ATLANTA – The HBCU Swingman Classic will, no doubt, be a hit here.
After all, Atlanta and Georgia have become a hotbed for MLBbros. This will be another opportunity for Black baseball players to be front and center nationally.
On Tuesday, Black baseball’s past, present, and future collided under one historic roof in Atlanta. Inside Pascal’s, a legendary Black-owned restaurant rooted in civil rights history, the smell of fried chicken and mac and cheese filled the air and the room buzzed with laughter and good energy. But this wasn’t just any lunch—it was a gathering of game changers. The HBCU Swingman Classic luncheon served more than soul food. It served purpose, passion, and a powerful reminder that Black baseball is alive and thriving.
Now in its third year, the HBCU Swingman Classic—founded by Ken Griffey Jr. in 2023 —was created to give top HBCU baseball players a chance to shine on a national stage. This year’s game will feature 50 athletes from 17 HBCUs under the lights at Truist Park on July 11. But before the spotlight hits the field, the focus was on the stories, journeys, and development behind the scenes.
At the luncheon, hosted by Big Tigger, a dynamic panel featured MLBbros Michael Harris II, Christian Moore, and Jo Adell. Alongside Del Matthews, MLB’s SVP of Baseball Development, Reggie Waller, an MLBPA consultant, and Brian Jordan – the only panelist who could say he was both an MLB All-Star and an NFL Pro Bowler, doing both right here in Atlanta.
Jordan, who will manage the National League squad in the upcoming Classic, delivered heartfelt words about what it means to play a part in the development of young players like KJ White of Southern University.
“It brings tears to my eyes to see someone like KJ, who came through our program and is now thriving at Southern,” Jordan said. “I was able to help him with a scholarship, and now as manager of the Swingman Classic, I get to keep pouring into these kids. Hopefully, we’ll see them in the big leagues one day.”
The panel highlighted MLB Develops programs like the Hank Aaron Invitational and Breakthrough Series, which opened doors for players like Harris II and Moore to build confidence and compete.
“I was in their shoes,” said Harris II, the Atlanta Braves’ CF. “Being able to show my face and encourage these guys – sometimes that’s all it takes.”
Moore recalled playing at Truist Park during a previous showcase. “That’s when I realized I might really have a shot to make it to the league,” said Moore, who was recently called up to play second base for the Los Angeles Angels.
Talking MLB Diversity Kings With Del Matthews, VP Of Baseball Development MLB
Matthews spoke passionately about expanding opportunities beyond the field.
“These players are just as talented when given the chance—but it’s also about the students who want to be journalists, marketers, or photographers,” he said. “Through this game, they get real experience to match their dreams.”
Although Griffey Jr. and David Justice weren’t in the building, their legacy was felt throughout the room. As the luncheon ended, the message was clear: the HBCU Swingman Classic is bigger than baseball. It’s a bridge between eras, opportunities, and community.
And with leaders like Jordan, Matthews, Waller, and today’s MLBbros speaking directly to the next generation, the game’s future looks bright, Black, and powerful.
