By Matt Rourke
The 2026 HBCU Swingman Classic, held at Citizens Bank Park, marked another major milestone for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their baseball programs.
The annual showcase, now in its fourth year, has grown into a premier event for highlighting the talent and history of HBCU baseball, bringing together players from across the country to compete on a national stage.
Taking place at the home of the Philadelphia Phillies and this year’s Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the event featured 50 mostly African American players from HBCU programs, representing nearly 20 schools.
The American League defeated the National League 6-1, and Southern University senior outfielder Jacoby Radcliffe was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. At 6’0” 185 lbs, Radcliffe is a native of Chicago.
“I don’t know when my last game is going to be”, Radcliffe said after the game. Playing in a prestigious ballpark like this was just phenomenal. I’m blessed, just grateful to get a shot”. Radcliffe is also the grandnephew of Negro League legend Ted “Double Duty” Radcliffe.
The coaching staff was led by star power, managed by two former big leaguers. Phillies legend Jimmy Rollins and 14-year MLB veteran Rickie Weeks, who also played his college ball at Southern.
“The joy…but most of all the camaraderie that was out there, like when we were kids”, Rollins said postgame. “With your homies playing baseball, having fun. Just to see the movements. The actions, the style on the field. It reminded me when I was a kid trying to put on a show.”
The Classic is a collaboration between MLB, USA Baseball, and Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., whose vision was to increase exposure for HBCU athletes in professional baseball. Griffey Jr.’s son, Tevin, played football at Florida A&M University, and that experience opened his eyes.
“I watched my parents give back every year, and when it came for me to do something, I’ve got to try to get these kids an opportunity to be seen”, he told the Tribune. How can I help? What do I need to help, especially going to the baseball team?”
In addition, the Classic offered scouts, coaches, and fans a chance to witness some of the most promising HBCU baseball prospects from all around the nation.
The game is as much about culture as it is about competition. Grammy Award winner Durand Bernarr performed ” Lift Every Voice,” and Eric Roberson sang the National Anthem. There were also step shows and routines spotlighting the Divine Nine.
Philadelphia, with its rich sports history and strong ties to African American culture, proved an ideal host city. With a strong alumni base from HBCUs nationwide, including local schools such as Cheyney, Lincoln, and Delaware State, it is a celebration of heritage and athletic excellence.
Delaware State was represented by sophomore infielder and Roman Catholic graduate Santino Harwood, who had a base hit in the game, and sophomore pitcher Solomon McKinney from Washington, DC, took the mound representing Lincoln.
The success of the game reinforces MLB’s commitment to providing opportunities to underrepresented prospects. While the current percentage of Black American-born players is just under 7%, 10 players have been drafted by MLB since the Classic began in 2023.
“The biggest thing is just to be seen”, Weeks said. “When you attend an HBCU, there are opportunities and resources, but you just want to be seen. This could probably be their last game, and it shows that this means something.”
With its combination of high-level competition, community engagement, and cultural pride, the Classic has become a fixture on the baseball calendar and a crucial bridge between HBCU programs and the big leagues.
“I want 100 kids drafted. The goal is to get more eyes on these kids”, Griffey Jr. added. “I lot of it has to do with how much money their parents have and to go to school, get an education, to play, and to be seen—you can’t ask for anything else.”
