Atlanta Kicks off MLB All-Star Weekend with a bang with the Swingman HBCU Classic and the Celebrity Softball Game

⚾ Friday Night: Swingman HBCU Classic – A Celebration of Talent & Culture

Friday, July 11, 2025 — Truist Park swelled with real love: Fifty standout Division‑I HBCU players, with alumni, scouts, and families, all there for one reason—to celebrate talent rooted in history. The Swingman Classic, backed by T‑Mobile and the MLB–MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, delivered exactly that.

It felt more like a college reunion than a ballgame. Fans strolled around The Battery, soaked in the South’s culture, and embraced the color and flavor of HBCU baseball. D-9 Fraternities and Sororities were well represented as they stepped and strolled on the dugouts before the game. Even a 39‑minute rain delay couldn't dampen the energy—“like a family block party,” one person stated.

Ken Griffey Jr. was everywhere—part of the selection committee, capturing memories as dugout reporter/photographer—and btw, you could genuinely feel the pride in every swing. And head‑turners emerged: Kameron Douglas from Alabama State drilled a 400‑foot homer, reminding scouts and fans why he earned the MVP.

But it went way deeper than baseball. Coaches like Brian Jordan, college athletic directors, legends, alumni—everyone showed up. The game spotlighted future black MLB players, honoring history and signaling real progress. The takeaway? This isn’t filler—it’s meaningful baseball, spotlighting players who deserve their moment.

🎤 Saturday Afternoon: Celebrity All‑Star Softball Game – Atlanta Turned Up

Come Saturday, July 12, Truist Park went full celeb mode for the Celebrity Softball Game in the evening, it was energetic, heartfelt, and full of star power.

All Photos Courtesy of Carl Agard

Atlanta heavyweights Quavo, Jermaine Dupri (managing AL), Kandi Burruss, J.I.D., Druski—and more—brought hometown pride. The crowd fed off it, and the city love was real.

Viral Skit Master Druski admits, “I haven’t played since fifth grade”—but he lit things up with raw confidence on field and video screens. Then there’s CC Sabathia, Yankees legend, smashing a huge homer and snagging MVP honors—full circle moment with him back in the ATL holding court

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Add in former athletes turned celeb managers—Javy Lopez, Harry Douglas—and the game was equal parts nostalgia and entertainment. Five innings flew by with standout plays, jukes, and pure joy.

• The HBCU Classic isn’t a sideshow—it’s a stage. It gave 50 players purchased visibility with fans and scouts while celebrating cultural heritage.

• Atlanta = proud host city. Both events were steeped in local energy. From alumni love to celebrity hosts, ATL brought the heat.

• Celebrity Game blended fun & legacy. Watching Druski goof around, then CC launch a homer? It’s silly, but with roots in baseball history.

• Down‑to‑earth moments—rain delays, pickup vibes, quips, claps—kept it authentic. 

Friday showcased grassroots talent with real stakes—a nod to what baseball was and could be. Saturday leaned into pop culture, fun, and hometown heart. Both events reminded us that All‑Star Week is more than stats and homer‑offs—it’s a community, a ballpark party that honors history and celebrates the now.

Atlanta didn’t just host these events—it was them. And that’s why this All‑Star pre‑game slate felt alive, meaningful, and undeniably fun. Welcome to my ballpark, from the diamond to the day-game charm.