HBCU Swingman Classic hosts welcome dinner before kicking off All-Star Week

PHILADELPHIA -- Stepping onto the field at a Major League stadium is enough to make any ballplayer pause. But for 50 of the nation’s premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) athletes, Citizens Bank Park isn't just a sight to see -- it’s the launchpad for the opportunity of a lifetime.

As the rosters gathered for the event's welcome dinner ahead of Friday’s fourth annual HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball on MLB Network at 7 p.m. ET, the focus was entirely on the massive opportunity waiting for them under the Friday night lights to kick off the All-Star Week festivities.

Founded by Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. in 2023, the Swingman Classic has evolved into a premier scouting showcase and a massive celebration of HBCU culture, intentionally positioned to kick off All-Star Week on a national stage. This year, among those joining Griffey are MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds, Yankees broadcaster Dave Sims and Hank Aaron's granddaughter Emily Haydel to kick off the event.

“Trying to give these kids the opportunity to be seen, it's an important thing,” Griffey said. “These kids can play ... Having it at the All-Star Game, to kick the All-Star Week off, is very important. And Major League Baseball was behind it.”

• Griffey proud of Swingman Classic's reach, influence

The impact is already showing up on Draft boards. Griffey noted that 10 players have already been drafted out of the showcase in its brief history, but he isn't satisfied yet.

"I want 100 kids," he prioritized. "The goal is to get more and more kids seen and more eyes on these kids."

For the legends guiding the rosters, the event is deeply personal. Friday’s matchup features a star-studded managerial battle, with the National League side led by 2007 NL MVP and Phillies Wall of Famer Jimmy Rollins, while the American League team is managed by Southern University legend and 14-year MLB veteran Rickie Weeks.

Weeks, who understands the heavy transition of leaving home for an HBCU program, views this weekend as a potential life-changing milestone for his roster -- both on and off the diamond.

“I try to be a realist. These guys, some of these guys aren't going to go to the next level,” Weeks said. “So when you have that in mind, this might be the last time they play baseball. So we got to understand what pressure this is, things that they have to go through right now just to even get here. ... So being here with all these guys and being able to rub shoulders with these guys -- we got guys who work in baseball, we got guys who work out of baseball -- that's what it's all about. It's just a general community of some baseball-loving people and we just want these guys to perform and succeed in life.”

Weeks also noted that the grandeur of Citizens Bank Park provides a unique test and a beautiful memory for the young athletes.

“I think that the main point is to support them,” Weeks added. “There's gonna be some nerves out there, I'm sure. We talk about in baseball a lot. When you go out in the field, you see that fourth deck, it separates everybody. Making sure they're comfortable, talking to them ... making sure that they're having fun, that is the goal.”

That sentiment is shared by the elder statesman of the weekend, MLB legend Ken Griffey Sr., who is serving as one of the event's honorary VIPs alongside fellow greats Andre Dawson and Ralph Garr Sr. Reflecting on his own career path as a 29th-round Draft pick, Griffey Sr. knows exactly what a national platform means for players who are routinely overlooked.

“Best advice is just to play hard,” Griffey Sr. said. “Don't shortchange yourself -- you've got to perform. This is a tremendous opportunity for them. For years, we used to talk about how we're not playing baseball, but that wasn't the truth. This is just an opportunity to get out there and do what you do best. So those are the things I'd give advice to, just to be themselves and have fun.”

Beyond the diamond, Friday night’s game will double as a full-scale celebration of community and HBCU tradition. Fans arriving early can experience an HBCU Mixer at Pass and Stow designed for high school students exploring higher education, followed by a ballpark meet-and-greet with Phillies alumni Mickey Morandini, Dickie Noles and Juan Samuel.

The game’s pre-game festivities feature a ceremonial first pitch from Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner by two-time Grammy-nominated artist Eric Roberson and "Lift Every Voice and Sing" performed by Grammy-winner Durand Bernarr. Renowned comedian and actor Roy Wood Jr. will keep the energy high as the in-ballpark emcee, a video tribute will honor Southern University coaching legend Roger Cador and the iconic Divine Nine fraternities will perform on top of the dugouts between innings.

Whether these athletes are destined for the big leagues or playing their final competitive frames, the weekend ensures their impact will be remembered.

“It's going to be a good time,” Griffey Jr. said, reflecting on the anticipated energy. “It's a great time for these kids and a great time for kids to come watch a baseball game in a big league ballpark.”