Three Golden Lions Earn Selection to 2026 HBCU Swingman Classic
Photo: @UAPBLionsBSB on X
PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff baseball program continues to gain national recognition as three Golden Lions have been selected to participate in the 2026 HBCU Swingman Classic, one of the premier showcases for elite HBCU baseball talent.
Freshman standout Aaron Grant, right-handed pitcher Jalen Porter, and pitcher Kenney Fabian will represent UAPB at the fourth annual event, scheduled for July 10 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia as part of Major League Baseball’s All-Star Week festivities. The prestigious event features 50 of the top players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities across the nation and was founded by Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. to highlight and celebrate HBCU baseball.
The selections mark another milestone for a UAPB program that enjoyed one of its most successful seasons in recent memory, advancing to the semifinals of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament and earning national attention with a pair of upset victories over top-seeded Bethune-Cookman.
Grant, the SWAC Freshman of the Year, has emerged as one of the conference’s brightest young stars. The Savannah, Texas native played a key role in the Golden Lions’ postseason run and was named to the SWAC All-Tournament Team after batting .529 (9-for-17) with four RBIs during the tournament. Grant’s stellar defensive play and consistent offensive production helped establish him as one of the league’s top middle infielders.
Porter was a dependable force on the mound throughout the season and played a crucial role in UAPB’s tournament success. The veteran right-hander delivered key innings for the Golden Lions and was instrumental in helping the team secure victories against some of the SWAC’s top programs.
Fabian also earned national recognition following an impressive season on the mound. He was a major contributor during UAPB’s postseason run, including a strong performance in the Golden Lions’ opening-round upset of Bethune-Cookman at the SWAC Tournament. His ability to keep hitters off balance and provide quality innings helped UAPB compete with the conference’s best teams.
The HBCU Swingman Classic will once again be broadcast nationally on MLB Network and will feature two teams led by former Major League stars Jimmy Rollins and Rickie Weeks. Players are selected by a committee that includes Griffey Jr., MLB representatives, professional scouts, and baseball evaluators. The event has become a significant platform for HBCU players to showcase their talents in front of professional scouts and baseball executives.
For UAPB, having three representatives in the nationally televised showcase underscores the continued growth of the Golden Lions baseball program under head coach Logan Stout. The selections also provide another opportunity for UAPB student-athletes to display their skills on one of baseball’s biggest stages while representing both the university and the SWAC.
As the Golden Lions prepare to take center stage during MLB All-Star Week, Grant, Porter, and Fabian will carry the pride of Pine Bluff and UAPB into one of the most celebrated events in HBCU baseball.
