First Biloxi-D'Iberville alumni baseball game set for Feb. 6

New Biloxi coach Eddie Lofton is hoping Feb. 6 is the start of a new tradition on the Coast.

Biloxi will host the inaugural Indians vs. Warriors Alumni Baseball Game on Saturday with a home run derby set to kick off festivities at 11 a.m.

Lofton said he had an alumni game at Clinton and combined efforts with D'Iberville coach Cragin Gilbert to give it a unique twist.

"I know there's a big rivalry between Biloxi and D'Iberville," Lofton said. "A lot of folks have a basic alumni game, but to throw in a fun rivalry like this just adds to the event."

Lofton said the event will also give him a good excuse to meet the program's past stars.

"I hear about a lot of the guys, but I haven't met most of them because I'm not from here," said Lofton, who is a long-time coach from Clinton. "It gives me a venue to put a face with a name and shake their hands."

Rosters are filling up, but Lofton said neither team will turn away players. Players interested in participating can email eddie.lofton@biloxischools.net or nkgilbert@gmail.com. The cost to participate in the game is $25, with an additional $5 for the derby. Admission for fans is $5. Lofton said the proceeds will be split by the two programs' bullpen clubs.

D'Iberville will host next year's alumni game.

This story was originally published January 29, 2016 at 5:52 PM with the headline "First Biloxi-D'Iberville alumni baseball game set for Feb. 6 ."