ATLANTA, Ga. – Three Norfolk State baseball players have been selected to play in the third annual "HBCU Swingman Classic presented by T-Mobile & powered by the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation."
 
Major League Baseball (MLB) revealed the rosters for the all-star showcase on Tuesday afternoon, live on MLB Network from the 2025 MLB Draft Combine. Outfielders Justin Journette, Jamal Ritter, and Jalan Jones made the list, with Journette and Jones representing the American League and Ritter on the National League squad.
 
The HBCU Swingman Classic takes place during MLB All-Star Week, highlighting players from Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) across the country. The players were selected by a committee which included Hall of Famer and MLB-MLBPA YDF Global Ambassador Ken Griffey Jr., who the event is named after, in addition to representatives from the MLB, MLBPA, and across the baseball scouting community.
 
Journette and Ritter will make their second appearance in the HBCU Swingman Classic, both representing NSU in the game's 2024 edition. Jalan Jones will make his debut in the event, after earning a spot in the Minority Baseball Prospects All-Star Game earlier this summer.
 
Journette became Norfolk State's all-time home run leader this spring, breaking a 36-year old career record previously held by Mel Wearing (35). He racked up 55 hits and 15 home runs in 2025 on a career-best .331 batting average, accumulative 45 RBIs and 22 extra-base hits.
 
Ritter batted .313 while recording 50 hits, 44 runs, 27 RBIs, 12 doubles, eight home runs, and two triples during his final collegiate campaign. He led the team with 24 stolen bases, ranking fourth in the NEC in the category.
 
Jones enjoyed a breakthrough sophomore season, totaling 56 hits, 36 RBIs and 10 doubles. Hitting eight home runs, Jones combined power with speed – stealing 12 bases.
 
Atlanta Braves greats Brian Jordan and David Justice were named managers for the contest with Jordan leading the National League team, and Justice managing the American League squad. Special guests who will serve as honorary VIPs during the event include Hall of Famer & HBCU alumni Andre Dawson, former Major League Manager Dusty Baker, three-time All-Star & two-time World Series Champion Ken Griffey Sr., and All-Star & HBCU alumni Ralph Garr Sr.
 
Tickets for the HBCU Swingman Classic, slated for July 11 at Truist Park are on sale now at AllStarGame.com. Ticket sale proceeds, starting at $15, will benefit the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation. MLB Network will air the event live, beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
 
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