HARRISBURG, PA – Get ready for the return of the ultimate high school baseball showdown between
Pennsylvania and Maryland! The 2026 Big 26 Baseball Classic will take place at FNB Field in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania on July 30-August 2.

The Big 26 Baseball Classic brings together the best high school baseball talent from Pennsylvania and Maryland for an elite showcase of competition and sportsmanship. Tryouts are held at locations in Pennsylvania and Maryland in the spring and are open to all rising juniors and seniors graduating in 2027 and 2028. Those interested in participating to earn one of the 26 roster spots on each team to represent their state can sign up for the Big 26 e-newsletter at www.big26.com to receive email updates on the tryout dates.

The event will mimic a typical minor league baseball series, with the teams housing, eating, and traveling together during a 4-day stretch. College coaches and scouts are invited to all player activities including tryouts, final roster combine, and the 3-game series. Between 30-40 DI, DII, and DIII collegiate programs and scouts from the minor and professional leagues typically check in throughout the event. "The Big 26 Classic was one of my highlights of my summer," said Big 26 alum Ryland Yinger (Northern York High School Class of 2025) who will be joining East Stroudsburg University's DII baseball team in the fall. "It felt like a big league experience...if you are considering doing it I would 100% tell you to do it."

In addition to the competition, players will participate in the Buddy Program to make an impact that lasts far beyond the game. Through the Buddy Program, players are paired with individuals ages 5–21 with special needs to participate in a game and other activities throughout the event. It’s an opportunity for players to give back, inspire, and form meaningful relationships. The games will take place at FNB Field, home of the Harrisburg Senators minor league baseball team and breathtaking riverfront views. The Buddy Game will be played on Thursday evening, and the three-game series between Pennsylvania and Maryland will be played Friday night, Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon. Tickets for the 2026 Big 26 Baseball Classic will be available online at a later date.

“We’re excited to host the Big 26 again this summer. It’s always the highlight of the year for us,” said Gregg Cook, Executive Director of the Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority, the organization that owns and operates the event. “Along with our partners at the Harrisburg Senators and Penn State Harrisburg, we strive to make it a memorable weekend for the players and buddies, and their families.

For more information about the event, tickets, schedules, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.big26.com or follow @Big26Baseball on social media. Those interested in receiving email updates about the event should sign up for the e-newsletter online.

Email: cortney@hersheyharrisburg.org
www.hhsportsandevents.com

*About Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority (HHSE)
HHSE is committed to promoting sports tourism and events initiatives in the Hershey Harrisburg Region, forging mutually beneficial partnerships with new and existing clients, supporting locally produced events to expand audiences, and driving economic development as it relates to sports and events tourism. HHSE is a division of Visit Hershey Harrisburg, which serves as the official non-profit partnership-based Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Dauphin and Perry counties located in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.