The Liberty Bell Classic was conceived in 1992 as a way for local Philadelphia-area Division I colleges to compete against each other in a tournament, as well as an opportunity for the schools to play on the big league field of Veterans Stadium.

When Drexel's baseball program was dissolved after the 2003 season, Lafayette College joined the Liberty Bell Classic.

The first championship at Citizens Bank Park was claimed by Lehigh as they defeated Villanova 11–3.

A second tournament, the Bill Giles Invitational, was created in 2001 for the Philadelphia-area Division II colleges.

The championship games for the Bill Giles Invitational and Liberty Bell Classic are hosted as part of a double header.