ATLANTA — On Saturday, the Braves and Truist Park staged a Hank Aaron Invitational Showcase Game featuring a select group of high school baseball athletes from various backgrounds.
The top 44 class of 2025–2026 players from the invitational’s week and a half were showcased in the game, which concluded the Hank Aaron Invitational, which was held last week at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida, with 200 invitees from across the United States.
Kendrick highlights the legacy of the Negro League at the Hank Aaron Invitational.
The 44 players chosen for the event, which honors Aaron’s jersey number 44, are sponsored by USA Baseball and the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Fund. It is held annually.
The invitational is a part of Hank Aaron Week, an annual celebration of Aaron’s life and legacy hosted by the Braves.
“There have been numerous wonderful chances for us to bring young children who wouldn’t typically be able to travel to Atlanta and play at Truist Park,” stated Greg McMichael, senior director of alumni relations & developing the game for the Braves. “We’re honored that Hank is associated with this particular event and that we get to see some of the best talent in the nation.”
Opportunities for college at HAI
31 July 2024 · 2:39
Opportunities for college at HAI
In the wooden bat game, Team Hank Aaron (home) and Team Jackie Robinson (away) faced off in a seven-inning match that ended in a 1-1 draw.
Players practiced batting on the field, fielded infield, and shagged fly balls before the game.
Rookie Shepard, a 2026 University of Miami commit from Faith Lutheran High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, who plays middle infield for Team Aaron, may have had the game’s hardest hit. Shepard launched a 382-foot triple off the base of the right-field wall in front of the home bullpen in the bottom of the seventh inning with one out.
At third base, Shepard signaled the game-winning run, but Team Robinson left-hand pitcher RJ Cope of Georgia Premier Academy in Lawrenceville, Georgia, a young man from Georgia, shut the door and saved the tie.
Before playing in his first Hank Aaron Invitational Showcase Game, Shepard took in the sights and noises.
Shepard remarked, “Being at the Hank Aaron Invitational has been unforgettable,” during batting drills. “Coming out here and getting to play on the Braves field is amazing.” I truly look up to people like Orlando Arcia, Ronald Acuña Jr., and Ozzie Albies, and they share the field with me. Receiving such excellent teaching and learning a lot every day is an amazing experience.
August 3, 2024 · 2:00 Hank Aaron Invitational Atlanta History Center Visit
Atlanta History Center: An Invitational Visit by Hank Aaron
Former MLB players were on both coaching staffs. For example, Lou Collier, manager of Team Hank Aaron, was a utility player for the Pirates, Brewers, Expos, Red Sox, and Phillies during his MLB career (1997–2004).
Jemile Weeks, who spent six seasons as an MLB player for the Athletics, Orioles, Red Sox, and Padres, managed Team Robinson.
Anthony Pack, an outfielder for Team Robinson from Millikan High School in Long Beach, California, class of 2025, has committed to the University of Texas.
Pack remarked, “I feel like a big leaguer right now,” during infield drills prior to the game. Before the big game on the big field, I feel like a big leaguer. I’ll be up against a lot of excellent pitchers.
Dusty Baker, a longtime MLB player and manager, was in both dugouts on Saturday and observed batting practice. After the Astros’ 2018 season, Baker announced his retirement as manager, so this was his first time attending the Hank Aaron Invitational.
Between 1968 and 1975, Baker and Aaron were teammates for the Braves. On April 8, 1974, Aaron hit his then-record 715th home run while Baker was on deck. They had a pleasant relationship up to Aaron’s passing in 2021.
Hank Aaron scores his 715th home run.
April 8, 1974 · 2:40
Hank Aaron scores his 715th home run.
Regarding the invitational, Baker remarked, “I’ve heard about it a lot.” “Del Matthews, the MLB vice president of baseball development, is one of my godsons who is leading this. Due to my absence, I’m able to attend it for the first time. I had two motivations for coming. Hank Aaron Week is one of them. Secondly, to meet these children and let a few of them to meet me. It is likely that their fathers or grandfathers told them about me.
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The amateur development event aims to advance high school-age players from diverse backgrounds by serving as a youth-focused, on-field diversity project.
August 2, 2024 · 2:01 Hank Aaron Invitational Cultural Day
Collier’s Team’s Hank Aaron Invitational Cultural Day Marquis Grissom, Antonio Grissom, Marvin Freeman, and Stan Kyles made up Aaron’s coaching crew.
Mike Jackson, Brian Hunter, Kyles, and Tye Waller were the coaches for Team Robinson in addition to Weeks.
“I haven’t seen such a great group of young teachers in a long time,” Baker remarked. “You hear the worst stuff in baseball about minorities not being signed. Here’s your chance to see someone who possesses talent in a particular field.
Michael Harris II, a center fielder for the Braves, showed up before the game. Harris shook hands and snapped pictures with the players. Inside the third-base gate, Harris’ Catch 23 Foundation was handing out free school supplies to teachers and students.
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