Two AAMU Student-Athletes Chosen for HBCU All-Star Game

Last summer, Ken Griffey, Jr.’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 was one of two Alabama A&M student-athletes to represent the Bulldogs on the all-star roster. 

Growing up in Madison, AL, Hammond started playing his favorite sport early. 

“I’ve been playing baseball since I was a toddle, 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,” says Hammond. “So, it has been a newfound passion for me.” 

Griffey’s brainchild - the HBCU Swingman Classic presented by T-Mobile & powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation - is now an annual All-Star experience for baseball student-athletes from Division-I programs at Historically Black Colleges & Universities. 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 earlier this month at Globe Life Field, home of the World Champion Texas Rangers. Hammond says 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 the sport of 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 MLB Hall of Fame even though he’s the all-time leader in home runs?”

Hammond and AAMU teammate Tristan Curless were 2-of-50 players selected for the 2024 roster, giving him a unique opportunity to showcase his talents and meet MLB scouts, executives, current and former players like Lollyd, McClendon, Andre Dawson, Jerry Manuel, Dave Winfield and others.

“The entire experience was awesome,” he 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.”

Hammond’s appearance in the game was highlighted by a double in the top of the second inning. The junior communications major says 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.”  

(Photo Courtesy of Getty Images and MLB – Emmanuel Durojaiye)