After a three-year absence, the Dick’s Perfect Game All-American Classic returns to San Diego this year — and a pair of former Padres greats will be coaching the teams.
Hall of Fame closer Trevor Hoffman will manage the West team, while former slugger Ryan Klesko will manage the East squad.
The Classic, which features the top 60 high school players from the high school graduating classes of 2026 and 2027, will be played Aug. 17 at Petco Park. Petco hosted the Classic from 2006-19 and again in 2021 before the event moved to Chase Field.
Hoffman has been involved with the game since 2010, and says it’s gotten “bigger and better.” Hoffman and Klesko will interact with the players, many of whom will either play at high-level colleges or get drafted. Since its inception in 2003, 1,126 players have participated in the All-American Classic. Of those, 850 have been selected in the MLB Draft. Ten went No. 1 overall and 350 have made it to the big leagues.
“Because we’re in uniform, we get a better chance to rub elbows with the players. They get the opportunity to ask big league players questions and we get to know them,” Hoffman said. “I think it’s a great thing. The talent in the game amazes me. Really, it’s mind-boggling.”
Joining Hoffman and Klesko as coaches will be former Padres All-Stars Phil Nevin and Mark Loretta, World Series-winning manager Charlie Manuel, 20-game-winning pitcher Scott Erickson, American League MVP Mo Vaughn, seven-time All-Star Alfonso Soriano, three-time All-Star Tom “Flash” Gordon and MLB veterans Jose Contreras, Todd Coffey and Jason Phillips.
Hoffman lives in San Diego, while Klesko — who also played for the Braves — is based in the Atlanta area, where he coaches teams made up of kids ages 11 to 16.
“I’m at a lot of Perfect Game events, and love it,” he said. “I try to prepare the kids for the next level through coaching, nutrition or conditioning. I want them to have as much helpful information as possible. I want the kids to be comfortable around big-league players. This game is so mental. So don’t be afraid to ask a question. Don’t be shy.”
San Diego Padres’ Ryan Klesko is congratulated upon returning to the dugout after scoring in a five-run Padres’ rally against the San Francisco Giants in the third inning Sunday, July 3, 2005, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Lenny Ignelzi)
Klesko still visits San Diego three or four times a year; his mother lives here.
“I’m really looking forward to this visit,” he said.
Events for the Perfect Game All-American Classic start on Aug. 15 with an Underclassmen Game in Petco Park. There is a Home Run Derby on Saturday as well as a function at Hoffman’s beach house and a visit to Rady Children’s Hospital.
“Everyone looks forward to being at Trevor’s,” said Brad Clement, executive vice president/general manager for Perfect Game. “And the visit to Rady’s is incredible. We’re so excited to be back in San Diego, and having Trevor and Ryan manage our teams is awesome.”
Originally Published: June 20, 2025 at 2:38 PM PDT