EXCLUSIVE: The Dick’s Perfect Game All-American Classic will not just have star power on the field this year, but star power in the dugouts as well.
Baseball Hall of Famer Trevor Hoffman and former San Diego Padres All-Star Ryan Klesko will serve as managers for the game, Fox News Digital exclusively learned Tuesday.
Perfect Game’s All-American Classic features the top 60 high school baseball players across North America and provides them a platform to showcase their talents on a national stage. This year, the nation’s top high school players will compete at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, on Aug. 17.
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The All-American Classic debuted in 2003, and since its inception, the game has seen some of the biggest names in Major League Baseball play in the event. Bryce Harper, Gunnar Henderson, Bobby Witt, Jr., Gerrit Cole, and Francisco Lindor are among the star players who have played in the game over the years.
Of the 1,126 players who have participated in the event over the last 22 years, 850 were drafted, and 293 players went in the first round.
Hoffman, who has the second most saves in MLB history (601), has been involved with the event for over a decade and has served as the game’s honorary chairman. The Padres great said he is excited to be in the dugout and interact with the nation’s top high school players.
“I think that’s the biggest opportunity I have. It’s one thing to walk around with a PG t-shirt or a polo and then people say, ‘Hey, you’re a baseball guy.’ But being in the dugout, coaching, interacting with them on the field, and just being a part of it, it’s something else. It’s an opportunity to help them reach their potential,” Hoffman said.
Klesko, who has played for the Padres and the Los Angeles Angels, is looking forward to helping the young athletes navigate the challenges of college baseball or the professional draft. “I think the most impactful thing is helping them go through the process, whether they go to college, sign a contract, or choose another path. There are a lot of questions out there for families and kids, and we can provide some guidance and support,” Klesko added.
The coaching staff includes a number of former MLB players and veterans. Phil Nevin, a former MLB outfielder, will be one of the key mentors for the team. “I want to be a part of this, not just because it’s a great event, but because it’s an opportunity to give back. The players are the future of baseball, and it’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Nevin said.
Charlie Manuel, a former MLB infielder, will also be part of the coaching team. “I’ve always been a fan of the game, and to be able to help these young players develop their skills and reach their goals is something I’m really excited about,” Manuel said.
The event also has a strong philanthropic component. Perfect Game’s executive vice president and general manager, Brad Clement, highlighted the importance of the charitable aspect of the event. “The most impactful thing when we’ve been in San Diego has been seeing the kids who are dealing with or are dealing with pediatric cancer at Rady’s children’s hospital. This event itself has raised over a million dollars over the years, and we’re thrilled to be part of that effort,” Clement said.
Hoffman echoed Clement’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the hospital visit for the young athletes. “It’s an opportunity for them to meet the kids who are going through hardships and to appreciate the opportunities they have. The most meaningful part of the event is the charitable arm that allows their hometown communities to support them and make a donation to Rady’s,” Hoffman said.
In addition to the main event, Perfect Game also hosts a parent symposium to help families understand what lies ahead for their children. “We think it’s important off the field to share with them what the next year is going to be like. The high school season is over, and the draft is upon us. There are a lot of heady things that go into that, whether they go to college or sign a contract, whatever it is. So we try to help the parents out,” Clement noted.
Klesko is looking forward to helping not only the athletes but their families as well. “I think just helping them go through the process is what we’re all about. There are so many different questions that are going through these kids’ minds, and we’re here to help provide some guidance and support,” Klesko said.
Hoffman, who has long been a part of the baseball community, feels that the event has grown into something special. “The kids’ talents are off the charts, the competition is real, and it’s just great to provide a platform that they can do those sort of things,” Hoffman concluded.