A cultural cornerstone turns passion into platform and possibility

Big Tigger, the iconic radio and television personality, has taken his cultural influence to a new pinnacle—championing the HBCU Swingman Classic, a groundbreaking moment for Black college athletes that blends institutional pride, opportunity, and celebration.

Voice of Culture Finds a Sporting Rhythm

Known for voice-over work on beloved hip-hop platforms, Big Tigger has long bridged entertainment and authenticity. This summer, his on-field presence as the pregame host at Truist Park isn’t just a high-profile gig—it’s an extension of his legacy as a cultural connector, now elevating HBCU athletes on one of baseball’s brightest stages.

Where Community Meets the Diamond

The Swingman Classic is more than a game—it’s a statement. Fifty elite athletes from 17 Historically Black Colleges and Universities will step onto the field during All-Star Weekend, each representing heritage, grit, and unspoken dreams.

This annual showcase brings together HBCU histories, athletic promise, and cultural roots under stadium lights—transforming a major league ballpark into a space where identity, tradition and opportunity intersect.

Platform + Purpose: bigtiggerimpact

Bigtiggerimpact captures the essence of what he brings to the event. He isn’t just emceeing; he’s curating visibility—for players, programs, and communities—at a moment when representation in collegiate sports still carries tremendous weight.

The highlight isn’t just on the field. The Classic is flanked by pregame hosting duties, Getty Images mentorship of HBCU photographers, Divine Nine step shows, live bands, and community storytelling—all of which reinforce cultural resonance alongside athletic merit.

From Exhibition to Empowerment

The weekend isn’t only about showcasing talent; it’s about creating pathways. Beyond live sport, HBCU athletes and students are gaining exposure to broadcasting, photography, sports technology, and strategic storytelling. This immersive environment counters long-standing barriers, promoting equity in professional sports coverage and opportunity.

As the event grows, so does its ability to foster inclusion—offering athletes recognition, mentorship, and career visibility that went underdeveloped for decades.

Letting Legacy Light the Way

For Tigger, this work echoes Atlanta’s Civil Rights lineage. Hosting the Swingman Classic at this historic nexus is both symbolic and strategic—it affirms that Black excellence deserves center stage, across fields, forums and futures.

Through media, mentorship, and ceremony, Big Tigger molds an enduring infrastructure of opportunity—so that HBCU athletes aren’t just seen for today’s performance, but remembered as tomorrow’s legends.