The Eastern League All-Star Game is coming to Hartford. The multiday event will be staged at Dunkin’ Donuts Park, home of the Yard Goats, in midsummer of 2021.
“We are honored that the Eastern League selected the Yard Goats and City of Hartford as hosts for the 2021 Eastern League All-Star Game,” Yard Goats President Tim Restall said Tuesday at a ceremony in which the announcement was made. “This speaks volumes about this community and our wonderful fans, and we look forward to putting on a great show.”
The Yard Goats, who led the league in attendance in 2019, their third full season in the downtown ballpark completed in 2017, were a logical choice to host a game sooner rather than later. Dunkin’ Donuts Park is considered one of the top venues in all minor-league baseball. Gov. Ned Lamont and Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin were at Dunkin’ Donuts Park for the announcement on Tuesday.
“The decision to bring the 2021 Eastern League All-Star game to Hartford reflects the complete community engagement the Yard Goats achieve,” Eastern League president Joe McEacharn said. “The nature of the multiple community opportunities will serve as additional tools to reach out and touch the entire community and really impact the lives of every walk of life in the Hartford area. The Yard Goats’ ownership and management made a compelling case on the impact their very significant investment to host the game can have in greater Hartford.”
The dates for the All-Star Game and its related events will be determined later. The Yankees’ Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts of the Red Sox’ Mookie Betts and the Mets’ Noah Syndergaard are among the many major-league stars who have played in recent EL All-Star Games.
Dom Amore can be reached at damore@courant.com
