Swing City: propelled by a 6 run outburst in their last 3 at-bats, the National League gets a 7-4 over the American League in the 3rd annual Swingman Classic
- Andrew Snorton
- Jul 12
- 4 min read
After Thursday's workout (on July 10, 2025) and time to fine-tune their skill sets along with some networking and connecting with each other (click HERE to read our article covering the workout session), it's all about the actual game.
On Friday, July 11th (2025), 50 of the top HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) baseball players converge at Truist Park (the home of the Atlanta Braves) to officially kick off All Star Week via the 3rd annual Swingman Classic. Under the leadership of Major League Baseball Hall of Fame member and top baseball player Ken Griffey, Jr., the game serves as a showcase of some of the best talent selected from an array of schools with a rich academic and athletic tradition.
This year's game features players from the following HBCU's:
Managed by David Justice (American) and Brian Jordan (National), the players plan on leaving their mark on the game and beyond, along with turning a few heads as the Major League Baseball Draft is a mere 2 days away (July 13, 2025 at 6pm at the Coca-Cola Roxy directly across the street from the ballpark).
The game's first score happens in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Kameron Douglas (of Alabama State University who hails from Woodstock, GA), gives the National League a 1-0 lead thanks to his rocketeque solo shot (home run) which clears the centerfield fence (more than 400 feet) with a least 10-15 feet to spare.
Play is delayed in the top of the 3rd inning due to rain. After the 39 minute rain delay, the American League team "made it rain" with a 3-run barrage of runs. NC A&T's JT Taylor hits a 2-RBI double as they give the AL a 2-1 lead. Andrey Martinez (Bethune-Cookman University) follows with an RBI single to stake a 3-1 lead. Joseph Eichelberger (Jackson State University and Lithonia, GA native) infuses the running game and creates confusion and havoc on the basepaths for the NL. Upon stealing 2nd base, he takes advantage of two throwing errors on the same play to extend the lead to 4-1.
In the bottom of the 6th inning, the NL would start to chip away at the lead thanks to Ahmar Donatto (Prairie View A&M University) as his RBI single cuts the deficit to 4-2. They'd gain additional momentum in the bottom of the 7th inning, as freshman Jay Campbell (Florida A&M University) ties the game at 4 with his 2-run homerun.
In the bottom of the 8th, the NL finally retakes the lead. DeMarckus Smiley (Alabama State University) records an RBI groundout to make it a 5-4 game. A 2-out RBI single legged out by Jacoby Radcliffe (Southern University) adds to the lead to give the NL a 6-4 lead. Robert Tate, Jr. (Jackson State University) adds an insurance RBI single to cap off the 3-run inning to extend the lead to 7-4, as the NL holds on for the victory.
The NL is led by game MVP Jay Campbell (1 for 1 with his 2-run homerun), Kelton Phillips (the Southern University outfielder goes 2 for 2), and Ahmar Donatto (2 for 2 with a RBI). Nkosi Didder (Jackson State University) earns the win in relief (1 IP with 3 strikeouts) while starting pitcher Edwin Sanchez (Bethune Cookman) goes 2 innings (he allows 1 hit while striking out 3). For the AL, JT Taylor (the NC A&T infielder goes 2 for 4 with 2 RBI's), and Andrey Martinez (the Bethune Cookman University first baseman goes 1 for 2 with a RBI) lead the offense. Southern University's Nick Luckett is saddled with the loss (0.2 IP allowing 3 runs on 3 hits with a walk), while starting pitcher Eric Elliott (of Jackson State University) allows 1 run on 2 hits with 4 strikeouts.
For post-game, both managers David Justice and Brian Jordan speak to the overwhelmingly positive experience they have in working with the players and being a part of the larger event. They feel the classic is moving in the right direction and should continue to grow (you may watch their responses to our question in the video below):
Likewise, Campbell, the game MVP, is joined by 2025 Impact Award Winner (and Morehouse College Senior) Elijah Pinckney, who is the first Division II player to participate in the game, reflect on their experiences during the game and the All-Star Week thus far (you may watch their responses to our question in the video below):
Clearly, getting in the swing of things via the Swingman Classic sets the stage for the All-Star Week and leaves a positive footprint on the game of baseball and beyond.
Next stop is Philadelphia (in 2026).
Notes: The post-game press conference grid and video is recorded by @asnortonccs - you may watch the playlist for the game by clicking HERE. The primary photo grids (game photos) are via EmoryRose Photography. To learn more about the 2025 All-Star Game and related events, click HERE.
You may read the complete box score by clicking HERE.
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