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BIRMINGHAM, Ala.
(WIAT) Major League Baseball is back in the Magic City for the Hank Aaron Invitational Showcase game at Rickwood Field.
The game, also known as the 44 Games, takes place Wednesday, July 29, and offers a group of high school baseball players from across the country the opportunity to showcase their skills.
The game is a Major League Baseball development initiative, and the purpose is to give high school aged players with diverse backgrounds exposure in hopes of reaching the next level of the game.
A total of 44 players will take part in the game, which pays homage to the Hall of Famer Hank Aaron.
The players were selected individually by staff members with the MLB after competing in a weeklong series of games that took place in Florida last week.
According to officials with Rickwood Field, the players are considered the top prospects from across the nation.
When the players arrive at Rickwood field Wednesday, they'll be greeted by several former MLB players and coaches, including Birmingham native Ron "Papa Jack" Jackson and Antonio Grissom.
Not only will they have the opportunity to get advice and learn from them, but they'll also have the eyes of college baseball and MLB scouts watching.
"Not only is it a baseball opportunity but it's also a historic and educational opportunity and so for these young men to be able to play on this field on this stage I think it's going to be a special moment." said MLB Manager of Baseball Development, Kindu Jones.
The first pitch starts at 4 p.m.
The public is invited to come out and watch free of charge.