CLEBURNE, Texas – Two Cleburne Railroaders represented the East Division All-Stars in Lincoln, Nebraska, as part of the American Association of Professional Baseball’s All-Star activities on Wednesday, July 15 hosted at Haymarket Park.
Both outfielder Caleb McNeely and pitcher Ryder Yakel made an appearance for the East Division in a 9-3 win over the West Division. McNeely put the cherry on top in the win with a solo home run to right field in the seventh inning, giving the East Division its ninth run of the evening.
McNeely, in his first All-Star appearance, got a pitch a bit down and slightly away that he lashed high in the air to the opposite field. It easily cleared the wall into the right-field bullpen, which was hosting the East Division relievers who gave their All-Star teammate a celebratory fist pump.
It’s more of the same for McNeely, who has been Cleburne’s hottest hitter prior to the All-Star break. McNeely also homered in the final game prior to the break, his ninth of the regular season. His .325 average at the break leads all hitters with 150 or more plate appearances in 2026 for the Railroaders.
Yakel appeared out of the bullpen for a brief cameo in his first All-Star appearance. Former Railroaders catcher, Jaxx Groshanns, was named the 2026 All-Star MVP.
The two now return to Cleburne, where the Railroaders prepare for a seven-game homestand featuring two opponents. First up will be the Sioux City Explorers for a three-game series Friday through Sunday. The league-leading Kansas City Monarchs roll into La Moderna Field starting Monday, July 20, for a four-game series. Wednesday’s homestand finale will be a doubleheader, with the first game starting at 4:05 p.m.
Cleburne currently sits one game over .500 at 27-26 in third place in the East Division, 5.5 games back of first place. Cleburne occupies a playoff spot by 4.5 games over Gary SouthShore (22-30).
Railroaders fans will not want to miss Friday’s giveaway at La Moderna Field. The first 500 fans will receive a team baseball card set.
This season, we have added a twist: Twenty-five lucky fans will have a golden ticket in their pack. In the first 250 card sets, 25 golden tickets will be distributed. That means 1 in 10 of the first 250 card sets will feature a golden ticket. Prizes for golden ticket holders include team-signed memorabilia, tickets, a suite night experience and more.
Saturday night, July 18, the Cleburne Railroaders will honor first responders with First Responders Night presented by the Cleburne Times-Review. On July 18, first responders can show their ID or badge at the box office and receive free entry (one ticket), half off up to three additional tickets and 25% off both concessions and the team store.
Friday, July 17 (Baseball Card Giveaway) – vs. Sioux City Explorers
Saturday, July 18 (First Responders Night) – vs. Sioux City Explorers
Sunday, July 19 (Wild West Night) – vs. Sioux City Explorers
Monday, July 20 – vs. Kansas City Monarchs
Tuesday, July 21 – vs. Kansas City Monarchs
Wednesday, July 22 (Doubleheader) – vs. Kansas City Monarchs
