HBCU Swingman Classic brings national spotlight to players during MLB All-Star Week

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- MLB All-Star Week festivities kicked off with the HBCU Swingman Classic at Citizens Bank Park on Friday, where dozens of standout baseball players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities took the field in front of scouts, executives, fans and media.

The event is designed to give HBCU players a national platform while increasing visibility and opportunities in the sport on one of baseball's biggest stages.

For some attendees, the experience was a first.

"This is my first time coming to a baseball game, so I'm just very excited," said Arjai Rivera, who attends Morgan State University but is from South Jersey.

The classic was founded in 2023 by Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., who said the event is about creating opportunities for HBCU athletes.

"They love baseball like anybody else, and if I can get them to be seen, that's what I'm here for," Griffey said.

During the game, 50 of the nation's top HBCU players showcased their talent on the field. Among them were local standouts Santino Harwood of Delaware State University and Solomon McKinney of Lincoln University.

"To be picked for this event and be touching this field right now, it's just all a blessing and I'm extremely grateful," he said.

McKinney said being selected carried added significance.

"I think I'm the only D2 guy here, so it means a lot," he said.

Phillies legend Jimmy Rollins managed the National League team in this year's game and encouraged players to appreciate the moment.

"My message to them is to take this all in, look up in the sky, look at the stands, look at all the seats. When you were a kid, this is where you wanted to be and now you're here," Rollins said.

Players said the opportunity to perform on a national stage is meaningful and could help elevate HBCU baseball's profile.

"All of us being out here on the big stage, big crowd, there's nothing more you can ask for," said Ryan Hunter of Southern University. "This is going to be the most competitive HBCU baseball you're going to see all year."

Since the HBCU Swingman Classic began in 2023, there have been 150 participants, and 10 have been drafted into Major League Baseball.

Organizers say they hope that number continues to grow.