Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) With the home opener just 6 days away, the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes will kick off 100 years of baseball this season at Robin Roberts Stadium.

Shoes Chief Storyteller Jamie Toole dropped by the WTAX Morning Newswatch to discuss that and some of the other things happening for the team this year. Toole noted May 12th was the actual 100th Anniversary for Robin Roberts since the first game when the Springfield Senators hosted the Terre Haute Tots.  12,000 people were in attendance for that game and then-baseball commissioner Kennisaw Mountain Landis threw out the first pitch. June 12th, the Lucky Horseshoes and the Terre Haute Recs will play a throwback game as the Senators and the Tots.

Springfield will also host the Prospect League All Star Game, which will bring all kinds of fans, players, and families to the Capitol City. Toole said the team looks good this year with most of the team being local, including Enrico Veach, who played for Springfield High, Louis Bartletti, and Jack Sweeny are on the roster this season.

And some improvements have been made to the ballpark this year, including a new bar with mixed drinks and a 4th craft beer created by Engrained Brewing Company.

To hear the full conversation with WTAX’s Joey McLaughlin, go to “podcasts” and “Morning Newswatch” at Capitol City Now. For more information on the Lucky Horseshoes schedule, promotions, and other events, log on to Springfield Lucky Horseshoe’s website.