Country Stars Kick Off CMA Fest with Charity Softball Game

Annual Rock 'N Jock Celebrity Softball Match Raises Funds for Folds of Honor Tennessee

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:00pm

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A bold, abstract illustration featuring stark black silhouettes of baseball players, bats, and other sports equipment, set against a backdrop of vibrant red and white geometric shapes, capturing the energy and spirit of a charity softball game.Country music stars and athletes come together for an annual charity softball game that kicks off the CMA Fest festivities in Nashville.Today in Nashville

The 2026 Rock 'N Jock Celebrity Softball Game, a longstanding CMA Fest tradition, will kick off this year's country music festival in Nashville. The charity event will feature performances by popular country artists like Jordan Davis, Parker McCollum, HARDY, and RaeLynn, as well as appearances by former NFL and MLB stars. Proceeds from the game will benefit Folds of Honor Tennessee, an organization that provides scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled service members and first responders.

Why it matters

The Rock 'N Jock Celebrity Softball Game has become a beloved annual tradition that brings together country music fans, athletes, and philanthropists to support a worthy cause. The event not only celebrates the start of CMA Fest but also highlights the country music community's commitment to giving back to those who have sacrificed for their country.

The details

The 2026 Rock 'N Jock Celebrity Softball Game will take place on Monday, June 1, at Nashville's First Horizon Park. So far, confirmed players include country stars Jordan Davis, Parker McCollum, HARDY, Zach Top, Priscilla Block, Zach John King, and RaeLynn, as well as former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler and former MLB pitcher Roger 'Rocket' Clemens. Tickets for the event will go on sale on Friday.

  • The 2026 Rock 'N Jock Celebrity Softball Game will take place on Monday, June 1.
  • Tickets for the event will go on sale on Friday.

The players

Jordan Davis

A rising country music star known for hits like 'Buy Dirt' and 'Slow Dance in a Parking Lot'.

Parker McCollum

A Texas-born country singer-songwriter who has found success with songs like 'Pretty Heart' and 'To Be Loved by You'.

Folds of Honor Tennessee

A non-profit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members and first responders.

Jay Cutler

A former NFL quarterback who played for the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, and Miami Dolphins.

Roger 'Rocket' Clemens

A former MLB pitcher who played for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Yankees, and is considered one of the greatest pitchers of all time.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to be able to continue this CMA Fest tradition and support such a worthy cause. It's always a fun way to kick off the week and get the fans excited for the festival.”

— Jordan Davis, Country Music Artist

“Folds of Honor Tennessee has done incredible work supporting the families of our nation's heroes, and we're honored to be a part of this event that helps raise funds and awareness for their mission.”

— Roger 'Rocket' Clemens, Former MLB Pitcher

What’s next

Organizers are expected to announce additional celebrity players in the coming days as the event approaches.

The takeaway

The Rock 'N Jock Celebrity Softball Game has become a beloved tradition that kicks off CMA Fest with a celebration of country music, sports, and philanthropy. The event's continued success in raising funds for Folds of Honor Tennessee underscores the country music community's commitment to supporting the families of those who have sacrificed for their country.