The rosters have been released for the second annual HBCU Swingman Classic on July 12. Powered by the MLB Youth Development Foundation, the HBCU Swingman Classic provides an all-star experience for student-athletes from Division I programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The event hopes to highlight the legacy of HBCU baseball programs and provide 50 HBCU players the opportunity to showcase their talent on an MLB All-Star stage. The players come from 16 Division I HBCUs. The rosters were selected by a committee that included Ken Griffey Jr., who will also manage one team alongside former Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates manager Llyod McClendon.
The 2024 HBCU Swingman Classic presented by @TMobile & powered by the @MLBPA – @Baseball_YDF Roster‼️
Friday, July 12th at Globe Life Field during MLB All-Star Week ⚾🌟 pic.twitter.com/5AJc1mgCl9
— MLBDevelops (@MLBDevelops) June 18, 2024
Two players selected are Grambling State’s Cameron Bufford and Kyle Walker. Both players are returners to the event and are excited about the opportunity. Walker said about the experience, “This is my second time doing it, and last year, man…it was amazing. It was just amazing, just all the fans and the atmosphere; it was a great opportunity.”
This showcase is a unique opportunity for players who deserve mainstream exposure but may not receive it. The game will be played during all-star weekend at Globe Life Field, home of last year’s World Series champion Texas Rangers on July 12th. A Battle of the Bands in-game event featuring bands from Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M can also be seen by fans attending. Tickets are now on sale for fans wishing to experience HBCU baseball on a national stage.
Image Courtesy of Grambling State
