As part of All-Star Week, Magnolia Coast Sports is highlighting the minor league All-Star Games that have taken place in the Gulf South. Today, we turn the clock back to June 21, 2016, when Pearl, Mississippi played host to a star-studded Southern League All-Star Game at Trustmark Park.
(Trustmark Park hosted it’s second Southern League All-Star Game in 2016)
The Magnolia State took center stage during All-Star Week in 2016 when Trustmark Park welcomed the Southern League’s best and brightest for a night of baseball under the Pearl lights. It marked the second time the midsummer showcase was held at Trustmark Park (the first being in 2007), but this edition had extra buzz — and his name was Dansby Swanson.
Swanson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, was just weeks into his stint with the Double-A Mississippi Braves when the All-Star Game arrived in town. He was the hometown favorite and headliner for the North Division squad, drawing the loudest ovations during pregame introductions. Fans packed the stands not just for fireworks and festivities, but to get a glimpse of Atlanta’s future shortstop — and he didn’t disappoint.
Swanson went 1-for-2 on the night, showcasing his trademark poise and plate discipline. His lone hit was a sharp single to left that ignited a rally in the fourth inning. Behind him, the North Division lineup flexed its muscle early and often, racking up a 5-1 win over the South Division in front of an enthusiastic Mississippi crowd.
The North struck first in the second inning on an RBI double by Jackson’s Tyler O’Neill, a power-hitting outfielder who would go on to win a Gold Glove and slug 34 homers for the Cardinals in 2021. They tacked on more runs in the fourth and fifth innings, with Biloxi’s Jacob Nottingham and Pensacola’s Brandon Dixon adding key hits to pad the lead.
On the mound, the North’s pitching staff was dominant. Mississippi’s own Lucas Sims threw a scoreless inning, striking out two and hitting 96 mph on the gun. He was joined by Chattanooga’s Aaron Slegers and Jackson’s Ryan Yarbrough — both of whom turned in efficient, clean outings. The South managed just four hits in total, and their lone run came via a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning.
Off the field, the 2016 All-Star festivities brought life to the Trustmark Park concourse. Over 4,100 fans enjoyed a home run derby, autograph sessions with rising stars, and local food vendors giving the event a strong Mississippi flavor. Braves alumni were in attendance, and the M-Braves front office was praised league-wide for delivering a first-class experience.
Other notables from the game included Jake Bauers (Montgomery), who drew a walk and played solid defense at first base; and Chad Wallach (Jacksonville), who worked behind the plate for the South and later carved out a big league career as a backup catcher. The game also featured pitchers like Jordan Guerrero (Birmingham) and Tayron Guerrero (Jacksonville), both of whom reached the majors in the following seasons. Mobile native and Pensacola Blue Wahoos outfielder Philip Ervin would win the MVP award for the game.
Looking back, the 2016 Southern League All-Star Game now reads like a who’s who of future big leaguers. Swanson would make his MLB debut just two months later, eventually becoming a World Series champion and Gold Glove winner. Yarbrough and Sims would pitch in the postseason. O’Neill would become a household name in St. Louis. And Ervin would have a four year stint with the Reds and one season with the Mariners.
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