ATL was the perfect setting for the 3rd Annual HBCU Swingman Classic: part baseball game, part down-home family reunion, all authentic Black experience with the atmosphere of an HBCU homecoming football game. I think the best moments of the Swingman Classic occur organically. Trust me, there are plenty of moments that are staged: from the singing of Lift Every Voice, to the drumline, to the Divine Nine steppers, all of it makes for a magical experience, but it’s the moments you can’t account for: Marvin Freeman’s seeing Hall of Famer Andre Dawson and reminding him about that one time he struck him out, the legendary Ralph Garr hugging Dusty Baker, Swingman himself Ken Griffey Jr., talking about how the young players of today lack the mental recall of his day. “Cheats, every player today has a card in their back pocket or under their hat. And they look at the card every at-bat. It’s unbelievable,” said Griffey before he told me the entire A’s batting line-up from his rookie year off memory. These are the moments that make the Swingman Classic an actual “must-see” event and the perfect lead-off hitter for All-Star week.
One of my favorite events of All-Star week is Swingman practice. This year’s practice, held at Georgia Tech, did not disappoint. There were legends everywhere, and all of them were present in service to the young players, who were trying their hardest to impress their legendary coaches. I took my instax instant camera to take you behind the curtain and give you some of the most candid photos you’ll find anywhere. These photos are the result of relationships, not access. People must understand that it’s not always about the shooter or even the shot — it’s about the story. It’s about the moment. These moments are pure joy. And I love them because it relays how much our culture truly loves the game of baseball.
Ken Griffey Sr., Marvin Freeman, Swingman, and Trenidad Hubbard
Swingman Coach Brian Jordan and his son
Swingman – HOF Class of 2016
Roy Wood Jr.
Swingman Manager David Justice
Dave Sims, Harold Reynolds, and his son
HBCU Alumni Andre Dawson (HOF, Class of 2010) and Marvin Freeman
SWAC Stand Up
Swingman and CC (HOF, Class of 2025)
A few photos not from the instant camera – all shot by Cheats of the Black Baseball Mixtape
Coach Lenny Webster
Manager David Justice, Coach Troy Marrow, and Coach Michael Bourn
Coach Trenidad Hubbard and Justin Upton
Coach Corey Wemberly
Behold the Green and Gold
Behind the Curtain with Cheats of the Black Baseball Mixtape
