HBCU Seattle Series Set for Inaugural Run, Featuring Coppin State vs. Seattle University
Baseball Beyond Borders is set to launch its first annual HBCU Seattle Series, a weekend-long event that blends collegiate baseball action with a celebration of HBCU culture and community engagement. The series, scheduled for March 14th to 16th at Bannerwood Park in Bellevue, Washington, will feature three games between Coppin State University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU) from Baltimore, Maryland, and Seattle University.
Spotlighting HBCU Baseball and Expanding Access
The primary goal of the HBCU Seattle Series is to shine a light on the baseball and softball programs of HBCUs while providing an immersive experience for local student-athletes, their families, and the broader Seattle community. This event, in collaboration with Seattle University, also aims to broaden access to baseball, softball, and higher education opportunities for youth of color in the region.
Coppin State University's Head Baseball Coach, Sherman Reed, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. "We are so excited to be making our first-ever trip to the Great Northwest as an HBCU Baseball Program. We have had a lot of recent success with top players from areas like Olympia, Bothell, and Shoreline playing for Coppin State," Reed stated. He also highlighted the connection to local talent, mentioning, "Our first-ever Freshman All-American, Derek Lohr, starred for us in 2018 and was from Bothell, so we know that great talent exists in the State. This trip also helps reward current player Indy Anderson to get the chance to perform in front of family and friends."
A Cultural Celebration Beyond the Game
The HBCU Seattle Series extends beyond the baseball diamond, serving as a vibrant cultural celebration. Bookie Gates, the Founder of Baseball Beyond Borders, emphasized this aspect: "The HBCU Seattle Series is more than just a game; it's a celebration of culture, community, and connection. We are excited to partner with Seattle University to bring this monumental event to our city and spotlight the incredible talent and legacy of HBCU programs."
The series will commence with "Take Me Out to the Quad" on Thursday, March 13th, at Victory Hall. This pre-series event, a collaboration with the Rielmagine, Métier Brewing Co., and the Seattle Mariners, promises an evening of Vibe Bingo, beer-infused food selections, and a vendor market showcasing Black and women-owned businesses. Throughout the weekend at Bannerwood Park, attendees can anticipate a "Yard-like" atmosphere, complete with live DJs, Black-owned food trucks, and interactive activations by HBCU alumni associations and historically Black fraternities and sororities.
Trevor Gooby, Seattle Mariners Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, affirmed the Mariners' support. "Led by the Mariners Care Foundation, we are pleased to partner with Baseball Beyond Borders, Seattle U., and Coppin State to host players, fans, and the community at Victory Hall on March 13 to celebrate the HBCU Seattle Series. One of our proudest moments at the 2023 All-Star Game was the inaugural HBCU Classic, and we are thrilled to continue to support HBCU athletes, alumni, and prospective students by playing a small role in this great event.”
Game Schedule and Ticketing Details
The HBCU Seattle Series game schedule is as follows:
Friday, March 14th: First pitch at 3:00 pm.
Saturday, March 15th: Game two at 2:00 pm.
Sunday, March 16th: Game three at 12:00 pm.
All games will be held at Bannerwood Park in Bellevue, WA. Series tickets can be purchased through Seattle University, and tickets for the "Take Me Out to the Quad Vibe Bingo" event start at $35. For additional details about the HBCU Seattle Series, "Take Me Out to the Quad," and ways to support Baseball Beyond Borders, visit www.baseballbeyond.org
About the Participating Organizations:
Baseball Beyond Borders: Established in 2014, this organization focuses on community development through baseball and softball, offering programs like the "Moving Beyond 12" curriculum to support student-athletes in the college access process.
Coppin State University: Since its founding in 1900, Coppin State University has provided educational opportunities and fostered student success in Baltimore, Maryland, and beyond.
Seattle University: A Jesuit, Catholic university located in Seattle, Washington, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
