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Two beloved former Philadelphia Phillies players, Shane Victorino and Joe Girardi, will take the reins as dugout leaders for one of the country's elite high school baseball events next month. Perfect Game officially revealed Wednesday that Victorino and Girardi will manage opposing teams in the 2026 Perfect Game DICK'S All-American Classic, which is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 16, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
Victorino, a two-time National League All-Star and a key contributor to the Phillies' 2008 World Series championship, will guide Team East. Girardi, who managed the Phillies from 2020 to 2022 and led the New York Yankees to a World Series title in 2009, will lead Team West.
Key Analysis
The coaching staff for this year's event is loaded with former MLB talent. Joining Victorino and Girardi are American League MVP Mo Vaughn, Hall of Fame closer Trevor Hoffman, former All-Star Ryan Klesko, and ex-major leaguers Todd Coffey, Denard Span, and Jason Phillips. Several former Phillies will also participate as coaches, including Milt Thompson, Ben Rivera, Kyle Kendrick, Tom Gordon, and Jose Contreras. Charlie Manuel, the manager of the Phillies' 2008 World Series-winning team, will serve as honorary chairman, and Girardi's son, Dante Girardi, will also be on the coaching staff.
The DICK'S All-American Classic annually showcases many of the nation's top high school baseball prospects, giving fans an early look at players who could become future first-round MLB Draft selections. Since its inception, the event has featured hundreds of players who have gone on to successful collegiate and professional careers.
"Bringing the DICK'S All-American Classic to Philadelphia is incredibly exciting, and having Joe Girardi and Shane Victorino lead this year's teams makes the event even more special," said Perfect Game CEO Rob Ponger in a statement.
The 2026 Perfect Game DICK'S All-American Classic is free for fans to attend, with first pitch scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET on Aug. 16 at Citizens Bank Park. The game will also be streamed live on the free PGTV app, with veteran broadcaster Daron Sutton and former Phillies All-Star Hunter Pence calling the action. The rosters, featuring 60 of the nation's top high school baseball players, were announced earlier this month.