MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) — Middle Tennessee baseball is warming up winter once again with the 53rd Annual Groundhog Day Luncheon, set for Monday, Feb. 2, at 11:30 a.m. in the MTSU Student Union Ballroom, 1768 MTSU Blvd. And yes — even with recent ice and snow, fans are encouraged not to let “weather distractions” keep them from this long-running Blue Raider tradition.

The event, a staple since 1973, brings together fans, former players, and supporters for a first look at the upcoming baseball season. It’s part pep rally, part family reunion, and part tribute to the quirky, baseball-loving spirit that has shaped the program for more than five decades.

A highlight each year is the presentation of the Railbird Jacket Award, now in its 39th year. The honor is given to someone who has made a significant impact on MTSU baseball. Last year’s recipient was former Blue Raider and Major League infielder Jason Maxwell. The “Railbirds” themselves — the early-arriving, fence-leaning superfans who line the rails at Reese Smith Jr. Field — remain one of the most beloved parts of Blue Raider baseball culture.

Tickets are available now: $30 for baseball alumni, $35 for general admission (advance), or $250 for a table of 10. Each ticket includes lunch, featuring the traditional menu of ham hocks, white beans, cucumber-tomato salad, green onions, cornbread, and either chocolate cake or ice cream. A silent auction will offer exclusive items and Blue Raider experiences, and table sponsorships are also available.

The luncheon traces its roots to the late Coach Steve Peterson, who transformed Groundhog Day into a Blue Raider baseball holiday. Peterson’s playful “groundhog predictions” — part weather folklore, part baseball optimism — became a fan favorite. His lighthearted, folksy tone made the event feel like a family gathering, and though he passed away in 2020, his spirit still shapes the day.

Today’s luncheon is more focused on team previews and early-season expectations, but the upbeat, “spring is coming” energy remains. Head Coach Jerry Meyers, known for his detail-driven, development-focused approach, is expected to highlight pitching depth, team identity, facility momentum, and how the team’s No. 25 national ranking sets the tone for 2026. He’ll also honor Peterson’s legacy and the community that keeps the tradition alive.

Fans will also hear plenty about Reese Smith Jr. Field, widely regarded as one of the top collegiate baseball venues in the nation, featuring pro-level dimensions, upgraded seating, and a fan-friendly layout.

Blue Raider baseball gets rolling at 3:00 p.m. on Feb. 13, 2026, when Middle Tennessee hosts the Bellarmine Knights for a three-game opening weekend at Reese Smith Jr. Field. Bellarmine University is a private Catholic liberal arts college in Louisville, Kentucky. The series launches a 32-game home schedule, packed with several teams that made postseason runs last year.

With so many early contests in Murfreesboro, fans will have plenty of chances to see the Raiders in action before conference play heats up. And for those following along from home, most games will air live on WGNS — Murfreesboro FM 101.9 and AM 1450, and Smyrna FM 100.5.\

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