This past week, Major League Baseball organizations took a few days off to organize, promote, and run several exciting events during their annual All-Star Week. Arlington, Texas was the place to be for All-Star festivities and special events like the Major League Home Run Derby, the Futures All Star Game, the Major League Baseball Draft, and culminating with the 94th MLB All Star game. And blended nicely into these events on the professional level were a High School Home Run Derby and the 2nd Annual HBCU Swingman Classic.

According to http://www.mlb.com’s event page, “The HBCU Swingman Classic presented by T-Mobile & powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation is an annual All-Star experience for baseball student-athletes from Division-I programs at Historically Black Colleges & Universities to showcase their talent on a national stage.” It is the visionary of many who have played, coached, and been associated with professional baseball for decades. And one of its key contributors is Hall of Fame legend, Ken Griffey, Jr. Awesome and amazing! And how exciting for these student athletes to be recognized on a national stage and to work with a gifted and dedicated roster of former baseball professionals. A roster that included all time greats like Griffey Jr and Sr, Vince Coleman, Andre Dawson, just to name a few. Wow, what an opportunity!

So, I decided to check out the rosters and see if any local Hampton Roads college or university student athletes were chosen to participate in the event. Turns out my hunch was right as I was able to see three Norfolk State University student athletes’ names were selected to participate – Jamal Ritter, Manny Jackson, and Justin Journette.

During the week, I reached out to the Norfolk State University athletic department as well as a few of the student athletes chosen, to discuss the HBCU Swingman Classic Experience. I had several very positive responses from the Athletic Department as well as NSU’s talented #2 – Justin Journette. Justin and I connected via email this weekend and here is an excerpt from our conversation. Great player, great representative of Norfolk State University, and from getting to know him this weekend – great baseball community member.

Justin, once again, great to meet you and learn about your baseball journey. For those who may not know your baseball background, tell me how you got to Norfolk State University.  And what athletic year you are eligibility wise?  And your primary position.

JJ (Justin Journette) – I received the opportunity to play baseball at Norfolk State University by going to a prospect camp and that is when I met Coach Shumate. I am going into my junior year and my primary position is right field.

How did you hear about the HBCU Swingman Classic?  Has any teammate, friend, or someone you know ever participated in this event?

JJ – I saw a post on Instagram and X last year about the first HBCU Swingman Classic by Ken Griffey Jr and MLB Youth Development Foundation. I watched the game last year and saw my teammate Manny Jackson playing in the game.

What was your reaction to learning you would be selected to join this elite roster of players?

JJ – I was excited when I received the message that all my hard work and time in the sport allowed me to be noticed for this elite opportunity. I was so excited that I called Coach Shumate and my family to share the news.

Who were you most excited to meet – maybe a coach, another player participating, an announcer, or an MLB or professional baseball legend attending the event?

JJ – I was very excited to meet Ken Griffey Jr, Ken Griffey Sr. and Harold Reynolds.

Did you travel solo, with your teammates, with family?  How were your nerves heading down to Arlington for this event?

JJ – I traveled with my stepmom. I was so excited and ready to be there that I couldn’t sleep the night before.

What was the leadup to the game like, were there motivational speakers, team exercises, BP, on field instructional sessions for the days or so prior to the game?

JJ – We had seminars on personal hygiene, grooming, food etiquette, finances, and a mental performance seminar that discussed how to prepare your mindset. Andre Dawson shared motivational tips before the game.

To be recognized with other HBCU student athletes for your baseball ability, what did that mean to you and your family, to your coaches, to your school? 

JJ – It was a big honor to be recognized for my baseball ability and my coaches and family were proud and excited for me to have this opportunity.

Who were your coaches?  What were some of the tips they gave you that made you stop and think…Yeah, that makes sense!

JJ – One of my coaches was Ken Griffey Sr. He shared some valuable tips for both playing the game and mentally preparing for each game such as playing loose and having fun.

How about the game itself?  Was it a competitive game?  Or more of a positive end to a busy week of baseball stuff?

JJ – The game was competitive, and it served as a great combination of a rewarding weekend of baseball activities providing a challenging and exciting experience.

With so much rich history of the Negro Leagues finally being honored and passed down to this generation of baseball fans, what can a 2024 player learn from heroes like Sam Allen, Satchel Paige, Smokey Joe Williams, and so many others?

JJ – A 2024 player can learn a great deal from heroes like Sam Allen, Satchel Paige, and Smokey Joe Williams. By studying the legacies of these trailblazing players, one can gain inspiration from their resilience and achievements, and understand the importance of preserving and honoring
the rich history of the sport. This knowledge can also be used to inspire the next generation of baseball players. It is an honor and privilege to have Sam Allen come see us play at Marty L Miller Field and receive personal messages from him that inspire and encourage me.

Did every player on each roster get into the game?  If so, for you personally, how did you do?

JJ – I was not able to play because I am rehabbing due to my injury the last game of the season at NSU.

Anything extraordinary stand out at the HBCU event that you’d like to share.

JJ – At the HBCU event meeting some of my favorite players from my childhood and connecting with future MLB stars were extraordinarily highlights for me.

Any early predictions for the 2025 NSU baseball season?

JJ – I believe we will have a strong, solid season and contend for the NEC Conference title in the 2025 season.

Huge thanks to Norfolk State University’s Justin Journette for sharing your HBCU Swingman Classic experience. I really enjoyed our conversation, your answers were amazing and inspiring. And the photos from the event were perfect for the article. I really appreciate all your efforts in sharing your thoughts and experience with everyone. And best of luck with your rehabilitation going into the 2025 Norfolk State University Baseball season.