Hank Aaron Big Show Partnering With MLB Pitch, Hit & Run in Jackson

The Hank Aaron Big Show, a mix of youth baseball teams combining recreational and travel baseball, has surpassed 75 teams that have entered to participate in the weekend tournament that will take place at Jackson’s Smith-Wills Stadium along with teams playing in the neighboring cities of Pearl and Brandon. The teams participating will range in ages from 7 – 17, with teams entering this year from at least 6 states in the southeastern region of the U.S.

“The goal was for us to reach 100 teams this year," said Tim Bennett, CEO of the Hank Aaron Sports Academy. "And with just over a month to go until the tournament, we are hopeful that we will be able to accomplish this. It’s exciting to get the cooperation of our neighboring cities to come together as we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hank breaking the long-held home run record. This is exactly what Hank Aaron wanted to see when he personally chose Jackson and Smith Wills Stadium to be home to the Academy named for him. Baseball is truly a unifying sport that brings everyone together.”

This year and in honor of the 50th Anniversary of 715, the Hank Aaron Big Show ("Big Show") will be partnering with RCX Sports and the Legacy League to present the Major League Baseball - Pitch Hit & Run ("PHR") event as part of the Big Show that will take place at Smith Wills Stadium.

The PHR will be free to all interested youth, boys, and girls ages 7 - 14, and will take place on June 13th at 10 a.m. at Smith Wills Stadium. The Big Show Tournament will start the following day on June 14th, with participating cities of Jackson, Pearl, and Brandon, MS., and will conclude on Sunday, June 16th, when champions will be crowned in each age category. Each participant will get the chance to showcase his / her skills in the areas of Pitching, Hitting and Running with recorded metrics and potential qualification for the Each participant will get the opportunity to showcase his / her skills in the areas of Pitching, Hitting and Running with recorded metrics and potential qualification for the nearest PHR Team Championship, which is held inside of MLB ballparks.

Additionally, each PHR registrant will also receive a one-year subscription to MLB.TV.

“RCX Sports is excited about the opportunity to work with the staff at the Hank Aaron Sports Academy and the Legacy League to offer this opportunity to individuals from the Jackson community and the great state of Mississippi," said Austin Fischer, Director of Baseball & Softball at RCX Sports. "Pitch, Hit & Run is a free event that creates a safe and fun environment for kids to stay active and learn or continue to play baseball and softball in their local communities.”