Hoppers open 2026 tonight against Madisonville

The Hoptown Hoppers are scheduled to open their 2026 season tonight at Hopkinsville High School’s Tiger Field.

White’s Auto Mall is the sponsor tonight, and fans are encouraged to wear white shirts for a “White Out” against the Madisonville Miners. The Hoppers are beginning their 14th season in the Ohio Valley League.

Hoppers Board Member Carter Hendricks was a guest on the Early Bird Show this morning and said tonight’s opener should be special.

Chris Benne is back to manage the team this season. He guided the Hoppers to a fifth-place finsh and a 16-21 record last summer.

The team has several local players on the roster this year including Christian County’s Gage Montes and University Heights Academy’s Hayden Hunt and Jaiden Miles. Hunt and Miles won’t join the team until their high school team completes its season.

Former Hopkinsville High School star Gavin Powell, who played for the Hoppers last year, is back this season.

Russellville native Kade Wall and Taylor, Texas, native Dom Hartman also were on the Early Bird Show Friday and said they have heard about the Hoppers’ fans and are excited to play in Hoptown this summer.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. with airtime scheduled for 6:15 p.m. on 95.3 The Farm and 953thefarm.com.