Play Ball is joined by Cameron Bufford, who discusses the HBCU Swingman Classic and how that experience lead him to Grambling State
![](http://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/t_4x1/t_w2208/v1724192590/mlb/jhvqhbilzt5t4f040bqj.png 2208w, //img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/t_4x1/t_w1536/v1724192590/mlb/jhvqhbilzt5t4f040bqj.png 1536w, //img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/t_4x1/t_w1024/v1724192590/mlb/jhvqhbilzt5t4f040bqj.png 1024w, //img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/t_4x1/t_w640/v1724192590/mlb/jhvqhbilzt5t4f040bqj.png 640w, //img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/t_4x1/t_w372/v1724192590/mlb/jhvqhbilzt5t4f040bqj.png 372w)
HBCU Swingman Classic
The HBCU Swingman Classic powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation (YDF) is an annual All-Star experience for baseball student-athletes from Division-I programs at Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU). The philanthropic & educational event, which will center around an HBCU “All-Star Game,” will be held during 2025 MLB All-Star Week at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves.
The HBCU Swingman Classic will highlight the history and legacy of HBCU baseball programs while also providing 50 HBCU players with the opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage. The student-athletes will be selected by a committee that will include YDF Ambassador & Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. alongside representatives from MLB and MLBPA, as well as scouts.
Ticket and event information coming soon!
HBCU Swingman Classic News
- VideoBest moments from the 2024 HBCU Swingman Classic
Check out some of the best moments from the 2024 HBCU Swingman Classic at Globe Life Field including an exciting 9th-inning rally
- Swingman Classic highlights the amazing culture of HBCUs
ARLINGTON -- Texas Southern’s band, the “Ocean of Soul” echoed throughout the Rangers’ home of Globe Life Field. During pregame ceremonies, representatives from each of the “Divine Nine” Black Greek organizations lined the infield dirt as Grammy Award winner Kirk Franklin and his gospel choir performed the "Star Spangled Banner"...
- BSPNTX's HBCU panel inspires students, young professionals
ARLINGTON -- Just a couple of hours before MLB’s HBCU Swingman Classic began, a group of students and early career professionals gathered at Globe Life Field’s Karbach Sky Porch and listened attentively to the panel of professionals working in sports as they shared their experiences in the industry. The group...
- Griffey-led Swingman Classic a hit in Arlington
ARLINGTON -- The HBCU Swingman Classic has two major purposes. One, to put a spotlight on Black players who typically go under-recruited, under-scouted and underrepresented in baseball in recent years. The other is to highlight the culture of Black baseball, which has also been lost in the wind over the...
- VideoHall of Famer Andre Dawson joins Intentional Talk
Hall of Famer Andre Dawson joins Intentional Talk to discuss his time in the league and the differences from then to now and much more
- Video2024 HBCU Swingman Classic
Watch HBCU Swingman Classic presented by T-Mobile & powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation live from Globe Life Field
- VideoGriffey Jr. on HBCU Swingman Classic
Ken Griffey Jr. joins Intentional Talk to discuss the upcoming HBCU Swingman Classic, playing together with his father and more
- VideoDave Sims on the Swingman Classic, his new podcast
Mariners play by play announcer Dave Sims joins MLB Central to discuss the Swingman Classic, promoting his new podcast, "Hey Now!" and more
- Excitement building for 2nd annual HBCU Swingman Classic
ARLINGTON -- If you ask Del Matthews, HBCU baseball is the closest one can get to the Negro Leagues in the modern day. Matthews, MLB’s vice president of baseball development and an HBCU alumnus, has been a central part of what has come to the forefront of Major League Baseball’s...
- VideoKen Griffey Jr. reveals 2024 HBCU Swingman Rosters
The rosters for the 2024 HBCU Swingman Classic are revealed and one of the managers of the event, Ken Griffey Jr., shares some words
- Andre Dawson Classic reunites Swingman Classic participants
VERO BEACH, Fla. -- Every ballplayer understands that once is never enough. You can’t just hit one home run, strike out one batter or steal a base one time to convince a scout of your abilities. It’s about repetition, showing that you possess an aptitude for consistency. But for that,...
- Semien excited for Rangers to host HBCU showcase
ARLINGTON -- On Tuesday, the Texas Rangers held a luncheon to promote the HBCU Swingman Classic presented by T-Mobile and powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation (YDF), which will lead off 2024 All-Star Week at Globe Life Field. The inaugural event was held last year, during All-Star Week in...
- VideoRangers on HBCU Swingman Classic
The Texas Rangers hold a press conference to celebrate the HBCU Swingman Classic and host HBCU Day at Globe Life Field
- VideoSwingman Classic Mentee recap
HBCU photographers develop their craft in a Mentee Program with MLB and Getty at the 2023 HBCU Swingman Classic
- VideoPlay Loud: HBCU Swingman Classic
Watch HBCU standouts Trey Paige and Daalen Adderley hop on the mic during the inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic at T-Mobile Park
- Video2023 HBCU luncheon
Jerry Manuel, Cito Gaston and Roger Cador speak at the 2023 Swingman HBCU luncheon
- VideoHBCU Swingman Classic Highlights
Take a look at all the action from the HBCU Swingman Classic in Seattle
- Griffey's Swingman debut knocks it out of the park
SEATTLE -- At a team dinner the night before the inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic, Ken Griffey Jr. sat among the 50 players that were selected for the event and fielded questions throughout the meal. One stood out in particular from an eager student-athlete ahead of the event that kicked off...
- VideoBraziel on T-Mobile Impact Award
Kewan Braziel joins Ken Griffey Jr. on MLB Network to talk about receiving the T-Mobile Impact Award, what the honor means to him and more
![2025 MLB All-Star Week logo](http://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/t_16x9/t_w2208/mlb/uljogtcsp07ithohxxff.png 2208w, //img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/t_16x9/t_w1536/mlb/uljogtcsp07ithohxxff.png 1536w, //img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/t_16x9/t_w1024/mlb/uljogtcsp07ithohxxff.png 1024w, //img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/t_16x9/t_w640/mlb/uljogtcsp07ithohxxff.png 640w, //img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/t_16x9/t_w372/mlb/uljogtcsp07ithohxxff.png 372w)
July 11-15, 2025
Atlanta, Georgia