Wednesday, April 3, the 2023 World Series Champion Texas Rangers visited the campus of Huston-Tillotson University (HT) Athletic Department during its first-ever HBCU Trophy Tour. The university was one of three Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Texas that the team will be visiting, bringing Rangers and Major League Baseball representatives and, of course, the championship trophy.
The event took over the Agard-Lovinggood Building, allowing HT faculty, staff, and students the opportunity to meet and learn from Texas Rangers Senior Director of Community Impact, Ray Casas, and Major League Baseball’s Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Misha Hurd, during a lunch-and-learn-style gathering focused on educating young people of color and women on opportunities in baseball.
Casas discussed the Texas Rangers‘ year-round initiatives focused on increasing diversity across baseball, including the Charley Pride Fellowship Program, HBCU Diamond Day on June 8 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, and career opportunities within the organization.
Named after the late Grammy award winning artist, former Negro Leagues baseball player, and Texas Rangers part owner, Charley Pride, the fellowship program is a 10 week paid internship program for actively enrolled junior and senior undergraduate students.
The events will also serve as an opportunity to showcase the 2nd annual HBCU Swingman Classic, which will take place at Globe Life Field on Friday, July 12, as part of MLB All-Star Week. Established in 2023, with influence from former MLB all-star Ken Griffey, Jr., the Swingman Classic will bring together 50 of the best Division I HBCU baseball players to compete on two All-Star teams.
The Classic will also feature entertainment during the game as well as a pre-game event featuring several HBCUs and community groups focused on educating prospective students as well as fans.
To learn more about other Texas Rangers programs and initiatives, visit their website.
