Clarksville's Donny Everett Classic Draws Top High School Baseball Teams

Annual tournament honors late Vanderbilt pitcher and celebrates its growth into one of Tennessee's premier baseball events.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:18am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a high school baseball game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, green, and orange, conveying the dynamic energy and competition of the sport.The Donny Everett Classic tournament celebrates the enduring passion for high school baseball in Tennessee through a cubist, geometric interpretation of the sport's energy and competition.Clarksville Today

The Donny Everett Classic, a high school baseball tournament held annually in Clarksville, Tennessee, has become one of the largest and most prestigious events of its kind in the state. Organized by Clarksville High School baseball coach Brian Hetland, the tournament honors the memory of former Vanderbilt pitcher Donny Everett and attracts top teams from across Tennessee and the region.

Why it matters

The Donny Everett Classic has grown significantly over the years, reflecting the enduring passion for baseball in Tennessee and the desire to celebrate the legacy of a talented young player who tragically passed away. The tournament provides a high-profile stage for high school players to showcase their skills and gain exposure to college and professional scouts.

The details

The 2026 Donny Everett Classic will feature 15 games played at Clarksville High School's field, with teams traveling from across Tennessee and neighboring states to participate. The tournament honors the memory of Donny Everett, a former Vanderbilt pitcher who passed away in 2016 at the age of 19. Everett was considered "the greatest talent I ever coached," according to his former high school coach Brian Hetland, who now oversees the annual event.

  • The Donny Everett Classic takes place annually during the first week of April.
  • The 2026 edition of the tournament will be held from April 3-5.

The players

Brian Hetland

The baseball coach at Clarksville High School who organizes the Donny Everett Classic tournament.

Donny Everett

A former Vanderbilt pitcher who passed away in 2016 at the age of 19, and whom the annual tournament is named after.

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What they’re saying

“the greatest talent I ever coached”

— Brian Hetland, Clarksville High School baseball coach

What’s next

The 2026 Donny Everett Classic will take place from April 3-5, with teams from across Tennessee and the region competing in the annual high school baseball tournament.

The takeaway

The Donny Everett Classic has grown into one of Tennessee's premier high school baseball events, honoring the legacy of a talented young player while providing a platform for the state's top prep talent to showcase their skills and gain exposure to college and professional scouts.