truthseekersjournal
By Milton Kirby | Atlanta, GA | July 12, 2025
The 2025 MLB All-Star Week, a highly anticipated event in the baseball calendar, kicked off in true Southern style on Friday, July 11, with the HBCU Swingman Classic at Truist Park. This game, a significant part of the week’s festivities, brought 50 top student-athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to the big stage, giving them a national spotlight and showcasing the rich talent pool of HBCU baseball players.
A Game Full of Smiles and Showstoppers
The night ended with a 7-4 comeback win for the National League team. Alabama State catcher DeMarkus Smiley drove in the go-ahead run and later scored himself. Jay Campbell of Florida A&M smashed a seventh-inning home run. Kameron Douglas of Alabama State launched a 417-foot homer and struck out two in the final inning.
“It’s a lot of fun for the kids,” said Ken Griffey Jr., the Classic’s founder and a constant, smiling presence. The joy and excitement on the field were palpable, creating a connection with the audience.
Legends in the Dugout
Former Braves All-Stars Brian Jordan and David Justice, two highly respected figures in the baseball community, managed the National and American League teams. Their presence and praise for the talent on the field added a significant level of prestige to the event.
“It’s not about us. It’s about giving these kids a shot,” said Justice.
Beyond the Chalk Lines
The Classic was more than a game. It was a vibrant cultural celebration. The Georgia Mass Band brought HBCU flair, the Divine Nine Greek organizations added their unique touch, Avery Sunshine’s rendition of the national anthem was soul-stirring, and the Spelman College Glee Club’s performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” Was a powerful moment. Roy Wood Jr. announced, “Play Ball!” and fireworks capped the evening, leaving everyone feeling included and uplifted.
A Night to Remember
Fifty players across 17 HBCU programs were selected. The game aired nationally on MLB Network. Family, scouts, and fans cheered from the stands. The event created lifelong memories and new opportunities.
History of the HBCU Swingman Classic: A Legacy in the Making
The first Classic was held in 2023 in Seattle. It was created by Ken Griffey Jr. and supported by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation. It shines a light on HBCU baseball talent, which is often overlooked in professional scouting.
Since its launch, five Swingman alumni have been drafted:
- Nolan Santos, Bethune-Cookman (2023), Twins
- Xavier Meachem, NC A&T (2023), Marlins
- Trey Paige, Delaware State (2023), Cardinals
- Randy Flores, Alabama State (2023, 2024), Angels
- Canyon Brown, NC A&T (2024), Royals
2025 Stars to Watch
- Cardell Thibodeaux (Southern): SWAC Player and Newcomer of the Year. .439 average, .847 slugging.
- Eric Elliot (Jackson State): SWAC Pitcher of the Year. 108 strikeouts.
- Andrey Martinez (Bethune-Cookman): SWAC Co-Hitter of the Year. 20 homers. Walk-off in SWAC title game.
- Elijah Pinckney (Morehouse): First DII player selected. Hit .407. Elite defense.
Future of the Classic
The HBCU Swingman Classic has fast become a pillar of MLB All-Star Week. Each year, more players, schools, and scouts join the ranks. The message remains clear: Black baseball lives thrive and belong in the big leagues.
2025 Rosters: By the Numbers
Bethune-Cookman led with seven players. Alabama State, Jackson State, and Southern each sent six. Players were selected by a panel that included Griffey, MLB, MLBPA, and scouts.
American League
| Player | Position | School |
|---|---|---|
| Tyler Smith | Catcher | North Carolina A&T |
| Vinny Saumell | Catcher | Arkansas Pine-Bluff |
| Jonathan Gonzalez Perez | Catcher | Maryland Eastern Shore |
| Andrey Martinez | First base | Bethune-Cookman |
| Jalon Mack | Second base | Southern |
| Kylan Duncan | Second base | Alabama A&M |
| Taj Bates | Third base | Southern |
| Kade Wood | Shortstop | Mississippi Valley State |
| *KJ White | Shortstop | Southern |
| Chenar Brown | Inflield/Designated Hitter | Grambling State |
| Justin Journette | Outfield | Norfolk State |
| Darryl Lee | Outfield | Bethune-Cookman |
| Jordan McCladdie | Outfield | Jackson State |
| Jalan Jones | Outfield | Norfolk State |
| *Joseph Eichelberger | Outfield | Jackson State |
| Jaylon Burrell | Outfield | Alcorn State |
| Cameron Hill | Outfield | Grambling State |
| Eric Elliott | Left-handed pitcher | Jackson State |
| Jean Carlos Zambrano | Right-handed pitcher | Bethune-Cookman |
| Jorhan LaBoy | Left-handed pitcher | Alabama State |
| Garrett Workman | Left-handed pitcher | Florida A&M |
| Esaid Peña | Right-handed pitcher | Alabama State |
| *Jafet Martinez | Right-handed pitcher | Alabama State |
| Yoansell Diaz | Right-handed pitcher | Bethune-Cookman |
| Nick Luckett | Right-handed pitcher | Southern |
National League
| Player | Position | School |
|---|---|---|
| Broedy Poppell | Catcher | Florida A&M |
| **Irvin Escobar | Catcher | Bethune-Cookman |
| DeMarckus Smiley | Catcher | Alabama State |
| *Juan Cruz | First base | Alabama State |
| JT Taylor | Second base | North Carolina A&T |
| Daniel Moore | Second base | Coppin State |
| Jesus Vanegas | Third base | Bethune-Cookman |
| Elijah Pinckney | Shortstop | Morehouse |
| *Robert Tate Jr. | Shortstop | Jackson State |
| Ahmar Donatto | Inflield/Designated Hitter | Praire View A&M |
| Cardell Thibodeaux | Outfield | Southern |
| Kameron Douglas | Outfield | Alabama State |
| Jacoby Radcliffe | Outfield | Southern |
| Trey Bridges | Outfield | Grambling State |
| Kelton Phillips | Outfield | Texas Southern |
| Trey Rutledge | Outfield | Alabama A&M |
| *Jamal Ritter | Outfield | Norfolk State |
| Edwin Sanchez | Left-handed pitcher | Bethune-Cookman |
| Reagan Rivera | Right-handed pitcher | Coppin State |
| Diego Barrett | Right-handed pitcher | North Carolina A&T |
| *Erick Gonzalez | Right-handed pitcher | Jackson State |
| Nkosi Didder | Right-handed pitcher | Jackson State |
| Kenney Fabian | Right-handed pitcher | Arkansas Pine-Bluff |
| Calvin McClendon | LHP | Texas Southern |
| Jay Campbell | Third base/Right-handed pitcher | Florida A&M |
*Represents second-time attendee **Represents third-time attendee
Looking Ahead
More events are in the works. The Swingman Classic has ties to the Breakthrough Series, Hank Aaron Invitational, Cactus Jack HBCU Classic, and Andre Dawson Classic. Expect to hear more names from this year’s roster called in future MLB Drafts.
The Swingman Classic is not just a game. It’s a movement.
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