During MLB All-Star Weekend in Atlanta, Black excellence was front and center. From the ballpark to the block, it was a celebration of HBCU talent, cultural legacy, and Atlanta’s undeniable influence on sports and style.
The weekend kicked off with the HBCU Swingman Classic at Truist Park, where 50 of the top student-athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities took the national stage. Led by baseball legend Ken Griffey Jr., the showcase was about more than just the game, it was about creating access, preserving legacy, and giving these young men a platform they’ve long deserved.
@ben_verlander Ken Griffey Jr talking about the HBCU Swingman Classic #baseball #kengriffeyjr #swingmanclassic #hbcu @MLB Network ♬ original sound – Ben_Verlander
The stands were filled with alumni, families, and local supporters, proving once again that when the culture shows up, it shows out. The Classic wasn’t just a game; it was a reminder that HBCU athletes belong in every conversation about the future of baseball.
Off the field, the city stayed true to itself. Fear of God’s Jerry Lorenzo teamed up with MLB for a limited Atlanta capsule, fronted by 2 Chainz, paying homage to the city’s role in civil rights, sports, and style. Eastside Golf brought its signature blend of fashion and purpose, hosting pop-ups that connected baseball, golf, and Black entrepreneurship.
And of course, Atlanta did what Atlanta does. The Celebrity Softball Game turned into a block party with Jermaine Dupri, Kandi Burruss, Jordan Chiles, and more representing for the culture.
Atlanta made sure to leave its mark — from the Swingman Classic to the celebrity softball game, the entire weekend felt like a love letter to Black culture and community.
Cover photo: HBCU Prospects and Atlanta Culture Took Center Stage at MLB All-Star Weekend / Photo Credit: MLB