HBCU Swingman Classic players prepare for big night with workout on UW Campus
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA – Just a day before the first ever HBCU Swingman Classic, the 50 players from 17 different HBCU schools took to the Husky Ballpark on the University of Washington campus to get some work in. With their game taking place on a major stage, the players got great knowledge from the MLB veteran coaches that will be with them during the game tomorrow and take part in some media engagements ahead of potentially the biggest audience they’ll play in front of ever. With veteran coaches like Rickie Weeks Jr and the Griffey’s (Jr and Sr) in attendance, there was plenty of opportunity to gain knowledge while also honing skills.
Pros putting their knowledge to use
While having the facility of Husky Ballpark to use and getting the time on the field to practice was key, having several players who have spent time at the MLB level was notable as well. With names like Rickie Weeks Jr, who won the Golden Spikes award as the best player in college baseball, Andre Dawson, Vince Coleman, Harold Reynolds, and Marquis Grissom to lend their knowledge to the HBCU players, invaluable lessons and time spent over this weekend was in motion. In addition to those two on the call, Symone Stanley, HBCU sports journalist, will serve as a sideline reporter on the field.
Following the game itself, that starts at 7:30PM PST, there’s going to be a fireworks spectacular show that goes along to a music playlist curated by “The Kid” himself, Ken Griffey Jr. A spectacular end to what should be a spectacular day at the ballpark to showcase some incredible kids at the first ever Swingman Classic. It’ll be very interesting to see what sort of playlist that Junior is putting together, and surely the fireworks show itself will be a ton of fun.
The legendary Ken Griffey Sr was in attendance, lending his stories and knowledge
Getting prepped for the big event
Overall, it was a quality experience for the players to be able to use a good facility like the one that UW Baseball has on campus to get their workout in prior to the big showcase. Going into the event cold or without the ability to get this practice in could be a detriment to the players and their potential, depending on which eyes see them play during tomorrow’s ballgame. So, getting this time on the field and in the batting cages is crucial towards getting the body right and ready for the Swingman Classic, in addition to finding the right headspace to be in so that these players can lock in when needed as soon as first pitch comes around at 7:30PM PST.