Sioux City native J.D. Scholten came out of retirement on July 6, 2024, to make an emergency start for the Sioux City Explorers. With just three hours notice, he pitched 6.2 innings, throwing 102 pitches to secure a win over the Milwaukee Milkmen. Scholten's story captivated baseball nationwide. He finished the season tied for the team lead in wins with a 6-2 record and a 5.40 ERA in 60 innings.

The night before his emergency started, Scholten was a Lewis and Clark Park fan. Less than 24 hours later, he held Milwaukee to two earned runs on seven hits. Scholten, 44, had not pitched since 2007. He pitched well, earning wins against Fargo, Sioux Falls, and Lincoln. Scholten was selected for the American Association All-Star game and pitched one scoreless inning.

Scholten's comeback made him a sought-after guest on national podcasts and featured in publications across North America. The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum requested his game-worn cap from his first start, but it was damaged in a bus fire. Instead, his game-worn jersey was sent to New York at season's end.