Former Meridian High School baseball players from different decades will return to their hometown Aug. 26 for an alumni home run derby and baseball reunion.

Meridian baseball coach Robert “Popeye” Cole said plans were in place several weeks ago to host a home run derby and friendly baseball game at Q.V. Sykes for former Wildcats, but rain forced it to be moved to next Saturday. The home run derby will begin at 5 p.m. on Aug. 26, with the baseball game taking place afterward.

“We’re trying to get baseball back to the way it used to be in Meridian,” Cole said. “We thought this would be a good thing to bring in some of the old former players and let them reminisce about their years here. It would allow them to have a good time and fellowship with guys they haven’t seen in a long time and get some excitement back for baseball.”

A 1983 graduate of Meridian, Cole said he’s spoken to guys who played baseball even earlier than him who have told him they’re planning on attending.

“I’m really not sure how far back it’ll go,” Cole said. “I’d guess we’ll have a few guys from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, from all of the decades.”

At least one person on social media told Cole he’s gotten an “overwhelming response” when he put the word out about the alumni game.

“People are saying they want to show everybody what they used to do,” Cole said. “We’ve gotten a big response from people all over. People are still calling me saying they’ll talk to this person and that person, so there are still folks finding out about it. I know they can’t play like they used to, but they can get a few innings in.”

How long the games last — and how many total games are played — will depend on the turnout, Cole said.

“If we have a lot of people, the good thing is we have three fields we can play on,” he said. “It depends on who all shows up.”

Still, Cole said he expects the biggest attraction to the the home run derby, judging by the smack talk he’s heard.

“From what I hear, they still think they can hit the ball over the fence — and these were people who didn’t really hit home runs,” Cole said. “Everyone thinks they were home run hitters, so we’ll see, but I’m sure everyone will have a good time when they get here.”

Locals are invited to come out and watch next weekend.

“There might be some people you haven’t seen in a long time,” Cole said. “You can watch us have a good time and probably get a few good laughs.”