How one MLB executive reimagines opportunity and culture for HBCU athletes

Del Matthews, Major League Baseball’s Senior Vice President of Baseball Development, is quietly pioneering a transformation in HBCU baseball. His innovative strategies and the annual Swingman Classic are reshaping pathways for student-athletes, reframing how institutions historically underfunded can thrive on a national stage.

The Underdog Advantage: Matthews’ First Secret

Del Matthews knows HBCU culture intimately—he honed his game at Texas Southern University before joining the minor leagues, then advancing into MLB’s leadership. He harnesses what he calls the “chip on the shoulder” mentality—resource scarcity becomes fuel, not barrier. Athletes who attend HBCUs, he believes, bring hunger and resilience to every game. Now, through events like the Swingman Classic, they carry that energy into Major League ballparks, striking at Truist Park in Atlanta with purpose and pride.

Expanding the Pipeline: Off‑Field Careers as Second Secret

Matthews has built more than just showcases; he’s constructing ecosystems. Beyond the mound, his programs connect students with real careers in sports media and photography. With partners like Getty Images, a handful of HBCU participants earn apprenticeships in professional photography. Others get chances to train with broadcasters like Dave Sims and Harold Reynolds through MLB’s mentoring track. These are not token roles—they are structured experiences that reflect intentional inclusivity and long-term career pathways for students.

Transfer Pathways: Secret Three in Action

Take Kyle Walker’s journey. Starting at Grambling University, he leveraged the transfer portal to move to Arizona State, where he emerged as a standout hitter and contender for the MLB draft. Matthews sees these collegiate transitions as proof that HBCUs can serve as springboards rather than limiting footprints. When athletes are given opportunities, they often seize them in ways that rival any PWI alum.

Culture at the Core: HBCU Spirit Lives in the Classic

Matthews’ vision extends beyond stats and titles—it’s about atmosphere. The Swingman Classic is steeped in tradition: Divine Nine fraternity presence, marching bands, live performances, and a deeply felt homecoming vibe inside a Major League ballpark. This isn’t a corporate showcase; it’s a re-creation of Black college spirit beneath stadium lights.

Matthews’ Personal Legacy and Commitment

Raised with baseball in his blood—son of veteran outfielder Gary Matthews Sr. and godson to Dusty Baker—Del Matthews has extended that legacy into social impact. His own son, currently at Morehouse College, mirrors this commitment. Matthews views HBCU education as formative, cementing identity and preparing students for both success and social influence. His programs reflect that belief in multiple forms of excellence—athletic, academic and emotional.

In total, Del Matthews’ strategy rests on three powerful pillars:

1. Underdog psychology: channeling adversity into athletic grit.
2. Holistic pathways: creating careers beyond playing fields.
3. Structural mobility: using transfers and exposure to elevate players.

His work is reshaping perceptions of HBCU value—not in spite of limitations, but because of how communities lean in, adapt and excel.

Long‑Term Impact

The Swingman Classic has rapidly grown into a marquee event on MLB’s schedule. By showcasing elite talent and celebrating culture, it draws representation and attention toward institutions that have long operated in the shadows. Matthews and his team are broadening scouting, diversifying baseball careers, and illuminating the power of HBCUs in ways that few national platforms have.

For families, students or mentors watching a young athlete’s potential, Matthews’ model serves as evidence that excellence is not confined to traditional pipelines. It shows that with vision, investment and cultural grounding, HBCU athletes can stand out—with character, skill and stories that resonate deeply.