Arkansas State University will host its annual Grand Slam Banquet on January 30, 2026, at the Red Wolf Convention Center in Embassy Suites by Hilton. The event will feature former Major League Baseball manager and player Michael Hargrove and his wife Sharon Hargrove as keynote speakers.
Head coach Mike Silva commented on the upcoming event, stating, “We are incredibly honored to welcome Mike and Sharon Hargrove to Arkansas State. Mike’s career in Major League Baseball speaks for itself, but what impresses me even more is the character, integrity, and humility that both he and Sharon embody. Their message will be powerful for our players, our supporters, and everyone who loves this game.”
Michael Hargrove played 12 seasons in Major League Baseball with a .290 batting average. He was named AL Rookie of the Year after being drafted in the 25th round and became a 1975 All-Star. His playing career included time with the Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, and Cleveland teams. Over his career, he recorded 1,614 hits, 80 home runs, and 686 RBIs.
After retiring as a player, Hargrove managed three different teams over a 21-year coaching career. He started managing minor league teams before joining the Cleveland Indians staff as first base coach in 1990. He became manager in 1991 and led the team to five consecutive AL Central pennants and World Series appearances in 1995 and 1997. He later managed the Baltimore Orioles for four seasons before taking over the Seattle Mariners in 2005.
Hargrove has been recognized by several halls of fame including those of Cleveland’s Guardians franchise (formerly Indians), Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame, NAIA Hall of Fame, and Northwestern Oklahoma State University Hall of Fame.
Michael Hargrove has been married to Sharon for more than fifty years; they met as high school students in Perryton, Texas. Sharon chronicled her experiences throughout Michael’s baseball journey in her book Safe at Home: A Baseball Wife’s Story.
The Grand Slam Banquet is presented by Kalmer Solutions and serves as a major fundraising event for Arkansas State Baseball. The evening includes a VIP Reception with Michael and Sharon Hargrove, a silent auction, opportunities to meet coaches and players from Arkansas State Red Wolves Men’s Baseball program https://astateredwolves.com/sports/baseball, as well as dinner.
Individual tickets are priced at $100; tables seating eight cost $1,500 while tables seating ten are available for $2,500. Those purchasing Grand Slam Table Sponsorships can request to sit with an Arkansas State coach or player (one seat reserved). An add-on ticket option provides access to an exclusive VIP Meet & Greet session with Michael and Sharon Hargrove prior to the banquet.
Sponsorship packages offer various benefits such as premium visibility during the event or special seating requests with coaches or players. Available sponsorship levels include Beverage Sponsor ($5,000), Entertainment Sponsor ($4,000), Grand Slam Table Sponsor ($2,500), and Homerun Table Sponsor ($1,500).
Kalmer Solutions is this year’s presenting sponsor for both the banquet itself and VIP reception featuring the Hargroves.
Tickets along with table reservations or sponsorship packages may be purchased online through Arkansas State Athletics’ official website https://astateredwolves.com/sports/baseball. For further information about attendance or sponsorships contact Maggie Turner at mturner@astate.edu or call 870-972-2906.
