PHILADELPHIA, Pa. --- Five Norfolk State baseball players have earned invitations to participate in the fourth annual HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball.
Major League Baseball (MLB) revealed the rosters for the all-star showcase on Thursday, live on MLB Network. Norfolk State's selections include outfielder Justin Journette, outfielder Thomas Ealey, infielder Jayden Israel, pitcher Yasseel Samboy and pitcher Ethan Blakeney. The five selections mark the most for Norfolk State since the event's inception in 2023.
Journette will make his third appearance in the game, while Ealey, Israel, Samboy and Blakeney will make their debuts.
The HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball celebrates the history and legacy of HBCU baseball programs. The event features 50 NCAA Division I HBCU baseball players and provides them an opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage. A committee consisting of Ken Griffey Jr., representatives from MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association, and professional scouts selects the participants.
Journette appeared in 50 games, hitting .332 with 61 hits, 60 RBIs, 51 runs scored, 18 home runs and 13 doubles. He posted a .696 slugging percentage and a .438 on-base percentage. Journette broke Norfolk State's 37-year-old single-season home run record with 18 homers and ranked among the Northeast Conference leaders in several offensive categories, finishing second in home runs and fourth in RBIs and slugging percentage. He earned All-NEC Second Team honors.
Ealey appeared in 51 games and led the team with a .370 batting average. He totaled 74 hits, 48 runs scored, 35 stolen bases, 20 RBIs, four doubles and three triples. Ealey also ranked among the national leaders in stolen bases and earned a spot on the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award Watch List.
Israel appeared in 50 games and hit .298 with 50 runs scored, 19 stolen bases, 10 doubles and four home runs. He set a Division I-era program record with 43 walks and posted a .988 fielding percentage in NEC play with just two errors. Israel delivered several standout performances throughout the season, including multiple three-hit games with multiple RBIs and multiple runs scored.
Samboy appeared in 20 games, all in relief, posting a 5-1 record with a 4.54 ERA and five saves. He struck out 42 batters in 41.2 innings and ranked second in the NEC in saves while tying for third in victories. Samboy did not allow a run in 20 of his 41.2 innings pitched.
Blakeney made 15 appearances with 10 starts, finishing 5-5 with a 4.83 ERA across 69.0 innings. He led the team with 70 strikeouts, earned All-NEC Second Team honors and ranked among the conference leaders in several categories, including third in strikeouts and victories.
Former MLB players Jimmy Rollins and Rickie Weeks will serve as managers for the game.
The HBCU Swingman Classic is scheduled for July 10 at Citizens Bank Park. Tickets are available now at AllStarGame.com. Ticket prices begin at $28. MLB Network will air the event live beginning at 7 p.m. ET.
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