SUNO Baseball's Hill Makes History as NAIA's First Ever Participant in HBCU Swingman Classic

Knights infielder becomes the first player from an NAIA institution to earn a spot in the event's four-year history; set to compete July 10 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia

NEW ORLEANS — Southern University at New Orleans graduate infielder Donovan Hill has made history, becoming the first player from an NAIA institution ever selected to compete in the HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball. The fourth annual showcase is set for Friday, July 10, at 7 p.m. ET at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies, as part of MLB All-Star Week.

Hill's selection marks a milestone for both SUNO and small-college HBCU baseball nationwide. The Swingman Classic featured exclusively NCAA Division I players in its first two years before expanding to include its first Division II selection in 2025. With Hill's addition to the 2026 roster, SUNO becomes the first NAIA institution represented in the event's history — a testament to the growing national profile of the Knights and the HBCU Athletic Conference.

Hill, a Fort Lauderdale, Fla., native who joined the Knights from St. Thomas University, is one of just 50 players nationwide chosen for the event, which brings together the top talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the country. Players were selected by a committee that includes Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., Major League Baseball representatives, and professional scouts and evaluators.

The historic selection caps a landmark season for Hill and the Knights, who posted the best record in program history and their best HBCU Athletic Conference regular-season finish in 2026, one year after a runner-up showing at the conference championship. A steady presence in the SUNO infield and lineup all spring, Hill delivered in the moments that mattered — igniting the Knights' seven-run, ninth-inning comeback against Xavier with a leadoff walk and driving in runs throughout SUNO's late-season surge, including a run-scoring triple in the series-clinching win over Philander Smith.

"Donovan represents everything we ask of our student-athletes — he competes, he leads, and he carries himself the right way on and off the field," said SUNO Head Coach Olen Parker, Jr. "To see him become the first NAIA player ever to take that field for the HBCU Swingman Classic is bigger than one game. It tells every player at our level that if you put in the work, the stage will find you."

"This is a historic moment for SUNO, the HBCU Athletic Conference and for NAIA baseball," said SUNO Director of Athletics James A. Matthews, III. "Donovan's selection proves that elite talent lives at every level of HBCU athletics. The Swingman Classic celebrates the rich legacy of HBCU baseball, and we could not be prouder that a Knight is the one carrying NAIA baseball onto that stage for the first time."

ABOUT THE HBCU SWINGMAN CLASSIC

The Swingman Classic roster will be divided into two squads: a National League team led by 2007 NL MVP and Phillies Wall of Famer Jimmy Rollins, and an American League team led by HBCU legend and 14-year MLB veteran Rickie Weeks. Honorary VIPs for the event include HBCU baseball greats Andre Dawson (Florida A&M) and Ralph Garr Sr. (Grambling State), along with 19-year big-league veteran Ken Griffey Sr.

For the fourth consecutive year, MLB Network will exclusively broadcast the game, with Dave Sims on play-by-play and Harold Reynolds providing analysis. Ken Griffey Jr. and Emily Haydel, granddaughter of Hank Aaron, will also contribute to the broadcast. Pregame festivities honoring HBCU culture will feature an in-ballpark DJ, an in-game "Divine Nine" recognition, and more.

SUNO is one of 19 HBCUs represented on the 2026 roster — and the only NAIA institution — joining programs such as Southern University, Grambling State, Jackson State, Florida A&M, and Prairie View A&M. Tickets for the HBCU Swingman Classic presented by USA Baseball are on sale now at AllStarGame.com.

ABOUT SUNO ATHLETICS

The Southern University at New Orleans Knights Department of Athletics emphasizes competitive excellence, academic achievement and community engagement. For the full 2025–26 schedule, rosters, and ticket information, visit sunoathletics.com and follow @sunoathletics on social media.

MEDIA CONTACT: SUNO Athletics Communications, athletics@suno.edu, (504) 286-5197

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