From Dickey-Stephens Park to Bristol: Texas League connections in the Speedway Classic

Written By Apo August 2, 2025 Add Comment

BRISTOL, Tenn. – On Saturday night, Fox will feature a historic Major League Baseball showcase in the form of the Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway between the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves. The iconic venue will be home to a record crowd for the first-ever baseball game inside a racetrack.

In addition to featuring players like Elly De La Cruz and Austin Riley, the Speedway Classic rosters also feature players with ties to both Arkansas minor league teams.

Seattle Mariners' Jarred Kelenic, left, is congratulated by teammate Jake Fraley, right, after they both scored on a triple hit by Dylan Moore against the Oakland Athletics during the fourth inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Jarred Kelenic of the Arkansas Travelers looks on after hitting a ball in North Little Rock during the 2019 season. (Arkansas Travelers/Mark Wagner)
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jarred Kelenic (24) makes a throw from right field in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Monday, April 21, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)
Arkansas Travelers' Jake Fraley looks on after making contact with a ball in North Little Rock during the 2019 season. (Arkansas Travelers/Mark Wagner)
Cincinnati Reds' Jake Fraley dives safely into home plate to score on a double hit by Tyler Stephenson during the second inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Thursday, July 31, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Seattle Mariners' Jake Fraley, center, celebrates his three-run home run with Jarred Kelenic, left, and Taylor Trammell during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim, Calif., Thursday, June 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Though they were each drafted by different teams and will be in opposing dugouts during the Speedway Classic, Jarred Kelenic of the Braves and Jake Fraley of the Reds have been teammates multiple times during their career.

Both played with the Travelers during the 2019 season and they also each spent time with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers and the Seattle Mariners during the 2021 season prior to parting ways.

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Scott Barlow throws against the Colorado Rockies during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 13, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brady Singer throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

A pair of current Reds pitchers also once called the Natural State home as members of the Kansas City Royals system. Scott Barlow played for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals during the 2018 season and Brady Singer called the Naturals home during the 2019 season.

Other Reds players in Saturday’s game with ties to the Texas League include Gavin Lux formerly of the Tulsa Drillers and Spencer Steer a former member of the Wichita Wind Surge.

Atlanta’s roster features Frisco Roughriders alum Jurickson Profar as well as Nick Allen, Sean Murphy and Matt Olson who once played in the Athletics system for the Midland RockHounds.

The Speedway Classic might be one of baseball’s newest traditions, but it also presents a spectacle fitting of the stadium the game calls home. You can watch the action Saturday night on Fox 16.

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