Nashville showed up big Sunday, November 17th, as The Lucky Classic made its highly anticipated debut at First Horizon Park, and the whole, buzzing ballpark was treated to a one-of-a-kind daytime celebration where music, baseball, and community came together under the sun. Hosted by The Burger Family Foundation, the celebrity softball game packed star power from every corner of sports and entertainment, all rallying around a mission much bigger than the scoreboard.

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A Daytime Lineup Only Nashville Could Deliver

Fans filled the stands as the celeb-studded teams, coached in part by University of Tennessee baseball head coach Tony Vitello, took the field. The roster read like Nashville’s dream crossover event, blending country music chart-toppers, Olympians, NFL greats, and pop icons.

Country favorites Jordan Davis, Tigirlily Gold, Colbie Caillat, Mitchell Tenpenny, Maddox Batson, and LANCO swapped tour buses for bases, while Chris Kirkpatrick of *NSYNC brought a wave of nostalgia. Olympian Shawn Johnson East, fitness entrepreneur Shawn Booth, and former NFL standouts Andrew East and David Bakhtiari added athletic fire to the lineup.

They joined previously announced talent, including fan favorites Russell Dickerson, Ashley Cooke, and Tucker Wetmore, rounding out a cast that made the event feel like a festival and an all-star showcase rolled into one.

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MLB All-Stars Bring the Momentum

More than 20 MLB All-Stars added to the excitement, including Corey Seager, Brandon Lowe, Brent Rooker, Bryan Reynolds, Chris Bassitt, Josh Jung, Jonah Heim, Jack Leiter, Vinnie Pasquantino, and more. From big swings to playful interactions with fans, the pros delivered exactly the kind of lighthearted competition the crowd came to see.

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Purpose at the Core

At the heart of it all was The Burger Family Foundation, which supports families in the Down syndrome community.

Inspired by their daughter, Penelope, Jake and Ashlyn Burger created the foundation to champion inclusion, celebrate abilities, and provide meaningful support to families like theirs. Throughout the game, fans proudly wore “21” in honor of Trisomy 21, and Jake’s warm reception on the field underscored just how deeply his family’s story has resonated with Nashville and beyond.

Jake’s inspiring journey has been widely followed this year, from his jersey number change to represent Penelope’s diagnosis, to the emotional spring training moment where he hit his first Texas Rangers home run wearing her hospital band after her successful open-heart surgery. That same spirit of hope and resilience radiated through every inning of yesterday’s event.

A Day Fueled By Star Power & Purpose

The energy surged even higher as The Lucky Classic brought an extraordinary mix of MLB greats and country hitmakers together for a shared mission. MLB standouts like Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, and Corey Seager joined country favorites Russell Dickerson, Jordan Davis, and Tucker Wetmore in raising funds to support families of children with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

For Jake Burger, the moment was profoundly personal. Seeing his baseball peers and Nashville friends unite on the field left him visibly moved. He emphasized that The Lucky Classic was never just about softball; it was about celebrating inclusion, uplifting kids who inspire others daily, and creating a space where athletes, artists, and families could come together for something bigger than themselves.

The game delivered highlight after highlight. Bryce Harper set the tone early by launching a home run to kick off the action, drawing roaring applause from the crowd. The momentum never let up, as every honorary player reached base and ultimately crossed home plate. Country standout Adam Doleac added his own star moment by winning the pre-game Home Run Derby before smashing a walk-off homer to close out the day. And in a poetic twist, the final score landed at 21, a serendipitous tribute to the 21st chromosome that represents Down syndrome and the foundation’s mission at its core.

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A Nashville Tradition in the Making

With sunny skies, electric performances, and an all-star roster rallying for a cause, The Lucky Classic delivered an unforgettable inaugural year. The blend of music, sports, and heartfelt storytelling created an atmosphere that Nashville won’t soon forget.

Based on the energy and turnout, it’s clear The Lucky Classic is on track to become one of Music City’s most meaningful and must-attend annual events.

To learn more about The Burger Family Foundation, visit their website or follow them on Instagram @burgerfamilyfoundation.

Photo By Joanna Morris