PHILADELPHIA, PA — The future of baseball will take center stage in Philadelphia this summer as some of the nation’s top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) athletes gather at Citizens Bank Park for an evening that celebrates both elite competition and the rich traditions of HBCU culture.
Major League Baseball has unveiled the 50-player roster for the fourth annual HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball, set for July 10. The showcase event brings together standout players from HBCUs across the country, giving them a national platform inside the home of the Philadelphia Phillies while highlighting the continuing impact of HBCU baseball programs.
For local fans, the event carries an added hometown connection. Philadelphia native Santino Harwood and Lincoln University standout Solomon McKinney have both earned spots on this year’s roster, joining players representing 19 HBCUs from across the nation.
The game will be led by two baseball icons. Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Famer and 2007 National League MVP Jimmy Rollins will manage the National League squad, while HBCU baseball legend and former Major Leaguer Rickie Weeks will lead the American League team. Their coaching staffs include former professional players and coaches with deep ties to the game.
Beyond the action on the field, the Swingman Classic has become a celebration of HBCU excellence. MLB says pregame festivities will honor HBCU culture with special entertainment, including an in-ballpark DJ, recognition of members of the Divine Nine historically Black fraternities and sororities, and additional activities to be announced.
The event will also feature several honorary VIPs, including Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, former MLB stars Ralph Garr Sr., Ken Griffey Sr., Garry Maddox, and Gary Matthews.
Many of the athletes selected for the game have participated in MLB development programs designed to expand opportunities for young players. Twenty-two players on this year’s roster previously took part in MLB Develops initiatives, while others are alumni of programs such as the Hank Aaron Invitational, DREAM Series, Breakthrough Series, and Nike Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI).
Event Details
- What: 2026 HBCU Swingman Classic Presented by USA Baseball
- When: Friday, July 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET
- Where: Citizens Bank Park, 1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148
- Cost/Tickets: Tickets are available now through MLB
- More Info: https://www.allstargame.com
Participating players represent:
- Alabama A&M University
- Alabama State University
- Alcorn State University
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Coppin State University
- Delaware State University
- Florida A&M University
- Grambling State University
- Jackson State University
- Lincoln University
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- Mississippi Valley State University
- Norfolk State University
- North Carolina A&T University
- Prairie View A&M University
- Southern University
- Southern University at New Orleans
- Texas Southern University
- University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
For fans of baseball, HBCU athletics, and Philadelphia sports history, the Swingman Classic offers a rare opportunity to watch tomorrow’s stars while celebrating the legacy and culture that continue to shape the game.
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