32 Teams Compete for West Virginia Baseball State Title

Thirty-two high school baseball teams from West Virginia will compete for state titles at Jack Cook Field in Huntington from June 6 to June 13, 2026, marking the first time the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) has hosted the tournament at the facility. The event, described as a “first-class” experience by Marshall University officials, will feature games across multiple classifications, with all matches streamed live via the NFHS Network. Andrew Brown, Marshall University’s associate athletics director, emphasized the significance of hosting the tournament at Jack Cook Field, a 3,500-seat all-turf stadium that opened in 2024. “The opportunity to have a state championship here at baseball, a facility that’s three years old, first class, can’t beat it anywhere in the state,” Brown said. He highlighted the event’s potential to boost local engagement, stating, “Hopefully some of the local schools can compete at a high level to get our crowds a little bit bigger.” The tournament will follow a rolling schedule, with games approximately 50 minutes apart after the previous match concludes. Specific matchups and times are outlined in the WVSSAC’s official championship central, which lists Class A, AA and AAA brackets. For example, Class A teams will begin competition on June 6, with semifinals set for June 11 and the championship game scheduled for June 13. Similar timelines apply to other classifications, though exact start times for some games remain tentative. Ticketing for the event will be managed exclusively through the WVSSAC, with no on-site sales at Marshall University. Fans are directed to purchase tickets online, while parking will be available for $10 at the softball field lot and the west lot of the Joan C. Edwards Football Stadium. Local businesses in Huntington have expressed enthusiasm about the influx of visitors. Luke Cassidy of the Marshall Hall of Fame Cafe noted that downtown establishments are preparing for increased activity, with plans to introduce new menu items and staff additional personnel. “It’s honestly such an honor to host these kinds of things in our city,” Cassidy said. “We’re so thrilled that the state tournament is happening here in Huntington.” He encouraged attendees to support local businesses, adding, “We hope they have an awesome, successful, and healthy weekend… and more than anything after the game, you and your families, we’d love to host you here at the Marshall Cafe.” The decision to relocate the tournament to Huntington follows a statewide bid process, with the WVSSAC Board of Directors selecting Jack Cook Field as the host venue for at least three years, with an option to extend through 2029. This marks a shift from the event’s previous 46-year history in Charleston, where games were held at Watt Powell Park (1980–2004) and GoMart Ballpark (2005–2025). Wayne Ryan, WVSSAC executive director, praised Huntington and Marshall University for their proposal, stating, “We’re excited to partner with them to provide a high-quality championship experience for student-athletes, coaches, and fans at a premier facility.” All games will be available for live streaming, with additional coverage including digital programs, photos, and video archives. The tournament’s format includes expanded brackets, with eight teams in each classification, doubling the previous structure. This change aims to increase participation and competitive opportunities for schools across the state. The event’s arrival in Huntington underscores the city’s growing role in hosting major athletic competitions. Marshall University’s Jack Cook Field, which has hosted collegiate games since 2024, will serve as the primary venue, with auxiliary spaces like the softball field lot and football stadium parking lots supporting the event’s logistics. As the tournament approaches, organizers stress the importance of community involvement and adherence to event guidelines. Fans are advised to secure tickets in advance and plan transportation accordingly. With 32 teams vying for state championships, the week-long event promises to highlight the talent and spirit of West Virginia’s high school baseball programs.