expand_more SCROLL expand_more

Winter Baseball Classic 2024

Join us at Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach this coming January for four days of baseball fun with competitive games and training from former professional players!

About the Event

Are you ready to showcase your baseball skills in a thrilling tournament? Look no further than the Winter Baseball Classic at the renowned Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida. This January 24th to 27th, experience the excitement of the game, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories. Check out the game and event schedule below and get ready for an action-packed event!

Experience Pro-Level Fields and Accommodations

  • Former Orioles Bill Swaggerty, Glenn Gulliver, Dave Ford, and Scott McGregor bring their expertise to the tournament.

  • Enjoy professional level playing fields and access to batting cages for top-notch training.

  • Unwind in the exclusive Major League locker room, complete with access to showers, lounge chairs, and a ping pong table.

  • MLB umpires in training officiate the games, ensuring fair play and adding to the excitement.

Event Schedule

Wednesday, January 24: Batting Practice - Starting at 2 PM, featuring professional pitchers.

Welcome Dinner: Kick off the event with a poolside dinner on Wednesday from 6-9 PM.

Thursday, Jan 25 - Saturday, Jan 27: Pool play - Each of the five teams will play the other four teams during pool play. 

  • Two or three games on Thursday (January 25) and Friday (January 26) at 10 AM, 1:45 PM, or 3:45 PM.
  • Play-in games on Saturday at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM.

Pool-Side Picnic: A pool-side picnic will follow the morning game on Saturday and take place from 1:30-3:30 PM. In addition to great food, individual awards will be handed out. You will have the rest of the afternoon free until the Championship Games. 

Championship Games: Under the lights Saturday at 7:30 PM, the Division 1 Championship Game will be played at Holman Stadium. The Division 1 Championship Game will be filmed and will include scoreboards, a PA announcer, and between inning entertainment just like the big leagues. The Division 2 and 3 games will also be played at a time to be determined Saturday afternoon.

Registration Information and Fees

  • This year's tournament will accommodate up to 60 players, forming five teams of up to 12 members each.

  • Pre-Registration will be sent out on November 2nd. If you confirm that you plan to play, payment links will be sent out within a week, and you must pay no later than November 20th. 
  • Lunch will be provided each day Wednesday through Saturday for players and guests and breakfast is provided as part of your hotel package.

  • The Winter Baseball Classic fee is $1095. This will include all things at JRTC and listed above. Players who sign up and pay their fee on time for The Winter Classic will be given priority for registration in future Winter Classics.
  • The Winter Classic fee does NOT include transportation to Vero nor hotels.

  • The fee for player guests who will be dining at the Winter Baseball Classic will be $200 in addition to the player’s tournament fee. This guest fee includes all lunches, the Welcome Dinner on Wednesday evening, and Thank You Cook Out on Saturday afternoon. Total fee for players and guests is $1,295.
  • There is a fee of $30 for credit card payments. This makes the total fee $1125 for the tournament fee and $1325 for the tournament fee and guests. There is no charge for check payments.
  • We encourage you to use the credit card or Apple Pay feature as it saves considerable time and effort, allowing our staff to focus more on putting on great experiences for you and for supporting causes. This convenience fee helps offset the fees charged to us. 

Registration Lottery

A player lottery will be used to fill the 72 total available slots following the early registration window that has now closed.  The lottery will be "first come, first served" occurring Saturday, November 11th at 5:00 PM ET. After the lottery closes, if there is an "overflow" of players, they will be put on a waiting list.  All lottery participants will be notified by Tuesday.  To access the lottery click on the link.

Lottery Link

Winter Baseball Classic Features

  • Awards for the Championship Game winners and runners-up will be presented after the Championship game. Individual Awards announced at the Thank-You Cookout following the final game on Saturday.
  • New balls provided for each game – you will always play with fresh game balls.
  • Major League Locker room with Ping Pong Table, playing cards and locker room lounge area.
  • Each evening there will be an on-site lounge with bartender, cash bar, pool tables, big-screen TV, darts, card tables and ping-pong tables. 
  • The pool will be open for swimming. The pool also has a fire pit.
  • Daily uniform laundering by the clubhouse staff
  • Training Staff and Training Room (note that this year, unlike last year, there will be full use of the training room).
    • Training room opens at 8:30 AM each and will stay open one hour after the last game.

  • MLB provided by the official MLB Training Camp.  Note that these umpires are going through formal MLB training and will be assigned MiLB jobs come spring.
  • Full use of batting cages located outside the locker room before each game.
  • Individual Awards announced at the cookout following the final game on Saturday.
  • Player and guest gifts
  • Donations made to the MLB Youth Foundation AND from player requests.  More information to follow in the formal registration.

Meals

  • Breakfast is part of your stay at the two complexes providing rooms for the Winter Classic (see below).
  • Lunch will be provided Wednesday thru Saturday for players and guests.
  • There will be a Welcome Dinner on Wednesday at the pool from 6 - 9 PM for players and guests.
  • There will be a Thank-You Cookout poolside from 1:30 - 3:30 PM following the games on Saturday morning. This will give everyone the afternoon free prior to the Championship Games at 7 PM.  Individual Awards will be presented.

Hotel Arrangements

The Winter Baseball Classic has arranged for two places to stay: The JRTC Villas and the Staybridge Hotel. You may book your rooms now. Discounts have been established for Winter Classic players. You can arrive early and/or stay late under the discounts.

Below, please find phone numbers and web links for making reservations. Again, you may start booking your rooms now. We will provide any updated information with the registration emails this fall.

Be sure to say you are with The Winter Baseball Classic. (Note for those at the Staybridge, the event is listed as Adult Baseball – Winter Baseball Classic).

The Winter Baseball Classic Rate on JRTC Villas:

  • $139 per night, standard room, two double beds

  • $159 per night, suite with two double beds (limited number)

  • $169 per night, suite with king bed

  • Address: 3901 26th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960

  • Phone: (772) 569-4900

Learn More

The Winter Baseball Classic Rate Staybridge:

  • $149 per night studio king

  • $154 per night studio - two beds

  • Address: 5155 20th St, Vero Beach, FL 32966

  • Phone: (772) 562-6000

Learn More

Other Info

There will be two more communications on The Winter Baseball Classic coming out in the early fall:

  • The pre-registration email will be sent out on November 2nd. The first 72 who register will be in The Winter Classic. All others will be put on a waiting list in order of when the registration was received.  
  • Players who are in the Winter Classic will be sent instructions on making a payment either be credit card or by check. Payment must be received by November 20th.

Be sure to register early to avoid the rush and avoid being shutout.   

Please email, text or call with questions and comments. Thank you for your interest in The Winter Baseball Classic.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Baseball Experience!

Reserve your spot today and get ready to participate in one of the most exciting baseball tournaments of the year! The Winter Baseball Classic promises thrilling games, top-notch facilities, and memorable social events. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to showcase your skills and connect with fellow baseball enthusiasts. Register soon, and we'll see you in January!

Meet the General Manager

Steve Murfin

With 60 years of playing and coaching baseball, Steve Murfin has been a driving force in creating opportunities for other baseball players to experience the game. As a dedicated head coach at Blake High School for over two decades, Steve has guided 27 players to successful college baseball careers. He also plays a pivotal role as a partner in the JSB baseball organization, uniting hundreds of adult players from the DC and MD regions. Beyond the field, Steve is actively involved in Baseball 4 Causes, making a positive impact through charitable initiatives. With his vast knowledge and experience, Steve ensures the Winter Baseball Classic is an unforgettable experience for all, celebrating sportsmanship, camaraderie, and a love for the game. Join us in January and be part of this extraordinary event!