HARRISBURG, Pa. — Allegany junior Kohen Madden was selected to the Big 26 Baseball Classic, a prestigious all-star game of players from Maryland and Pennsylvania entering their junior or senior years.
The event will take place at FNB Field, home of the Harrisburg Senators, on July 30-Aug. 2.
“It’s pretty big,” said Madden, a pitcher and shortstop. “I’ve been working hard lately. It’s hopefully starting to pay off, and I hope go out there and show out for everyone.”
The annual showcase has been hosted by Pennsylvania, with Maryland as its playing partner, since the series originated in 2012. Pennsylvania holds an 8-4 edge.
Rosters were built through spring tryouts. They were held for team Maryland on March 22 and April 26 at Calvert Hall College High School in Baltimore.
The event is designed to mimic a typical minor league baseball series, with the teams housing, eating and traveling to the venue together during a three-day stretch.
College coaches representing between 30 and 40 schools check in over the course of the event.
“Making the Big 26 roster is about more than just measurable baseball skills,” a press release from the Big 26 Baseball Classic read. “Coaches are also watching for teamwork, leadership, good sportsmanship, hustle and heart to ensure their state is being well-represented.”
Madden batted .518 with the Campers this spring with two home runs, one triple, six doubles, 22 runs batted in and 18 runs.
On the mound, the right-hander had a 5-2 record with a 1.88 earned-run average and 55 strikeouts in 48 1/3 innings pitched.
Madden is the first local to make the team since Allegany alum Griffin Madden, now playing at James Madison, did so in 2021 and the fourth all-time.
“Just get a good experience, see what it feels like to be up with all the big dogs and see how I can play and get myself at that level,” Madden said of what he’s looking forward to.
“Hopefully I can show out for my area and make a name for myself and play good.”