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Ken Griffey Jr.’s HBCU Classic Features 50 Players in Philly

7/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The HBCU Swingman Classic was held on July 10, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, showcasing 50 historically Black college baseball players, including four Florida A&M Rattlers.
Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. founded the HBCU Swingman Classic to give HBCU players national exposure.
Since its 2023 debut, the classic has featured 150 players and produced ten MLB Draft selections.

History

Historical Context

Jackie Robinson broke MLB’s color line on April 15, 1947, opening doors that eventually sent about 1,200 former Negro-League players into organized baseball by 1960. Decades later, Ken Griffey Jr. launched the HBCU Swingman Classic in 2023, drawing 150 college athletes—including four Florida A&M players—and producing ten MLB draft picks, showing the lasting impact of integration.

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Story summary

The HBCU Swingman Classic was held on July 10, 2026 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, showcasing 50 historically Black college baseball players, including four Florida A&M Rattlers.
Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. founded the HBCU Swingman Classic to give HBCU players national exposure.
Since its 2023 debut, the classic has featured 150 players and produced ten MLB Draft selections.

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