Two former Phillies who know a thing or two about big stages will be in charge when one of high school baseball’s marquee events comes to Citizens Bank Park next month.
Perfect Game announced Wednesday that Shane Victorino and Joe Girardi will manage the 2026 Perfect Game DICK'S All-American Classic, set for Sunday, Aug. 16, in Philadelphia. Victorino will handle Team East, while Girardi takes Team West.
Victorino brings a championship résumé to the dugout. He was a two-time National League All-Star and a member of the Phillies’ 2008 World Series title team. Girardi, meanwhile, managed the Phillies from 2020-22 and also led the New York Yankees to the 2009 World Series championship.
They won’t be alone. The coaching group also includes former American League MVP Mo Vaughn, Hall of Fame closer Trevor Hoffman, former All-Star Ryan Klesko, and former major leaguers Todd Coffey, Denard Span and Jason Phillips.
A number of other familiar Phillies names are part of the event as well. Milt Thompson, Ben Rivera, Kyle Kendrick, Tom "Flash" Gordon and Jose Contreras will all participate, while former Phillies World Series-winning manager Charlie Manuel will serve as honorary chairman. Girardi’s son, Dante Girardi, is also listed as a coach.
The Classic is built around the country’s top high school baseball talent, with 60 players on the announced rosters and plenty of future draft picks among them. Perfect Game says the showcase has produced hundreds of players who later went on to college and professional success.
"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," Perfect Game CEO Rob Ponger said in a statement.
The game is free to attend, with first pitch set for 1:35 p.m. ET. Fans can also watch it live on the free PGTV app, with Daron Sutton and former Phillies All-Star Hunter Pence on the broadcast.
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