This weekend is set to be another celebration of sports in Philadelphia, just as the World Cup leaves town the next train full of carnies rolls in town! It’s time for the MLB All-Star Game to return to Philadelphia for the first time since 1996. This will be a weekend of honoring Philadelphians and Phillies alumni, surely the 2008 World Series team will have their moment in the sun, maybe John Kruk gets some national shine, Patti Labelle singing the Star-Spangled banner, Boyz II Men are performing in the fifth inning; it’s going to be a Philadelphia spectacle.
That being said, which Philadelphia Phillies are partaking in the weekend’s festivities?
Home Run Derby
The 2026 MLB Home Run Derby takes place on July 13 at 8 p.m, yet for some reason as of 7pm on July 7, 2026 only two MLB players have signed on to participate: Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays and Ben Rice of the Yankees.
Both ESPN and Sports Illustrated have articles on their sites with these two participants listed, waiting to break news as more players confirm. Now that the All Star Game rosters have been released, we’ll see more All-Stars opt-in for the Derby. It feels like a safe bet to say that Kyle Schwarber will participate, people will be upset if he doesn’t. Bryce Harper is also listed as someone to watch by Sports Illustrated.
The Home Run Derby will be exclusively streamed on Netflix.
2026 HBCU Swingman Classic
According to the MLB the “HBCU Swingman Classic presented… highlights the history and legacy of HBCU baseball programs.” At the Classic on Friday Night “fifty Division-I HBCU baseball players get the opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage. The student-athletes are selected by a committee that will include Ken Griffey Jr., representatives from MLB and MLBPA, and scouts.”
Living Phillies Legend Jimmy Rollins will be managing one of the teams.
The HBCU Swingman Classic will be on MLB Network Friday at 7pm.
All-Star Village and the MLB Draft
From Saturday to Tuesday at the Philadelphia Convention Center the MLB is hosting their very own FIFA Fan Fest!
Tickets are free for Capital One Card Holders and children under 2, for everyone else tickets range from between $15 to $35, this and the HBCU Swingman Classic are great low-cost ways to enjoy the festivities!
According to Delaware Online, the following people will be at All-Star Village:
Bobby Abreu, Samuel Allen, Larry Bowa, Steve Carlton, Dave Cash, Luis Clemente, Roberto Clemente Jr., Andre Dawson, John Denny, Lisa Fernandez, Rollie Fingers, Minnie Forbes, Tom Gordon, Cole Hamels, J.A. Happ, Von Hayes, Ryan Howard, Fergie Jenkins, Jim Kaat, John Kruk, Jeneane Lesko, Mike Lieberthal, Greg Luzinski, Fred Lynn, Charlie Manuel, Gary Matthews, Mickey Morandini, Jamie Moyer, Dale Murphy, Dickie Noles, Roy Oswalt, Lance Parrish, Plácido Polanco, Ron Reed, Jimmy Rollins, Carlos Ruiz, Juan Samuel, Jean Segura, Pedro Sierra, Milt Thompson, Manny Trillo, and Randy Wolf
The MLB Draft will also take place at the Convention Center on Saturday at 1:30pm. Also, if you’re going to Citizens Bank Park for the All Star Game festivities, pack yourself some food and bring it to the stadium – it’s allowed!
MLB All Star Futures Game
This is a 7-inning exhibition that takes place on Sunday at noon at Citizens Bank Park where the best MLB prospects face off. This is a great place to see future stars. Shane Victorino and Larry Bowa will be the coaches of each team.
Both Phillies prospects participating are pitchers: Gage Wood and Wen-Hui Pan
After the futures game is MLB 3-on-3, which is a new co-ed format that we’re going to have to see for ourselves. Popular Philly names partaking are Shane Victorino, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and DeVonta Smith!
MLB All-Star Game
Jhoan Duran, Bryce Harper, Brandon Marsh, Cristopher Sánchez, Kyle Schwarber, and Jesus Luzardo will be representing the home team in Tuesday’s MLB All Star Game! No Zach Wheeler is a bummer, but the city is happy for Jesus, who was added to the roster on July 7th.
The MLB All-Star Game will start at 8pm, however their pregame shenanigans will begin at 7pm!
Enjoy the All-Star Festivities!
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