HBCU Swingman Classic

The HBCU Swingman Classic presented by T-Mobile & 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 philanthropic & educational event, which will center around an HBCU "All-Star Game,” will be held during 2024 MLB All-Star Week on Friday, July 12, at Globe Life Field, home of the World Champion Texas Rangers.

The HBCU Swingman Classic will highlight the history and legacy of HBCU baseball programs while also providing 50 HBCU players with the opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage. The student-athletes will be selected by a committee that will include YDF Ambassador & Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. alongside representatives from MLB and MLBPA, as well as scouts.

2024 Roster

Janmikell Bastardo
Florida A&M University

Tanner Boccabello
Bethune-Cookman University

Tiger Borom
Grambling State University

Michael Burroughs
Prairie View A&M University

Juan Cruz
Alabama State University

Tristan Curless
Alabama A&M University

Edwin DeLaCruz
Univeristy of Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Joseph Eichelberger
Jackson State University

Kieran Etwaru
Delware State University

True Fontenot
Florida A&M University

Jamal George
Alabama State University

Renard Grace
Southern University

Manny Jackson
Norfolk State University

Ty Jackson
Florida A&M University

Justin Journette
Norfolk State University

Coley Kilpatrick
North Carolina A&T University

Mason Martinez
Grambling State University

Jafet Martinez
Alabama State University

Lenny Montesano
Jackson State University

Sam Nieves
Coppin State University

Michael Smith Jr.
Prairie View A&M University

Robert Tate Jr.
Jackson State University

Kyle Walker
Grambling State University

KJ White Jr.
Southern University

Christian Womble
Jackson State University

Evan Bouldin
Delaware State University

Canyon Brown
North Carolina A&T University

Cameron Bufford
Grambling State University

CJ Castillo
Texas Southern University

Christian Davis
Southern University

Irvin Escobar
Bethune-Cookman University

Randy Flores
Alabama State University

Daniel Gaviria
Bethune-Cookman University

Michael Goudeau
Texas Southern University

Caleb Granger
Florida A&M University

Brycen Hammonds
Alabama A&M University

Tyeler Hawkins
Southern University

Rodney Hibler Jr.
Jackson State University

Dreylin Holmes
Mississippi Valley State University

Ali Lapread
Alabama State University

Domenic Martinez
Texas Southern University

Tatsunori Negishi
North Carolina A&T University

Garrett Palladino
Alcorn State University

Khyle Radcliffe
Southern University

Jamal Ritter
Norfolk State University

Luis Rodriguez
Alabama State University

Pablo Torres
Bethune-Cookman University

Jose Vargas
Grambling State University

Isaiah Williams
Jackson State University

Tre Williams
North Carolina A&T University

2024 Highlights

2023 Highlights

HBCU Swingman Classic in the News

March 29, 2024: Texas Rangers to Visit Three Texas-based Historically Black Colleges & Universities as Part of HBCU Trophy Tour
February 29, 2024: Florida A&M pitcher signs pro baseball contract with major league team
February 26, 2024: MLB, Rangers unveil All-Star Week events schedule
February 23, 2024: Andre Dawson Classic reunites Swingman Classic participants
February 7, 2024: Semien excited for Rangers to host HBCU showcase
February 7, 2024: Texas Rangers to Host HBCU Swingman Classic presented by T-Mobile
February 6, 2024: Tickets for the 2024 “HBCU Swingman Classic Presented by T-Mobile & Powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation” now on sale
February 6, 2024: Rangers' Marcus Semien says HBCU Swingman Classic is a step for MLB, but more is needed
February 6, 2024: HBCU baseball classic to played at home of MLB World Series champions this summer
February 6, 2024: Marcus Semien, Texas Rangers hope to grow the game with HBCU Classic during All-Star week
February 6, 2024: Texas Rangers to host second annual HBCU Diamond Day on June 8 prior to game against San Francisco
November 20, 2023: HBCU Interns Drive Chevrolet Marketing to Fresh Perspective
October 31, 2023: 7 HBCU Student-Athletes To Keep Your Eye On Right Now
October 28, 2023: Ken Griffey Jr. makes appearance at Florida A&M homecoming football game
September 28, 2023: Getty Images Renewed as Official Photographic Partner of Major League Baseball
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