About
MISSION
The Big 26 Baseball Classic is committed to encouraging the highest levels of sportsmanship and excellence in high school baseball, and - through its Buddy Program - to offering a welcoming environment for athletic participation for children, teens and young adults with special needs.
EVENT
The Big 26 Baseball Classic® is an annual summer featuring high school players entering their junior and senior years. Pennsylvania is the host team, with Maryland as its playing partner since the series originated in 2012. Rosters are built through a tryout process each spring. The event is designed to mimic a typical minor league baseball series, with the teams housing, eating and traveling to the venue together during a 3-game stretch.
College coaches and pro scouts are invited to each tryout, as well as an official scout session of the final rosters and all games. In 2019, more than 30 coaches checked in with us over the course of the event.
GIVING BACK
The event also features a Buddy Program, individuals ages 5 - 21 with special needs are connected with Big 26 players. Relationships forged through the Buddy Program are often carried beyond the event. Past activities have included a picnic, Challenger Game, and various on field activities. *Plans for the 2021 Buddy Program are TBD. Stay tuned!
LEADERSHIP
The Big 26 Baseball Classic® is owned and operated by the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority (HHSE), a division of Visit Hershey & Harrisburg (501c6 non-profit). The event was founded in 2012 by the former Big 33 Foundation, and acquired by HHSE in 2017.
