Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. is leading efforts to bring more Black athletes back to the sport through his annual Swingman Classic, now in its fourth year. The event, an HBCU All-Star Game held during MLB All-Star Weekend, aims to address the declining number of Black players in baseball by providing young athletes with greater access, resources, and exposure. Griffey emphasizes how his own upbringing—growing up with a father who played in the majors—gave him unique opportunities that many young Black athletes lack, which contributes to their shift towards sports like football and basketball.

Griffey also discussed the broader challenges and future of baseball, including the role of marketing players to make them more nationally recognized. Drawing parallels with the NBA's success in the 1980s, he suggested making baseball more relatable and engaging to younger generations through appealing slogans and storytelling. Despite the sport’s inherent difficulty and high failure rate at the plate, Griffey believes that once kids get hooked on baseball, their connection to the game is deep and lasting.

Regarding the ongoing labor negotiations and the potential for work stoppages, Griffey expressed hope for a resolution but admitted he is not directly involved in the discussions. He also touched on his interest in possible ownership opportunities, including with the Seattle SuperSonics, though he remains focused on his baseball initiatives. Griffey highlighted some of today’s top players he enjoys watching, including Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Julio Rodriguez, showing his continued engagement with the modern game.

Outside of baseball, Griffey has developed a passion for photography, inspired by his desire to remain comfortable in unfamiliar situations—similar to stepping into a batter’s box. He shared how he connects with other athlete-photographers like Randy Johnson for advice and mentoring. Griffey stressed the importance of mentorship in sports and society, emphasizing its value in guiding young athletes and adults through challenges on and off the field.