National Team Edges American Team 7-4 in Thrilling 2025 HBCU Swingman Classic at Truist Park
Atlanta, Georgia – July 11, 2025
The 2025 HBCU Swingman Classic, held at Atlanta’s Truist Park, delivered a showcase of elite baseball talent from historically Black colleges and universities, with the National Team defeating the American Team 7-4 in the third edition of this burgeoning event. Set against the backdrop of MLB All-Star Week, this annual Classic continues to elevate HBCU baseball on a national stage, spotlighting future professional prospects while honoring the rich legacy of Black college sports.
The game’s defining moment came in the seventh inning when Florida A&M’s rising sophomore infielder Jay Campbell blasted a pivotal two-run home run to tie the game, electrifying the crowd and eventually setting the stage for the National Team’s victory. His clutch performance earned him Most Valuable Player honors and underscored why he is considered one of the brightest young talents in HBCU baseball. Campbell’s display of power and composure was a testament to the development pipeline that the Swingman Classic aims to nurture.
Alabama State’s Kameron Douglas also made a significant impact early in the game, launching a towering 417-foot home run that showcased the impressive power that HBCU players bring to the plate. Moments like these affirm the growing recognition that HBCU baseball programs are producing athletes capable of competing at the highest levels of the sport.
The presence of Baseball Hall of Famer and Florida A&M legend Andre Dawson added a layer of historical gravitas to the event. Dawson spoke to the importance of savoring the opportunities available to today’s HBCU athletes, emphasizing that moments like the Swingman Classic represent not only competition but also celebration and cultural pride. “Enjoy these moments, because they don’t come often,” Dawson said. “This event is about showcasing your talent, but also about honoring the path black athletes have carved out over generations.”
This year’s Classic featured 50 select players from 17 HBCU programs, an impressive testament to the depth and talent present across conferences such as the SWAC, MEAC, and SIAC. The event, powered by Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association Youth Development Foundation, offers a platform that many of these student-athletes otherwise might not experience until professional showcases. Ken Griffey Jr., who helped launch the Classic, praised the quality of baseball played, calling it the best since the event’s inception, a significant endorsement from one of the game’s most respected voices.
Alongside Campbell and Douglas, North Carolina A&T’s infielder JT Taylor also had a standout performance for the American League squad, contributing a clutch two-RBI double off the left-field wall in the third inning. His efforts, combined with those of catcher Tyler Smith and pitcher Diego Barrett from A&T on the National side, highlighted the competitive parity and individual excellence on display.
This game also carries broader significance beyond the diamond. The HBCU Swingman Classic aligns with a resurgence in HBCU athletics fueled by increased media coverage, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, and a transfer portal that is bringing new talent to these programs. It serves as a beacon for potential recruits who see that HBCUs can provide exposure and development on par with larger programs. The inclusion of marching band performances, philanthropic events, and cultural showcases like Divine Nine step shows as part of the Classic weekend further integrates the unique traditions and spirit that define HBCU culture.
Florida A&M’s baseball program, with Jay Campbell emerging as a foundational player, looks poised for continued success. The institution’s commitment to fostering top-tier baseball talent is paying dividends, not just through wins but through national recognition and professional prospects. The SWAC and MEAC, among other HBCU conferences, are beginning to carve out a distinct niche in collegiate baseball, reflecting a competitive rise that mirrors their storied histories in football and basketball.
Looking ahead, the excitement generated by the Swingman Classic is expected to fuel momentum for the 2026 event, with MLB and its partners continuing to invest in the growth of HBCU baseball. For players like Campbell and Douglas, the Classic is more than just a game—it’s a stepping stone to future careers and an emblem of pride for their schools and communities.
As Andre Dawson reflected, the opportunity to enjoy and elevate these moments is what makes the HBCU Swingman Classic so special. With stars on the rise and the game’s legends in attendance, the 2025 Classic has firmly established itself as a premier event in the HBCU sports calendar, promising brighter days ahead for Black college baseball.
Upcoming developments in the HBCU baseball landscape include the 2025 postseason awards, with Florida A&M’s Garrett Workman named Freshman of the Year in the SWAC, and Bethune-Cookman’s Andrey Martinez recognized as Co-Hitter of the Year. These accolades, alongside the ongoing commitment from MLB and HBCU programs, underscore a vibrant future for the sport at Black colleges.
The 2025 HBCU Swingman Classic not only celebrated individual achievements and competitive spirit but also reinforced the cultural and historical significance of HBCU athletics—a tradition of excellence, pride, and opportunity that continues to expand its impact across the national sports landscape.