A Platform for Future Stars
The HBCU Swingman Classic, an annual all‑star showcase for the nation’s top Black College baseball talent, returned this week to Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, drawing a crowd of scouts, former majors and enthusiastic fans. The game, held on Friday, July 10, opened with a first pitch at 7 p.m. Eastern and will be televised on the MLB Network, giving the prospects a national platform just days before the 2026 MLB Draft.
Four members of Florida A&M’s Rattlers — third baseman Jay Campbell, pitcher Caleb Granger, second baseman Will Brown and two‑way player Jackson McKenzie — were selected to compete, marking the second straight year that Campbell and Granger have earned a spot in the game. All four were recognized as All‑Southwestern Athletic Conference honorees, and Granger previously earned All‑American honors at FAMU.
The event is orchestrated by Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., who has turned the Swingman Classic into a yearly tribute to the legacy of Black College baseball. This year, former Southern University star Rickie Weeks will manage the American League side, while ex‑Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins oversees the National League squad. Campbell and McKenzie will wear American League uniforms, while Brown and Granger will represent the National League.
FAMU head coach Jamey Shouppe expressed his pride, calling the experience “unbelievable” for his players and emphasizing the significance of competing in a major‑league stadium before a national audience. The participants noted the added pressure and excitement of being scouted by professional teams, with the ultimate goal of catching the eye of MLB decision‑makers.
The showcase also highlights a pipeline of success: former FAMU standout Broedy Poppell played in the 2025 Swingman Classic and was drafted in the 13th round just three days later by the San Fransicso Giants. With the 2026 MLB Draft scheduled for July 11‑12, the game offers a prime opportunity for these prospects to cement their status and move one step closer to realizing that dream.