ATLANTA – The HBCU Swingman Classic, taking place in Atlanta tomorrow at Truist Park, home of Major League Baseball’s Braves, will no doubt be a hit.
After all, Atlanta, and the wider state of Georgia, have become a hotbed for MLB prospects. The Swingman Classic also provides opportunity for Black baseball players to be front and center nationally.
Last week, to promote the Classic, Black baseball’s past, present, and future came together under one historic roof in Atlanta. Inside Pascal’s, a legendary Black-owned restaurant rooted in the Civil Rights Movement, 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 gamechangers. 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.
Founded by Ken Griffey Jr. in 2023, the event, now in its third year, 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. But before the spotlight hits the field, the focus was on stories, journeys and development.
At a luncheon hosted by radio and television personality Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan, 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, achieving both in Atlanta playing for the Braves and the Falcons.
Jordan, who will manage the National League squad in the 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 and Moore to build confidence and compete.
“I was in their shoes,” said Harris, 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.
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.