Iowa to Host MLB High School All-American Game for First Time in Dyersville
By John Damon | Just The News Iowa
For the first time in its history, the MLB High School All-American Game is coming to Iowa. The showcase of the nation's top prep baseball talent will be played Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 2 p.m. ET in Dyersville, home of the iconic Field of Dreams site. The game will be broadcast live on MLB Network, MLB.TV, and the MLB App.
This event is part of a three-day baseball celebration in eastern Iowa. It falls between the Minor League Baseball game at Field of Dreams on Tuesday and the Major League matchup between the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins on Thursday, which will be streamed live on Netflix.
Why This Matters for Iowa
The High School All-American Game brings 40 of the best high school players from 16 states and Puerto Rico to the Hawkeye State. It is a major win for Iowa's sports tourism and a showcase for the state's deep ties to America's pastime. The game also highlights Iowa's growing role in hosting premier national sporting events, from the Field of Dreams games to the Iowa Cubs and other minor league attractions.
Local fans will have a special reason to cheer. Matt Meeker, an outfielder from Waukee High School, is on the National League roster. Meeker has committed to play college baseball at the University of Arkansas. His presence gives Iowans a homegrown talent to follow as the next generation of stars takes the field.
Top Prospects and Familiar Names
The rosters are loaded with future MLB draft picks. Last year, nine of the 19 participants drafted went in the top two rounds, and another 12 players ranked in the Draft Top 250. This year's game features elite talent on both sides.
The American League squad includes shortstop Dylan Seward, a switch-hitter with excellent speed, and third baseman Brady Cunningham, who won the 2026 High School Home Run Derby at MLB All-Star Weekend. Pitchers George Ferguson, who throws in the upper 90s, and Connor Salerno, a lefty with a devastating fastball-slider combination, are also ones to watch.
The National League side counters with shortstops Lubin Rincon, a left-handed hitter with a sweet swing, and Leo Nockley, an advanced hitter with impressive pop. Several players have notable baseball bloodlines. Drake Hawpe, an outfielder, is the son of former All-Star Brad Hawpe. Striker Pence, a 6-foot-6 right-handed pitcher, is the nephew of two-time World Series champion Hunter Pence. Chase Fuller, son of former NFL defensive back Corey Fuller, is a two-way player who can hit for power and reach the mid-90s on the mound.
Hall of Fame Managers and Coaches
The game will feature an all-star cast of managers and coaches. Hall of Famer Jim Thome will lead the American League squad. Nine-time Gold Glove winner Torii Hunter will manage the National League side. Supporting them are former major leaguers including Doug Mientkiewicz, Brad Penny, and Tim Raines Jr., among others.
Full Rosters and College Commitments
American League:
- Malachi Butler, OF, McEachern (Ga.) High School – Georgia Tech
- Dariel Carrion, C, Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy (P.R.) – Florida State
- Cole Cheatham, RHP, Union County (Ind.) High School – West Virginia
- Brady Cunningham, 3B, Brother Rice (Ill.) High School – Texas A&M
- Liam Dougherty, RHP, Homeschool (Hendersonville, Tenn.) – Florida
- Jace Duckett, LHP, Madison County (Ala.) High School – Alabama
- George Ferguson, RHP, Abilene (Texas) High School – Texas
- Jordin Griffin, OF, Barbe (La.) High School – Louisiana State
- Carter Hadnot, INF, Aquinas (Calif.) High School – Uncommitted
- Max Hemenway, INF, IMG Academy (Fla.) – Tennessee
- Kyler Meccage, OF/LHP, IMG Academy (Fla.) – Mississippi State
- Tyson Moore, C, Buffalo (Minn.) High School – Minnesota
- Connor Salerno, LHP, Sun Valley (N.C.) High School – Mississippi State
- Tyler Scarborough, RHP, Lovejoy (Texas) High School – Georgia
- Dylan Seward, SS, Norco (Calif.) High School – Tennessee
- Isaiah Snavely, INF, Zionsville (Ind.) Community High School – Texas A&M
- Grant Sperandio, RHP, Memorial (Texas) High School – Texas
- Frank Thomas III, 1B, IMG Academy (Fla.) – Auburn
- Jake Turner, OF/LHP, Centennial (Nev.) High School – Texas Christian
- Brogan Witcher, C/RHP, Liberty (Calif.) High School – South Carolina
National League:
- Jordan Ayala, RHP, Norco (Calif.) High School – Uncommitted
- Kinon Bastian, OF, The First Academy (Fla.) – Florida
- Caden Borcherding, C, Etowah (Ga.) High School – Clemson
- Johnny Bowes, RHP, Mission Bay (Calif.) High School – Southern California
- Sebastian Castillo, INF, Byron Nelson (Texas) High School – Louisiana State
- Devyn Downs, RHP, Sterlington (La.) High School – Louisiana State
- Quinn Fitzpatrick, RHP, Stratford (Texas) High School – Louisiana State
- Chase Fuller, SS/RHP, Lincoln (Fla.) High School – Florida State
- Ethan Gustus, RHP, Roseville (Calif.) High School – Vanderbilt
- Drake Hawpe, OF, Liberty Christian School (Texas) – Louisiana State
- Graham Houston, INF, Venice (Fla.) High School – Louisiana State
- Jake Ivey, LHP, Gunter (Texas) High School – Arkansas
- Blake Lundy, C, The Baylor School (Tenn.) – Tennessee
- Matt Meeker, OF, Waukee (Iowa) High School – Arkansas
- Samir Mohammed, RHP, Tampa Jesuit (Fla.) High School – Louisiana State
- Leo Nockley, SS, Wyoming Seminary (Pa.) Preparatory School – Tennessee
- Striker Pence, RHP/1B, Santiago (Calif.) High School – Uncommitted
- Sullivan Reed, 1B/3B, Lamar (Miss.) High School – Mississippi State
- Lubin Rincon, INF, The Bennett School (Texas) – Texas
- Grant Westphal, OF, Blue Valley (Kan.) High School – Texas
- Jacob Seamon, OF, Metrolina (N.C.) School – Louisiana State
How to Watch
The game will be broadcast live on MLB Network. It will also stream on MLB.TV, MLB.com, and the MLB App. The broadcast team includes Paul Severino, Dan Plesac, Sande Charles, and MLB Pipeline's Jesse Borek.
For Iowans, this is a rare chance to see future MLB stars compete in their own backyard. Whether you are a die-hard baseball fan or just enjoy the atmosphere of the Field of Dreams, this game is a must-see event.
Photo: MLB.com