USA Baseball has officially released the full coaching contingent for the 2026 Collegiate National Team Training Camp, a program that will bring together 56 of the nation's most promising non‑draft‑eligible players. The camp, running from June 27 through July 4, will be staged across venues in North Carolina and Virginia, offering a intensive mix of drills, scrimmages and exhibition games.
Camp schedule and exhibition matchups
During the eight‑day window, the assembled coaches will split the participants into two squads — Stars and Stripes — each of which will contest a series of exhibition games. These contests serve both as a competitive barometer and as a final evaluation point before the team travels to Taiwan.
Following the camp, the Stars coaching staff will lead Team USA into the World Collegiate Baseball Championship in Taichung City, Taiwan, scheduled for July 11‑15. The tournament will feature national teams from across the globe, and the preparatory work done in the United States is expected to heavily influence the final roster and tactical approach.
Leadership and advisory roles
Rick Eckstein, a veteran coach with a strong track record in player development, will helm the Stripes squad. He will be supported by pitching coach Brad Penny and assistants Rick Ankiel, David Eckstein and Davin Pierre. Meanwhile, Dan Hartleb will guide the Stars team, working alongside pitching coach Matt Hobbs and assistants Jonathan Hernandez, Tracy Smith and Tom Walter. Both managers bring extensive collegiate and professional experience to the field.
Mike Scioscia, a former Major League Baseball manager, will attend the camp in an advisory capacity, offering strategic insight as the coaches fine‑tune their approaches. Rob Shabansky, appointed as Team USA’s technical commissioner, will oversee the broader tournament logistics and ensure seamless coordination between the training camp and the championship events.
The organization behind the initiative, USA Baseball, has confirmed that the camp will play a pivotal role in shaping the final roster for the World Collegiate Baseball Championship. By integrating coaching expertise, player development focus and logistical planning, the upcoming camp aims to position the United States for a strong showing in Taiwan.