[Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez] Courtesy of Texas Rangers Communications ARLINGTON, Texas — The 2023 World Series Champion Texas Rangers are embarking on its first-ever HBCU Trophy Tour, bringing Rangers and Major League Baseball representatives to three of Texas' Historically Black Colleges and Universities with the Commissioner's Trophy in tow. The tour will include a stop at Huston-Tillotson University on Wednesday, April 3. The event will take place in the Agard-Lovinggood Building from noon to 2 p.m. Texas Rangers Senior Director of Community Impact, Ray Casas, and Major League Baseball's Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Misha Hurd, will host university students and faculty for a lunch-and-learn-style event series focused on educating young people of color and women on the opportunities in baseball. Topics of discussion will include the Texas Rangers' year-round initiatives focused on increasing diversity across baseball, including the Charley Pride Fellowship Program and HBCU Diamond Day on June 8 at Globe Life Field. The events will also serve as an opportunity to showcase the HBCU Swingman Classic, set to be played at Globe Life Field on Friday, July 12, as part of MLB All-Star Week. Established in 2023, with influence from Ken Griffey Jr., the Swingman Classic will see 50 of the best Division I HBCU ballplayers compete on two All-Star teams, with exciting in-game entertainment and a pre-game event featuring several HBCUs and community groups focused on educating prospective students and fans alike. (This event is limited to HT faculty, staff, and students, as well as members of the local media. Media Availability will take place from 11:45 a.m. – noon. Ray Casas and head baseball coach Chase Almendarez will be available. Please RSVP with Alan Wiederhold-Sohn, Huston-Tillotson Athletics Sports Information Director, at wawiederhold@htu.edu.)

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