ARLINGTON, Texas — A pair of Alabama A&M baseball players had the time of their young careers last month, rubbing elbows with the likes of Ken Griffey Jr. and playing in a Major League ballpark.
Last summer, Griffey’s idea to create a national stage where scouts and other baseball power-players could watch promising athletes from Historically Black Colleges and Universities showcase their skills came to life in the inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic.
This year, Brycen Hammond and Tristan Curless represented the Bulldogs on the all-star roster.
Growing up in Madison, Hammond started playing his favorite sport early.
“I’ve been playing baseball since I was a toddler, but I never truly understood how the game is played until last summer when I started watching the games on TV and understanding how the game was meant to be played,” said Hammond, a graduate of Bob Jones High School. “So, it has been a newfound passion for me.”
Hammond’s appearance in the game was highlighted by a double in the second inning.
Madison native and Alabama A&M (@AlabamaAM_Bsb ) star Brycen Hammonds doubles at the HBCU Swingman Classic.
(📹: MLB Network) pic.twitter.com/We6gvKhZC3
— Max Cohan (@MaxCohan) July 13, 2024
Griffey’s brainchild – the HBCU Swingman Classic – is now an annual All-Star experience for baseball student-athletes from Division I programs at Historically Black Colleges & Universities.
Hammond and Curless were among the 50 players selected, giving them a unique opportunity to showcase their talents and meet MLB scouts, executives, current and former players such as Lollyd, McClendon, Andre Dawson, Jerry Manuel, Dave Winfield and others.
“The entire experience was awesome,” Hammond said. “It started from walking into the locker room and seeing all the fresh gear and the pro chefs preparing all these great meals. Walking around the stadium and being immersed in the atmosphere and most importantly being out there playing on the Texas Rangers Field was incredible.”
One of Griffey’s ambitions is to get more Black players involved in Major League Baseball.
“These kids often don’t have the fair opportunity to be seen,” says Griffey. “I’m just trying to get these guys to be seen because there are many jobs in professional sports that people don’t see that contribute to what goes out on the field. This event gets their foot in the door.”
The event, centered around an HBCU All-Star Game, was held last month during MLB All-Star Week at Globe Life Field, home of the World Champion Texas Rangers.
Hammond said the event shined a huge light on HBCU players and gave a glimpse into life in the big leagues against a backdrop that celebrates the history of African Americans in baseball.
What does he wish people knew about the game and its history?
“Honestly, everyone should learn about Jackie Robinson and how he broke the color barrier,” he said. “Also, how is Barry Bonds not in the Hall of Fame even though he’s the all-time leader in home runs?”
Meanwhile, the junior communications major said representing AAMU was an honor.
“I just thank God for even putting me in that situation to being with,” says Hammond. “It was an absolute honor to represent the Bulldogs in Texas and it was so much fun.”
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