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ALTON - The Alton River Dragons will host a Teddy Bear Toss Saturday night, July 11, 2026, in Alton at Lloyd Hopkins Field, inviting fans to bring new stuffed animals to throw onto the field during the team’s game against the O’Fallon Hoots.
The Second Annual Teddy Bear Toss Night is scheduled for the River Dragons’ 6:35 p.m. game Saturday. Guests are encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal to donate to local children and families. The toss will happen when the River Dragons pitcher records his first strikeout with either no one on base or to end an inning.
“Our first one last year was a tremendous success,” River Dragons Vice President of Broadcasting Scott Montesano said. “This is about more than baseball, as we continue to emphasize being a part of the community and creating a true Baseball Entertainment atmosphere at our home games.”
The team said the stuffed animals collected on the field will be donated locally. Montesano said on C.J. Nasello’s “Our Daily Show” that last year “a couple hundred” stuffed animals were donated to OSF and that this year donations will probably go to OSF and Community Hope Center.
While teddy bear tosses are common in minor league hockey, the River Dragons said Saturday’s event is recognized as the only teddy bear toss in organized minor league baseball.
“We have teams reaching out to us across all levels of baseball interested in the script and execution plan,” Montesano said.
The River Dragons also highlighted two players selected for the Prospect League All-Star Game in Lafayette, Indiana: Brandon Gour and Ethan Wielt.
“We have two all-stars - Brandon Gour and Ethan Wielt,” Montesano said on the show.
Montesano also said the club is focused on the fan experience alongside its on-field product.
"Absolutely, let me stress we will fix it on the field. The area deserves a winner - things are in motion for next year to be better. We are doing now what we can control," Montesano said. "It is baseball entertainment; baseball brings people out, and even if you are not a big sports fan, it is fun to come out to a game for not only the baseball play, but music, promotions and camaraderie."
He also pointed to the team’s role in the community.
"We provide a good community experience for a couple hundred people every night," he said. "It is a great place to see people."
"The big thing I hope is people recognize Steve Marso and the River Dragons' commitment to the area and how much Steve gives back to the community," Montesano added.
The Alton River Dragons also announced that Bluey will make a special appearance at the ballpark on Sunday, July 12, 2026.
