The Big 26 Buddy Program connects athletes with special needs and all-star players representing their state in the Big 26 event. Buddies are invited to all Big 26 games and participate in various activities throughout the weekend, including a Picnic and Challenger Game. Relationships made between athletes often continue long after we pack up the bats and balls.
 

Buddies plus one adult chaperone will receive a free weekend pass for all activities held at FNB Field in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Buddies also receive a complimentary Big 26 t-shirt and are invited to be introduced during on-field pre-game ceremonies.

​

REQUIREMENTS

• Age:

  • Athletes turning 5 years by July 1, 2025 and up to age 21 on the date of the event are age-eligible. Big 26 Buddy Program Alums 21+ are also eligible. 

• Ability:

  • The Buddy Program is designed for athletes with physical or intellectual disabilities. Athletes should be identified by the school or other human service agency as having a physical or intellectual disability, or having a developmental disability with functional limitations in general learning and adaptive skills.

• Registration

  • All paperwork/online registration must be completed and received by the stated due dates. The registration form is at the bottom of this page

  • There is no charge for a Buddy to participate in the Buddy Program.

• Pairing

  • Buddies will be paired with a Big 26 player from Pennsylvania or Maryland. Big 26 will make every effort to honor pairing requests, but we must also evenly pair buddies between Pennsylvania & Maryland. 

 

2026 EVENT SCHEDULE

See below for a sample event schedule. All times are subject to change. 

• ​Thursday, July 30 - Picnic and Challenger Game (Tentative time is 5:30 pm.)

• Friday, July 31 - Game 1 @ TBD pm (Buddies in attendance participate in pregame introductions.)

• Saturday, August 1 - Game 2 @ TBD pm (Buddies in attendance participate in pregame introductions.)

• Sunday, August 2 - Game 3 @ TBD pm (Buddies in attendance participate in pregame introductions.)

 

REGISTER FOR THE BUDDY PROGRAM

*THE 2026 FORM IS NOT YET AVAILABLE - PLEASE CHECK BACK*