Major League Baseball has announced that the 2026 All-Star Week in Philadelphia will commence with the HBCU Swingman Classic on July 10 at Citizens Bank Park. This event aims to honor the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by providing a national platform for athletes from these institutions. Former Philadelphia Phillies player Milt Thompson, who attended Howard University, expressed that this event is a significant opportunity for HBCUs, which are often not recognized for their athletic contributions. Thompson will serve as one of the bench coaches for the classic, which was co-created by baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. The classic will not only showcase the athletes but also incorporate HBCU culture, featuring entertainment, Greek fraternities, and traditional ceremonies associated with these schools.