Arlington, Texas— The 2023 World Series Champion Texas Rangers are embarking on its first-ever HBCU Trophy Tour, bringing Rangers and Major League Baseball representatives to three of Texas’ Historically Black Colleges and Universities with the Commissioner’s Trophy in tow.

The tour will include events at Prairie View A&M University on Monday, April 1, Texas Southern University on Tuesday, April 2, and Huston-Tillotson University on Wednesday, April 3.

Texas Rangers Senior Director of Community Impact, Ray Casas, and Major League Baseball’s Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Misha Hurd, will host university students and faculty for a lunch-and-learn-style event series focused on educating young people of color and women on the opportunities in baseball.

Topics of discussion will include the Texas Rangers’ year-round initiatives focused on increasing diversity across baseball, including the Charley Pride Fellowship Program and HBCU Diamond Day on June 8 at Globe Life Field.

The events will also serve as an opportunity to showcase the HBCU Swingman Classic, set to be played at Globe Life Field on Friday, July 12, as part of MLB All-Star Week. Established in 2023, with influence from Ken Griffey Jr., the Swingman Classic will see 50 of the best Division I HBCU ballplayers compete on two All-Star teams, with exciting in-game entertainment and a pre-game event featuring several HBCUs and community groups focused on educating prospective students and fans alike.

Schedule for HBCU Trophy Tour:

Monday, April 1

Location: Prairie View A&M University – Panther Room, Athletics Administration Building

100 University Dr., Prairie View, TX, 77446

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Participants: Ray Casas – Texas Rangers, Senior Director of Community Impact

Misha Hurd ­– Major League Baseball, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Tuesday, April 2

Location: Texas Southern University – Tiger Room, third floor of the Sterling Student Life Center

3100 Cleburne St., Houston, TX, 77004

Time: Noon – 1:30 p.m.

Participants: Ray Casas – Texas Rangers, Senior Director of Community Impact

Misha Hurd ­– Major League Baseball, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Wednesday, April 3

Location: Huston-Tillotson University – Agard-Lovinggood Building

900 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702

Time: Noon – 2 p.m.

Participants: Ray Casas – Texas Rangers, Senior Director of Community Impact