Not all of Lexington’s legends are found in history books. They also play ball!
Editor’s Note: As Lexington celebrates the 250th anniversary of its founding, the Herald-Leader and kentucky.com each day throughout 2025 will share interesting facts about our hometown. Compiled by Liz Carey, all are notable moments in the city’s history - some funny, some sad, others heartbreaking or celebratory, and some just downright strange.
They decided to build it, and Lexington did indeed come.
They came in droves, actually.
On April 10, 2001, the Lexington Legends debuted at Applebee’s Park on North Broadway. It was the first time there had been a professional baseball team in Lexington since 1954, and the stadium was packed. Reports said a crowd of more than 8,000 attended the game that night — sipping a cool beer, having a hot dog, laying on a blanket outside the outfield lines or schmoozing it up corporate suites — to watch the Legends beat the Hagerstown Suns 15-1.
The Legends are under new ownership now, and will start its 25th anniversary season on April 25 against the Charleston (W.Va.) Dirty Birds. Former college and minor league pitcher Paul Fletcher will head the team having previously worked as a scout for the San Diego Padres, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates.
“I’m thrilled to be part of such a respected organization,” he said in a team news release. “The 25th anniversary season is a special time for the Legends, and I’m looking forward to helping the team succeed and deliver a memorable experience for our fans.”
Lexington loves its team back. On Jan. 30 this year, Mayor Linda Gordon declared the day “Lexington Legends Day.” Team owner Alan Stein said the team’s longevity is all about fans in the city coming to the games.
“The Lexington Legends belong to the community. We are just the caretakers, and the community owns and operates, and enjoys this team,” he said during a celebration earlier this year.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary, the team will be giving out “birthday presents” all year round, general manager Justin Ferrarella said. This season will be packed with promotions, fun and all the things fans want to see when they go to a minor league game.
Just like on that first night, the team will sport some one of a kind memorabilia during opening weekend. In March, the team announced a partnership with Maker’s Mark.
“The Kentucky Bourbon brand brings Kentucky heritage into the ballpark this year, featuring a 25th anniversary dipped baseball, featuring the iconic red wax,” team officials wrote on their Facebook page.
The first 1,000 fans over the age of 21 will be able to participate in an exclusive giveaway of Lexington Legends baseballs dipped in Makers’ Mark signature red wax and a pregame concert.
Fans can expect a fireworks show sponsored by Maker’s Mark after the April 26 game, as well.
Have a question or story idea related to Lexington’s 250-year history? Let us know at 250LexKy@gmail.com
