Overview
- The Swingman Classic, which opened MLB All‑Star Week on Friday, July 10, brought 50 players from 19 HBCUs to Citizens Bank Park for a nationally televised showcase.
- The American League defeated the National League 6-1 and Jacoby Radcliffe of Southern University was named the game’s most valuable player.
- Former MLB stars Jimmy Rollins and Rickie Weeks managed the National and American rosters, respectively, while roughly 17,000 fans attended and the event featured HBCU cultural performances and a civic ceremonial first pitch.
- Norfolk State supplied five players to the rosters, and organizers highlighted that the Swingman Classic has produced about 10 draftees since 2023 as part of efforts to expand professional opportunities.
- Founded by Ken Griffey Jr. in 2023 and presented by USA Baseball with support from MLB and the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, the event is positioned as a growing scouting platform aimed at reversing declining Black representation in pro baseball.