Major League Baseball is opening its All-Star weekend in Seattle with a showcase game for top players from HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).The HBCU Swingman All-Star Classic was forged from an idea by Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. as a way to give a stage to players from HBCU schools who may have lacked exposure.It comes at a time when a recent study from the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at Central Florida found Black U.S. players represented just 6.2% of players on MLB opening day rosters, down from last year’s previous record low of 7.2%.Fifty players in total were selected to take part.For some, it may be the biggest stage they’ve ever played on and best opportunity for scouts and executives to see that despite limited resources compared to others in Division I baseball, their talent needs to be showcased.There is hope that investments made at the youth level are starting to pay off.MLB has also pledged $150 million in a 10-year partnership with the Players Alliance.The nonprofit organization of current and former players works to increase Black involvement at all levels.