Vero Beach is once again stepping up to the plate as the center of the collegiate baseball world this weekend. For the third consecutive year, Major League Baseball has selected the Jackie Robinson Training Complex—historically known as Dodgertown—to host the prestigious Andre Dawson Classic.
Now in its 18th year, this round-robin tournament is designed to highlight the exceptional talent found within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This year’s lineup features seven prominent HBCU baseball programs and, for the first time in the tournament’s history, an Ivy League contender.
The return of the Classic to Vero Beach underscores the deep connection between our local history and the broader story of baseball. The Jackie Robinson Training Complex is the very ground where Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in spring training, making it a fitting backdrop for a tournament celebrating diversity and excellence in the sport.
The 2026 Roster and Schedule
Baseball enthusiasts in Indian River County have a full slate of games to look forward to from Friday through Sunday. The tournament will feature the following teams:
- Florida A&M University (The alma mater of Andre Dawson)
- Southern University (The only school to participate in every version of the Classic)
- Alabama State University
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Grambling State University
- Jackson State University
- Texas Southern University
- Yale University (Making its debut appearance)
Action begins on Friday at 11:00 a.m. ET with Texas Southern taking on Jackson State. The weekend concludes on Sunday at noon with a marquee matchup between Florida A&M and Southern University.
How to Watch
For residents who cannot make it to the fields, MLB is ensuring widespread coverage. All games will be streamed live on MLB.com. Additionally, the MLB Network will broadcast two prime matchups on Saturday:
- 4:00 p.m. ET: Yale vs. Jackson State
- 8:00 p.m. ET: Bethune-Cookman vs. Florida A&M
The Andre Dawson Classic serves as a premier showcase for collegiate talent, with more than 25 past participants having been selected in the MLB Draft since the tournament began in 2008.
Honoring a Legend
The tournament was renamed in 2018 to honor MLB Hall of Famer Andre Dawson. Before his storied professional career—which included 438 home runs, eight All-Star selections, and an MVP award—Dawson was a walk-on player at Florida A&M in 1973. He ultimately earned a scholarship and set the stage for a legendary career.
Local attendees may spot Dawson, who regularly attends the event to support the student-athletes. Jamey Shouppe, head coach of Florida A&M, noted the significance of the tournament’s namesake, emphasizing that while players strive to emulate Dawson’s skills on the field, the tournament also aims to teach them to emulate his character as a man.
A History of Excellence
While schools like Alabama State are returning for their 10th appearance, others are making a long-awaited return. Bethune-Cookman is back in the lineup for the first time since 2011. Head Coach Jonathan Hernandez expressed honor at bringing his team to Vero Beach, citing the opportunity to play on the historic grounds of what was once Dodgertown as a major draw for the program.
Whether you are a lifelong baseball fan or simply proud of Vero Beach’s role in sports history, this weekend offers a unique opportunity to witness high-level collegiate competition right in our backyard.
