What is Ken Griffey Jr.’s role in HBCU Swingman Classic? Mariners legend returns to Seattle for All-Star Week curtain raiser

Since the All-Star Game has been heading to his old home grounds in Seattle, Ken Griffey Jr. will play a big role this weekend. He’s heading up this weekend’s HBCU Swingman Classic.

Tonight, MLB host Ken Griffey Jr. The first HBCU Swingman Classic.

The inaugural event will feature 50 Class D-1 players from 17 different HBCUs.

“This gives these kids a chance to play the game they love on a national stage.”

Tonight, MLB host Ken Griffey Jr. The first “HBCU Swingman Classic.” The inaugural event will showcase 50 D-1 players from 17 different HBCUs.” This gives these kids a chance to play the game they love on the national stage.”

Effectively created and led by Ken Griffey Jr., the Swingman Classic is designed to put more talent from historic black colleges and universities (HBCUs) scouting for MLB teams and hopefully become a tradition for every All-Star weekend to come.

Ken Griffey Jr. starts the HBCU Swingman Classic

About the upcoming HBCU Swingman Classic, Ken Griffey Jr. told MLB Network:

“My dad brought baseball back. It’s my turn now. Here’s a chance for these guys to be out there on a big stage, to have some fun with some of the guys who’ve played the game at a high level and learned a few things.”

The ultimate goal for this weekend is to discover these players. Many HBCUs are overlooked as talent pools for all sports and many have adopted methods to reform this stewardship. This is MLB’s way of doing it, and Griffey is driving it in Seattle.

The game will be effectively a show game, but it will also be a showcase. Two teams of 25 players each will battle it out in Seattle. The teams will be managed by former MLB managers Beau Porter and Jerry Manuel.

It will take place on Friday, July 7th at 10:30 PM EST.