Hello
Welcome to Cats & Dawgs Kirkland Classic
- The only celebrity Apple Cup rivalry on the diamond.
- Celebrates female athletes and the JLSWS
- Raises crucial funds to make this annual Kirkland celebration a success.
Our Mission
The Cats & Dawgs Kirkland Classic celebrates and elevates female athletes as the celebrity game and opening ceremonies of the Junior League Softball World Series.
We unite the Kirkland community to raise sponsorship funds for tournament needs beyond Little League International, and to launch a week of international competition Aug 2–8, 2026, at Everest Park—games broadcast live on ESPN+.
Don't Miss The First Pitch
Cougs & Huskies battle in Softball Town, USA.
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features & In the news
Recap the game and hear from the celebrities
Kirkland celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Junior League Softball World Series with the inaugural Cats & Dogs Kirkland Classic celebrity softball game and welcome rally.
The event drew a huge, supportive crowd and emphasized the importance of community volunteers and local support for promoting women in sports, and featured local celebrities promoting equality and youth sports.
We are excited to welcome back our team captains and emcees Marcus Trufant (Tru's Cougs) and Terry Hollimon (Holla's Huskies).
More Than a Game: Why Women’s Sports Deserve Our Full Support by Norris Frederick
When you step onto the field surrounded by athletes from every corner of the sports world soccer, football, baseball, track, and more you’re reminded that greatness doesn’t belong to one lane. And when that moment exists not just for glory, but for giving back, you realize this is what real community looks like.
JLSWS Featured on EASTSIDE ELEVATED
Kirkland’s Global Stage: Hosting the Junior League Softball World Series One of the crown jewels of Kirkland’s sports legacy is hosting the Junior League Softball World Series, now in its 25th year.
This Week in Kirkland: Kirkland Hosts a World Series? And we have a team competing?
Steve Allen and Louie Kotsakis share why the Junior League Softball World Series is a home run for Kirkland families. The 25th Anniversary of this Kirkland event is broadcast live on ESPN+.
Softball & Baseball Legacy in Kirkland
Discover the connection between Little League, High School State Championships and the 25 world champions who have been crowed right here in Kirkland. Some specials guests before our reveal of the inaugural celebrity softball game and welcome rally as the world descends on our City.
King5: Kirkland is the Center of Softball World
KIRKLAND, Wash. — Kirkland is in the center of the softball world this week.
The city is hosting the "24th Annual Junior League Softball World Series," which welcomes rising 13 and 14-year-olds from across the world.
The "Junior League Softball World Series" has been hosted in Kirkland since 1999. Despite being broadcast on ESPN throughout the years, it's still considered a hidden gem.
Cats & Dawgs Kirkland Classic - Event details
Saturday, august 1st, 2026
Opening Ceremonies - 2:30pm
First Pitch - 3:00pm
Trophy Celebration - 5:30pm
Lee Johnson Field at Peter Kirk Park
202 3rd St, Kirkland, WA 98033
The Best Moments from 2025 JLSWS & Celebrity Softball game
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