Hank Aaron Invitational

The Hank Aaron Invitational, powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation (YDF) in partnership with USA Baseball, is the premier diversity-focused baseball development experience for high school-age baseball players in the United States. Major League Baseball and the Players Association co-operate the event. The unique amateur development event aims to get high school-age players, with diverse backgrounds, to the next levels of the game. Every year 200-250 select participants have an unforgettable experience at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex (JRTC) in Vero Beach, Florida. Participants receive training, instruction and mentoring from former Major League Players, coaches and baseball executives. The invitational includes special guest presentations and addresses, including YDF’s Ambassador and Hall of Famer Ken Griffey, Jr., Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred, and Executive Director of the MLBPA Tony Clark. The best 44 players – a nod to the legendary Hank Aaron’s uniform number – from the second week of the Hank Aaron Invitational are selected to play in a special showcase game at a Major League park and participate in a weekend of cultural activities.

Over the last five MLB Drafts, more than 55 alumni of this event have been selected, including 1st round picks Dillon Head (Padres), George Lombard (Yankees), Termarr Johnson (Pirates), Elijah Green (Nationals), Justin Crawford (Phillies), and Cam Collier (Reds).

There are more than 200 alumni of the program that are playing baseball professionally in Minor League systems or in college.

For any questions, please email [email protected].