4th Annual HBCU Swingman Classic Swinging for the Fences

PHILADELPHIA, PA – The 4th annual HBCU Swingman Classic kicked off All-Star Weekend in a major way for Major League Baseball. Citizens Bank was the site.

50 athletes from different Historically Black Colleges & Universities got the invite to play in a major league stadium, and make major league plays.

Pierre Cabral, from Jackson State, spoke with WMDT, about what this means to them. “Coming from the Dominican Republic and playing this stage of stadiums with the MLB, dreamed of this as a kid.”

Santino Harwood is from Philadelphia. He was the only athlete who was making a homecoming playing in the event. The Delaware State Infielder was happy to play back home. “It’s an amazing opportunity, you know, watching the balls fly, being on this field, it’s just everything I wished for.”

Schools like Jackson State University, Grambling, Alabama A&M, and Delaware State. Harwood said he wanted to make sure he puts on a show. Got a lot of friends and family coming out, so, definitely going to try to find him in the stands. And, you know, show them love.”

The most important thing for this event is helping young guys make waves and get proper exposure. Both managers, Jimmy Rollins and Rickie Weeks, made it clear during media scrums, this event is about the young athletes.

I love to be around these people. These people are amazing. I love it. I love them, said Cabral.”

“At the end of the day, like, everyone’s here for the same reason. So, you know, it’s a bunch of talented guys on the field. And, you know, it’s just honestly

a blessing to share the field with guys who are talented in the HBCU schools,” said Harwood.

In the end, the HBCU American League squad overpowering the National League on six runs and seven hits, winning 6-1.

Southern University center fielder, Jacoby Radcliffe, who took home the game’s MVP award.