2020 Big 26 Canceled Due To Covid-19

Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority Announces Cancellation of 2020 Big 26 Baseball Classic Due to COVID-19 Pandemic: Tryout Refunds to be Automatically Processed (Harrisburg) - April 23, 2020 The Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority (HHSE) today announced the cancellation of the 2020 Big 26 Baseball Classic, the annual Pennsylvania vs. Maryland high school all-star event originally scheduled for July 23-26 at FNB Field in Harrisburg, PA. “Big 26 Baseball strives to give high school players, challenger participants and fans an exceptional and unique baseball experience each summer. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainties before us, meeting those expectations and the high standards we hold for the event will not be possible. While the decision is hard on our hearts, it is made with the health and safety of everyone involved as our top priority,” said HHSE Executive Director Gregg Cook. While the Big 26 competition is held in July, teams are formed via scouted tryouts in various locations throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland in May. Registrations opened in early March prior to the country’s widespread COVID-19 outbreak. Any player who has registered for tryouts will automatically receive a full refund. Questions should be sent to office@big26.com. The cancellation includes the annual Buddy Program, regarded by many participants as the most impactful aspect of the Big 26 Baseball Classic. Special needs children, teens and young adults are paired with Big 26 players for a picnic, modified game and other activities that spark lifelong friendships. “We are all saddened that players and staff will be unable to share the field with the incredible special needs athletes who touch our hearts each summer,” said Cook. “We know many of the challenger athletes stay in touch with players and we look forward to following their connections and friendships through social media and through future alumni gatherings.” “We are hopeful that athletes will be able to enjoy the great game of baseball this summer. Sports have a healing quality that will be instrumental in bringing our families and communities together when the time is right,” said Cook. The Big 26 staff will immediately turn their attention to planning for the 2021 event to produce a baseball experience that is “More than a Game.” Media Contact: Allison Rohrbaugh | Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority | 717-580-9396 | allison@hhsportsandevents.com ### About Big 26 Baseball The Big 26 Baseball Classic is committed to providing the highest quality of events that provide our athletes the opportunity to learn and grow on and off the field of play. The development, competition, evaluation and exposure for our athletes will be in a welcoming and productive atmosphere for all. About Hershey Harrisburg Sports & Events Authority 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. ​