Five baseball figures with lasting ties to the game’s history and culture will take center stage Sept. 26 in Kansas City for the 2026 Hall of Game induction ceremony.

The 2026 Hall of Game induction ceremony is set for 8 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Gem Theater in Kansas City, Missouri, bringing together a distinguished class of former Major League Baseball stars and a pioneering sports journalist.

Hosted by the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM), the ceremony will honor Ralph Garr, Gary Matthews Sr., Reggie Smith, Andre Thornton and Rob Parker for their contributions to baseball on and off the field.

Established in 1990, the (NLBM) received a significant national distinction in July 2006, when Congress officially designated it as the nation's only public museum dedicated exclusively to interpreting, preserving, and celebrating African American baseball history and its connection to America's social advancement.

2026 Hall of Game Induction Class

Ralph Garr

Known as “The Roadrunner,” Garr was one of the most dynamic contact hitters and fastest players of the 1970s. His speed made him a constant threat on the bases and helped turn routine plays into extra-base opportunities.

Garr played 13 MLB seasons from 1969-80, spending the majority of his career with the Atlanta Braves before also playing for the Chicago White Sox and California Angels.

His best season came in 1974, when he captured the National League batting title with a .353 average.

Gary Matthews Sr.

Matthews built a reputation for his aggressive approach, leadership and presence in the clubhouse.

Matthews broke into the majors with the San Francisco Giants and earned 1973 National League Rookie of the Year honors after hitting .300 with 12 home runs and 10 triples.

He later became a key figure for the Philadelphia Phillies, where teammate Pete Rose gave him the nickname “Sarge,” reflecting Matthews’ take-charge personality and leadership.

Reggie Smith

A seven-time All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner, Smith established himself as one of the most accomplished all-around players of his generation.

He earned All-Star selections with three franchises: twice with the Boston Red Sox, twice with the St. Louis Cardinals and three times with the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 1968, Smith won a Gold Glove for his defensive excellence in center field.

Smith also combined power, patience and switch-hitting ability throughout his career, finishing with a 64.6 career WAR (Wins Above Replacement), according to Baseball-Reference.

Andre Thornton

Thornton spent 14 seasons in the majors from 1973-87, beginning his career with the Chicago Cubs and Montreal Expos before establishing his legacy with the Cleveland Indians.

Thornton spent 11 seasons in Cleveland and became one of the franchise's most recognizable players during his tenure.

He earned two American League All-Star selections in 1982 and 1984, anchoring Cleveland's lineup during the most productive stretch of his career.

Rob Parker

The class also recognizes contributions beyond the field through sports journalist, author and media personality Rob Parker, recipient of the second annual J.L. Wilkinson “Innovator” Award.

Parker is being honored for creating MLBbro.com, a digital multimedia platform focused on the stories and accomplishments of Black and Brown Major League Baseball players, both past and present.

Through the platform, Parker has worked to connect baseball's history with its modern game, highlighting players whose contributions have helped shape Major League Baseball.

The 2026 Hall of Game class represents more than individual accomplishments. From Garr's speed and batting ability to Smith's all-around excellence, Thornton's impact in Cleveland, Matthews' leadership and Parker's work preserving baseball stories, each honoree brings a distinct chapter to the game's history.

On Sept. 26, Kansas City will provide the stage as five influential figures are recognized for the marks they have left on baseball and the generations that continue to follow it.