Why did Ken Griffey Jr. come up with the Swingman Classic?
One of Ken Griffey Jr.’s ambitions is to get more Black players involved in Major League Baseball.
Hence, his idea of the HBCU Swingman Classic, one of the opening events of 2024 MLB All-Star week.
This year is only the second iteration of the swingman classic and this year Griffey’s father, Cincinnati Reds Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Sr., is managing the American League team.
The elder Griffey was a three-time all-star over a 19-year career winning two World Series as a member of the famed “Big Red Machine.”
Griffey Sr. was inspired to coach in the Swingman Classic in part because of the declining number of Black players in pro baseball.
“Being Black, It’s a tough scenario because like I said, it was 37% when I was [in the MLB] and now it’s down about 6% or 7%,” said Griffey Sr. “I’m very proud of [the Swingman Classic], the reason being, I was explaining to Del Matthews, that this situation never come up when I was... a young kid we were lucky to see one or two Black [players]now these kids are getting the opportunity right now, is one of the greatest things that can happen.”
He also explained why the focus was on players from HBCUs and not just Black college baseball players citing how they’ve been historically overlooked by scouts.
“Well, it’s, you know, giving them an opportunity to be seen, that’s the biggest thing. A lot of them don’t get a chance to be seen. I had a friend of mine that was a scout for like 25 years and he was not allowed to go [to HBCUs],” said Griffey Sr., “In the past, I guess they were afraid to go into a lot of schools, the areas, you know, that they’re talking about, but now it’s a still different situation. Most of them get a chance to go in. But this, this right here this showcase, the HBCU game before the All-Star is a big [opportunity].”
Griffey Jr. spoke about the importance of kids working with and seeing pro baseball players as they embark on their on baseball careers.
“I think it’s important for any kid to have, I was fortunate enough to play the game that I love. I was also fortunate enough to have a dad who played, so I didn’t have to, you know, have to fight, claw and scratch to be seen,” said Griffey Jr., “Some of these kids we want them to live their dream. 20 years from now, we want them to be doing the interview and another group of kids because that’s what it’s about.I mean, this country is, is about our youth, It’s not about the older generation.”
Griffey Jr. racked up a multitude of awards over his 22-year Hall of Fame career including the 1997 AL MVP, seven Silver Sluggers and 10 Golden Gloves.
Griffey Jr. also pointed out the purpose of the Swingman Classic goes beyond just getting players drafted to the MLB.
“To get more kids work in baseball, because a lot of kids are not gonna be drafted but you could still be in the sport that you love. I mean, there are plenty of jobs in major league baseball that you can do and that’s one of the things, I mean, you may not be able to play but you can work in it, you can be around and you can eventually work your way up and be a GM, be a president,” said Griffey Jr., “I think the problem we have in, in sports is everybody looks at it and goes, oh, if you don’t make it you’re done and that’s not the case, there are 600-700 jobs in buildings that need to be occupied.”
The HBCU Swingman Classic was held on Friday night at Globe Life Field.
This story was originally published July 12, 2024 at 4:18 PM.
