For Hoffman, this will mark his first time managing at any level, making his debut on the national stage that features the most elite amateur baseball talent in the country. A legendary leader throughout his playing career with instant credibility, Hoffman will undoubtedly resonate with the athletes under his guidance. 

“I couldn’t have asked for a better way to make my managing debut than with the best high school players in the country in my home ballpark in front of the best baseball fans in the world,” said Hoffman. “Perfect Game has done an incredible job building this event into something truly special, and it’s an honor to be a part of it. I’m excited to pass along what I’ve learned in my career and help these young men enjoy every moment of this experience — just like I did on this field.” 

Klesko, meanwhile, brings with him a wealth of amateur coaching experience, having spent countless summer weekends coaching his Braves scout team around the Atlanta, Ga., region. Klesko will also serve as a coach at the MLB All-Star Futures Game, taking place in Atlanta as part of MLB’s All-Star festivities. 

“There’s nothing I enjoy more than spending my summer weekends on the field with young ballplayers who love the game and want to learn as much as they can,” said Klesko. “Being part of their journey, helping them grow as players and people, that’s what it’s all about for me. The All-American Classic brings together the very best talent in the country, and I’m honored to be out there with them at Petco Park, where I have so many great memories.” 

Joining Klesko and Hoffman in the dugouts will be an all-star cast of former Major League players and managers, all lending their knowledge and experience to the next generation of stars. The coaching staff will include Padres All-Stars Phil Nevin and Mark Loretta, World Series-winning manager Charlie Manuel, 20-game winner Scott Erickson, American League MVP Mo Vaughn, 7-time All-Star Alfonso Soriano, 3-time All-Star Tom "Flash" Gordon, World Series champion Jose Contreras and MLB veterans Todd Coffey and Jason Phillips. A collection of respected baseball minds who have each made their mark at the highest level of the game and combined for 17 All-Star selections, six Silver Slugger awards, four World Series wins and a total of 123 years of major league playing time. 

The DICK’S All-American Classic, which dates to 2003, has produced more major league stars than any other All-America game. Some of MLB’s most popular current players have played in Perfect Game’s All-American Classic including names such as Bryce Harper, Gunnar Henderson, Bobby Witt Jr., Gerrit Cole, Freddie Freeman, Francisco Lindor and Zack Wheeler, among many others. Of the 1,126 players that have participated in the previous 22 All-American Classic games, 850 went on to become MLB Draft selections, 293 of whom were first-round picks (10 went first overall). Additionally, 305 former All-American Classic players made their MLB debut with five of them winning the MVP award, 11 being named Rookie of the Year and 22 of whom have won a Gold Glove. 

While the DICK’S All-American Classic is the crown jewel of the weekend, spotlighting the nation’s top high school talent in front of scouts, coaches, and baseball fans, Perfect Game will host other events throughout the weekend, including: 

The DICK’S All-American Classic and the All-Star Game will both be streamed live on PerfectGame.TV and the free PGTV app, offering fans around the world the chance to see baseball’s brightest future stars in action.