MLB Makes Ken Griffey Jr. Announcement On Monday

Although Griffey went straight from Archbishop Moeller High School to play in the pros, he still promotes the importance of college athletics, more specifically in support of HBCUs, historically Black colleges and universities.

On Monday, MLB announced on social media that Ken Griffey Jr. is hosting an event for the league. Major League Baseball posted on its Instagram Story promoting the HBCU Classic, an initiative of the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, which Griffey Jr. will host.

HBCUs were built in response to Jim Crow-era discrimination in the United States. Federal laws stated that Americans of all races deserved the same right to education, but with “separate but equal” policies still upheld, HBCUs were established in response. HBCUs are institutions that stand as a testament to strength in the face of adversity.

No new HBCUs are being built, and it is important that they receive proper funding and recognition. MLB is hoping to promote the importance of sports at HBCUs, and talented players who attend these institutions can participate in the MLB program led by Ken Griffey Jr. Former HBCU baseball stars include Andre Dawson (Florida A&M), Lou Brock (Southern University) and Larry Doby (Virginia Union).

“Ken Griffey Jr. hosts top talent from HBCUs across the country on Friday,” MLB wrote on Instagram. “July 10. Tickets on sale now.”

Fans and players from HBCUs can sign up to attend the HBCU Swingman Classic on July 10.