(AKRON, OHIO) November 4, 2026 – The Akron RubberDucks announce 11-year MLB veteran Len Barker will headline the 2027 RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet presented by BFG Federal Credit Union on Friday, February 19, 2027, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Akron.
Barker is the last pitcher in Cleveland baseball history to throw a no-hitter when he tossed a perfect game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium on May 15, 1981 against the Toronto Blue Jays. Overall he spent 11 seasons in MLB pitching for the Rangers, Indians, Braves and Brewers. Barker was an American League All-Star in 1981 and spent five of his 11 seasons with Cleveland.
“We are thrilled to have Len Barker in Akron to headline the 2027 Hot Stove Banquet,” RubberDucks President and General Manager Noel Blaha said. “From a long playing career to coaching local college baseball, Large Lenny has a great baseball story to share. I know fans will be excited to spend a perfect evening with Len Barker on February 19.”
The doors open at 4:30 p.m. for cocktails and the silent auction featuring autographed items from members of the 2026 RubberDucks and prizes from the local community.
Starting at 6:30 p.m., dinner will be served (vegetarian option available), followed by the program emceed by Ray Horner, host of the Ray Horner Morning Show on Akron’s own 1590/93.5 WAKR.
The RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet presented by BFG Federal Credit Union is open to the public, and tickets may be purchased for $150 per person or $1000 for a table (eight people). Fans can purchase their tickets now by calling 330-253-5151 or visiting akronrubberducks.com.
2027 RubberDucks Hot Stove Banquet presented by BFG Federal Credit Union Details
When: Friday, February 19 at 4:30 p.m. (Doors) and 6:30 p.m. (Dinner), with program Q&A to follow
Where: Hilton Garden Inn – Akron (1307 E. Market St., Akron, Ohio 44305)
Who: Len Barker
Tickets: $150 per person; $1000 per table of eight
To Purchase: Call 330-253-5151 or Visit here
About the Akron RubberDucks
The Akron RubberDucks are the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians. The RubberDucks 2027 season at 7 17 Credit Union Park begins on Friday, April 2 at 7:17 p.m. against the Erie SeaWolves. Fans can purchase tickets by calling 330-253-5151 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, or visit akronrubberducks.com/. For more information about the team, please call 330-253-5151, visit the website at akronrubberducks.com, Facebook page facebook.com/AkronRubberDucks, or on X (formerly Twitter) @AkronRubberDuck, and Instagram @akronrubberducks.
About Prospector Baseball Group
Prospector Baseball Group (PBG) is an operator-led platform creating the most advanced and community-connected family of Minor League Baseball clubs in the U.S. Combining deep operational expertise, long-term stewardship, and cutting-edge technology, PBG empowers local leadership to strengthen club operations, enhance the fan experience, and create lasting value. PBG’s model unifies locally cherished clubs under a collaborative, modern system that elevates every element of the game while emphasizing what makes each team uniquely beloved by its fans. For more information, visit www.prospectorbaseball.com.