“They tried to tell us we’re not enough … we’re more than enough.”
Waller, who played six seasons in the Minor Leagues before beginning a long-tenured career as a scout, executive and consultant, faced his fair share of discrimination throughout his playing time. It’s partly why he spoke so passionately at Thursday night’s Swingman Classic Dinner, reminding the top crop of HBCU players that they do, indeed, belong.
The dinner, which succeeds the Swingman Workout hosted at Mac Nease Baseball Park at Russ Chandler Stadium (Georgia Tech’s ballpark), precedes the HBCU Swingman Classic game Friday night.
Fifty players — all decked out in their flyest fits — descended upon Buckhead’s 5Church restaurant for a night of tunes, steaks and pregame speeches (including a special message from event founder Ken Griffey Jr.) as they rang in the showcase.
The HBCU Swingman Classic game is slated to be played Friday at 7 p.m. ET. Hosted at Truist Park — home of the Atlanta Braves — and airing live on MLB Network, MLB.TV, MLB.com, and the MLB app. It marks the first time many of the players will appear in front of a nationally televised audience.
“It’s a lot of fun for the kids,” Griffey Jr. said during Thursday’s workout.
The competing teams, separated into American and National League rosters, took ground and flyballs and batting practice in front of media members during the event.
“It’s all about them getting an opportunity to play on a big stage,” he continued. “You get to showcase your talents. This has nothing to do with us as coaches; it’s just all about letting these guys have an opportunity to live out their dream.
“Not everybody can go to a Power 5 conference. Not everybody’s family can afford 40, 50, $60,000 a year. They have to go play to be seen, and that’s what we’re trying to do is get these kids who want to play, and want to be big league ballplayers, a chance and an opportunity to be seen.”
The opportunity of a lifetime exists for these players on Truist’s diamond Friday, as several big league scouts will be in attendance at the game.
“It’s honestly surreal,” Alabama State’s Kameron Douglas said. A two-way player from Georgia who received a First-Team All-SWAC nod in 2025, Douglas will have several family members in attendance at the game.
“God always has a plan, no matter the timing.”
Family presence is always special for a player. As are scouts at their games. But those won’t be the only treats these young stars will get on Friday.
The bass and brass of the Georgia Mass Band will bring their HBCU flavor to players and spectators before, during and after the game.
Meanwhile, Martin Luther King III’s Realize the Dream Foundation will also host a philanthropic panel discussion featuring Swingman Classic participants after the game.
Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, pianist and composer Avery Sunshine will perform the national anthem, while the Spelman College Glee Club will serenade fans with a special rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Meanwhile, representatives from each of the “Divine Nine” Black Greek-letter organizations will perform a step routine on each dugout, featuring customized individual performances. Following this, the organizations will combine for a joint performance as a sign of unity and strength.
Then, comedian, host of the T-Mobile Path to the HBCU Classic Series and FAMU alum, Roy Wood Jr., will announce “Play Ball!”
Marque Denmon, the SWAC Baseball Public Address Announcer, will serve as the in-game PA announcer. Meanwhile, pregame in-ballpark hosting duties will be handled by Big Tigger, an on-air personality best known for his work with BET (Black Entertainment Television).
And after the game, the Georgia Mass Band will conclude festivities with a performance to coincide with a fireworks show.
It may only last a couple of hours, but this game will hold a lifetime’s worth of memories for all who participate.
