The next generation of HBCU baseball stars seized the spotlight during MLB All-Star Week.
The nation’s top HBCU baseball talent delivered a memorable showcase under the lights at Citizens Bank Park as the American League defeated the National League 6-1 in the 2026 HBCU Swingman Classic on Friday night.
The annual showcase featured 50 of the top NCAA Division I players from HBCU programs, giving them an opportunity to compete on a major league stage while celebrating the talent, tradition and future of Black college baseball.
Southern University center fielder Jacoby Radcliffe earned Most Valuable Player honors after reaching base with a hit-by-pitch, stealing two bases and scoring a run, using his speed to spark the American League offense throughout the night.
Ken Griffey Jr. presents the 2026 HBCU Swingman Classic MVP trophy to Jacoby Radcliffe! ? pic.twitter.com/l1NyK4YAou
— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2026
The American League collected seven hits and broke the game open with timely hitting, building a five-run advantage before cruising to the 6-1 victory.
The game’s biggest swing came off the bat of Jose Fernandez, who lined a two-run double off the left-field wall to extend the American League’s lead to 5-0.
Thomas Ealey of Norfolk State added an RBI single during the offensive surge, while Andrey Martinez also drove in a run with an RBI single to help account for the American League’s six runs.
Radcliffe’s impact extended beyond the batter’s box. His two stolen bases were the only steals of the game and consistently pressured the National League defense after he reached base via hit-by-pitch.
Defensively, Armando Hurtado delivered one of the night’s top highlights, ranging to make a smooth play in the infield before firing across the diamond to retire the runner at first base.
American League manager Rickie Weeks, the former Major League All-Star and Southern University alumnus, praised Radcliffe after the game when asked by sports reporter Rob Knox about a Southern player earning MVP honors.
“It’s awesome, man. That’s what I’m saying. It’s good to be from a school like that,” Weeks said. “Obviously having a long lineage of tradition and success at the same time. But seeing a player tonight, obviously Radcliffe, that I’ve known for a couple years now, and seeing him kind of come into his own. It’s really cool to see him get that award tonight for sure.”
Weeks managed the American League opposite Philadelphia Phillies legend and 2007 National League MVP Jimmy Rollins, who guided the National League squad while mentoring many of the nation’s top HBCU players throughout All-Star Week.
Despite the loss, Rollins left impressed by the level of talent on display.
“I saw a lot of good arms,” Rollins said. He also noted the impressive “exit velo” from several hitters and said continued improvement in hitters’ approaches at the plate will help elevate the next generation of HBCU talent.
The HBCU Swingman Classic, presented by USA Baseball, once again served as one of MLB All-Star Week’s signature developmental events, providing HBCU players with national exposure while celebrating the continued growth of Black college baseball.
Photo: Southern University outfielder Jacoby Radcliffe (21) runs during an NCAA baseball game on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Lake Charles, La. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)
