PEARL — One of Vicksburg’s sports legends will help start a new era of baseball in Mississippi.

Vicksburg native and former NFL star Malcolm Butler will throw out the ceremonial first pitch Thursday night when the Mississippi Mud Monsters play their first game at Trustmark Park in Pearl.

The Mud Monsters, an expansion team in the independent Frontier League, will face the Florence Y’alls at 6:30 p.m. It will begin a nine-game homestand as the team’s inaugural season gets under way. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $10, parking is free, and there is no clear bag policy. The low prices and free parking have been part of a big promotional push by the Mud Monsters to be fan-friendly as they start their existence.

The ballpark has been redecorated in Mud Monsters’ black and teal from the Mississippi Braves’ blue and red motif, and a new mascot named “Fish” will roam the concourses.

“This is more than Opening Day — it’s the beginning of something special for Pearl,” said Mud Monsters General Manager Andrew Seymour. “We’re proud to bring the Frontier League to Mississippi and create a ballpark experience that’s fun, welcoming, and full of surprises. This homestand is our first big swing, and we can’t wait for fans to see what we’ve built.”

In addition to Butler’s appearance, Thursday’s game will have two giveaways — the first 1,000 fans will receive a Mud Monsters T-shirt courtesy of Trustmark, and a Magnet Schedule from The Out of Bounds Show to plan their summer of swampy baseball.

A “Thirsty Thursday” promotion will also offer 16-ounce beers for $2, and a postgame fireworks show will cap the night.

On Friday, another postgame fireworks display and magnet schedule giveaway will start a fun weekend.

Saturday’s game will have more than just baseball. It’ll be Pickleball Palooza, when the first 1,000 fans receive a Mud Monsters pickleball paddle and pickleball courts will be set up on the left field concourse so fans can play before the game.

Afterward, children under 12 are invited to run the bases.

Friday’s game will begin at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday’s is at 6. Gates open one hour before the first pitch.

After the series with Florence, the Mud Monsters are off on Sunday and Monday. They’ll get back on the field Tuesday, May 13, to begin a three-game series with the Gateway Grizzlies and then play three more at home against the Evansville Otters May 16-18.

Eighteen of the Mud Monsters’ first 27 games through June 8 are at Trustmark Park. Weekday games begin at 6:30 p.m., Saturday games at 6 p.m., and Sunday games at 2 p.m.