, known for his eccentric views and colorful stories, joins Cardinal legend Al Hrabosky to debate what they would change if they held the top job in baseball for just 24 hours. Expect a lively conversation covering everything from the pitch clock and “robo-umps” to what they think about the use of statistics in today’s game.
• 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – The Legends of the Diamond: An Unfiltered Q&A with
Baseball’s Greatest
For the first time this weekend, we bring all of our guest legends together on one stage. Join Hall of Famers Fred McGriff and Jack Morris, alongside fan favorites Dave Stewart, Dale Murphy, Bill Lee, and Al “The Mad Hungarian” Hrabosky for a wide-ranging discussion. From clubhouse secrets and World Series heroics to their candid thoughts on today’s game, no topic is off-limits. This is your chance to ask your burning questions to six men who defined eras of baseball history.
SUNDAY
• 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Baseball Card Show Continues in the Grand Lobby.
For more information call Derek Phillips at 501-359-2414.