HBCU Swingman Classic
The HBCU Swingman Classic, presented by T-Mobile and powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation (YDF), is an annual All-Star experience for baseball student-athletes from Division-I programs at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU). The inaugural philanthropic and educational event, which centered around an "All-Star" Game, was held during 2023 MLB All-Star Week on July 7 at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners. Three players who participated in the inaugural 2023 event were selected in the 2023 MLB Draft, and two players signed with MLB clubs as undrafted free agents.
The 2024 HBCU Swingman Classic will take place during 2024 MLB All-Star Week at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers.
The HBCU Swingman Classic highlights the history and legacy of HBCU baseball programs and also provides 50 HBCU baseball players with the opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage. The student-athletes are selected by a committee that includes YDF Ambassador and Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., representatives from MLB and MLBPA, and scouts. Major League Baseball and the Players Association co-operate the event.
2023 HBCU Swingman Coaches
- Vince Coleman
- James Cooper
- Andre Dawson
- Marvin Freeman
- Ralph Garr
- Cito Gaston
- Ken Griffey Sr.
- Marquis Grissom
- Trenidad Hubbard
- Jerry Manuel
- Troy Marrow
- Bo Porter
- Lester Strode
- Lenny Webster
- Rickie Weeks
HBCU Swingman Classic in the News
- August 23, 2023: MLB All-Star Weekend Spotlights HBCU Baseball
- August 1, 2023: "Number of Black People in MLB Continue to Dwindle" – Derek Jeter, Who Faced Racism in His Early Days, Gets Candid
- July 23, 2023: A First-Person Look at How Brands Left No Bases Uncovered During MLB All-Star Week
- July 23, 2023: Rattler Vlog: Episode One - HBCU Swingman Classic available now on Rattlers+
- July 22, 2023: Cypress Lake alum Janmikell Bastardo plays in inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic
- July 20, 2023: HBCU Swingman Classic Set The Tone For 2023 MLB All-Star Week
- July 20, 2023: The Black baseball renaissance must be televised
- July 15, 2023: At the HBCU Swingman Classic, pro baseball confronts its decline in Black players
- July 15, 2023: Jesuit alum Jalen Niles shines in Swingman Classic
- July 14, 2023: Ken Griffey Jr. Partners With MLB For First-ever 'HBCU Swingman Classic'
- July 12, 2023: HBCU 2023 MLB All-Star Events Highlight Diversity And Inclusion
- July 11, 2023: Janmikell Bastardo participates in inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic in Seattle
- July 11, 2023: Florida A&M players, alums stand out at HBCU Swingman Classic
- July 11, 2023: Best MIC'D UP moments from the HBCU Swingman Classic!
- July 11, 2023: Inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic: A Thrilling Showcase
- July 11, 2023: As Black representation in pro-baseball dwindles, the MLB tries something new
- July 11, 2023: Pro Baseball Still Can't Get Black American Players On The Diamond, Can HBCUs Help?
- March 17, 2023: Ken Griffey Jr. can still hit dingers, and Team USA was loving it
- March 15, 2023: Seattle gets ready for 2023 MLB All-Star Week
- February 16, 2023: Seven HBCU college baseball teams ready for the 2023 "Andre Dawson Classic" in New Orleans
- February 2, 2023: Events, details announced for All-Star Week in Seattle
- February 1, 2023: MLB launches 'UNDENIABLE,' an MLB Originals Series to honor the stories and legacy of the Negro Leagues
- December 7, 2022: Ken Griffey Jr, MLB launch HBCU baseball showcase at 2023 All-Star Game
- December 7, 2022: Ken Griffey Jr., World Series champion Houston Astros announce HBCU baseball classics