LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Little Rock Baseball is set to welcome fans, alumni, and supporters for one of its most anticipated annual traditions as the 11th Annual First Pitch Banquet returns to campus on Thursday, January 22. The event begins at 6 p.m. on Joe Foley Court at the Jack Stephens Center. Serving as the official kickoff to the 2026 Trojan Baseball season, this year's banquet arrives at a time of unprecedented excitement surrounding the program.
After capturing both the Ohio Valley Conference regular-season and tournament championships in each of the past two seasons - and following last year's unforgettable postseason run to the NCAA Tournament's Baton Rouge Regional Final - the Trojans enter 2026 with momentum at a fever pitch. The event offers the Trojan community a unique opportunity to celebrate recent success, connect with fellow supporters, and get an inside look at what lies ahead for the program.
"We're excited to have Kyle Peterson for the annual First Pitch Banquet," said Head Coach
Chris Curry. "The anticipation for the upcoming season is at an all-time high, coming off of the success of last year's postseason run. We can't wait to introduce the 2026 Trojans to the community. Please join us in supporting this year's team and gathering with the Trojan Baseball family."
The featured guest for the evening will be ESPN's Kyle Peterson, widely regarded as one of the premier voices in the sport and a cornerstone of college baseball coverage for more than two decades.
Peterson joined ESPN in 2003 and has since served as a primary analyst for regular-season and postseason broadcasts, including extensive work at the College World Series. He anchors ESPN's College Baseball Selection Show, appears throughout Bases Loaded coverage during NCAA Regionals, and is the lead voice of the ESPNU Thursday Night SEC Baseball Game of the Week. In addition, his work includes field reporting and analysis for Major League Baseball and the Little League World Series.
"Having ESPN's Kyle Peterson join us is a great honor," Curry said. "He is one of the most knowledgeable voices in all of college baseball. Our fans will enjoy his insights."
Before his broadcasting career, Peterson was a standout collegiate pitcher at Stanford University, earning National Freshman of the Year honors in 1995 after going 14–1 with a 2.96 ERA. He was twice named Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year (1995, 1997) and helped lead the Cardinal to the College World Series both seasons. Peterson was selected in the first round of the 1997 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers (13th overall).
His expertise, credibility, and passion for growing the game have made him one of the most respected figures in college baseball media.
To purchase individual tickets or table sponsorships, please check out the following link:
2026 First Pitch Banquet
For more information regarding tickets and sponsorships, please contact Associate AD for Development
Noah Henkell at (501) 916-5349 or
nhenkell@ualr.edu.
