Joe Girardi to Manage Team West at Perfect Game Classic in Philadelphia
Former Yankees catcher and ex-Phillies manager Joe Girardi will coach Team West at the 2026 Perfect Game All-American Classic held at Citizens Bank Park.
The youth-baseball platform Perfect Game revealed that Joe Girardi will take the helm of Team West for the 2026 DICK'S All-American Classic, a high-profile amateur tournament set for August 16 at Citizens Bank Park. Girardi, a former New York Yankees catcher with three World Series rings and the manager who guided the Yankees to the 2009 championship, also spent two seasons as the Philadelphia Phillies’ manager before being dismissed in 2022.
Former Phillies All-Star outfielder Shane Victorino will manage Team East in the same event. The announcement comes as Girardi has publicly expressed interest in returning to a major-league dugout, though this assignment is limited to the amateur showcase. The game offers Philadelphia fans a chance to see a familiar baseball figure back on the field in a managerial capacity.
Why it matters
Girardi's appearance highlights his continued relevance in baseball and adds star power to a major youth showcase.
In this story