Legends to host 2016 South Atlantic League All-Star Game

The Lexington Legends will host the 2016 South Atlantic League All-Star Game at Whitaker Bank Ballpark, the team announced Friday.

Lexington has hosted the game only once previously, in 2003.

The game is scheduled for June 21, 2016.

The All-Star Game matches the Northern Division against the Southern Division, and players are chosen from the seven teams in each division through voting by managers, coaches, team officials and fans.

"This is a tremendous honor and privilege for the Legends to represent our city with the South Atlantic League All-Star Game and events surrounding the game," said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea. "We are excited to celebrate with our fans and to show off our city and Whitaker Bank Ballpark to visiting team executives and staff members, as well as the all-star players and coaches, and of course, the fans."

Baseball Hall of Fame members Nolan Ryan, Steve Carlton, Tom Glavine, Ryne Sandberg and Willie Stargell are among many of baseball's brightest stars who played in the South Atlantic League All-Star Game over the years. Derek Jeter is an SAL all-star alumnus, as are 2015 major league all-stars Bryce Harper, Jose Altuve and J.D. Martinez, among others. Altuve and Martinez both played for the Legends in 2010. Lexington native Robbie Ross of the Boston Red Sox was an SAL all-star with Hickory in 2010.

The All-Star Game caps two days of fun and entertainment in the host city. The Legends will announce plans later for a variety of events leading up to the game.

Plans for ticket sales will also be announced soon.

The last time the game was held in Lexington, the Southern Division won 3-2 in 2003.

This story was originally published August 28, 2015 at 5:35 PM with the headline "Legends to host 2016 South Atlantic League All-Star Game."