HBCU Swingman Classic 2024: American League Triumphs in Thrilling Finish

The 50 HBCU baseball all-stars provided a dramatic close game for family and fans!
2024 HBCU Swingman Classic
2024 HBCU Swingman Classic / Credit: MLB

The second annual HBCU Swingman Classic, presented by T-Mobile and powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, showcased the brightest HBCU baseball all-stars. The American League team emerged victorious with a 5-4 win, halting a ninth-inning rally from the National League.

Ken Griffey Jr.'s annual event invited 50 HBCU baseball players from SWACMEAC, CAA, and CIAA 
to display their talents to professional scouts and decision-makers, aiming to boost their careers.


Griffey emphasized the broader opportunities with baseball: "A lot of kids are not going to be drafted, but you can still be in the sport that you love," There are plenty of jobs in Major League Baseball that you can do. You may not be able to play, but you can be around and you can eventually work your way up and be a GM or a president or anything. I think the problem we have in sports is everybody looks at it and goes, 'Oh, if you don't make it, you're done.' That's not the case."

The event also featured HBCU baseball legends who worked out with the all-star players, providing invaluable mentorship and guidance.

AMERICAN LEAGUE ROSTER

  1. Edwin DeLaCruz - UAPB
  2. Jamal George - Alabama State
  3. Manny Jackson - Norfolk State
  4. Juan Cruz - Alabama State
  5. Lenny Montesano - Jackson State
  6. Kyle Walker - Grambling State
  7. Robert Tate Jr. - Jackson State
  8. True Fontenot - Florida A&M
  9. KJ White - Southern
  10. Justin Journette - Norfolk State
  11. Ty Jackson - Florida A&M
  12. Michael Smith - Praire View A&M
  13. Tiger Borom - Grambling State
  14. Michael Burroughs - Prairie View A&M
  15. Joseph Eichelberger - Jackson State
  16. Janmikell Bastardo - Florida A&M
  17. Sam Nieves - Coppin State
  18. Jafet Martinez - Alabama State
  19. Tanner Boccabello - Bethune-Cookman
  20. Mason Martinez - Grambling State
  21. Coley Kilpatrick - North Carolina A&T
  22. Christian Womble - Jackson State
  23. Tristan Curless - Alabama A&M
  24. Renard Grace - Southern
  25. Kieran Etwaru - Delaware State

NATIONAL LEAGUE ROSTER

  1. Michael Goudeau - Texas Southern
  2. Canyon Brown - North Carolina A&T
  3. Irvin Escobar - Bethune-Cookman
  4. Tatsunori Negishi - North Carolina A&T
  5. Dreylin Holmes - Mississippi Valley State
  6. Randy Flores - Alabama State
  7. CJ Castillo - Texas Southern
  8. Garrett Palladino - Alcorn State
  9. Jose Vargas - Grambling State
  10. Cameron Bufford - Grambling State
  11. Tyeler Hawkins - Southern
  12. Ali LaPread - Alabama State
  13. Rodney Hibler Jr. - Jackson State
  14. Khyle Radcliffe - Southern
  15. Brycen Hammonds - Alabama A&M
  16. Jamal Ritter - Norfolk State
  17. Tre Williams - North Carolina A&T
  18. Pablo Torres - Bethune-Cookman
  19. Caleb Granger - Florida A&M
  20. Evan Bouldin - Delaware State
  21. Luis Rodriguez - Alabama State
  22. Domenic Martinez - Texas Southern
  23. Christian Davis - Southern
  24. Daniel Gaviria - Bethune-Cookman
  25. Isaiah Williams - Jackson State

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Kyle T. Mosley

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: