Braves’ Garr-Lucas HBCU Baseball Classic Is A Hit

HBCU Alumni Proud of National Spotlight

Marie Duval a PWI graduate and Steve Duval an HBCU graduate enjoying the Ralph Garr-Bill Lucas HBCU Baseball Classic, March 14, 2021, Photo Cascade Publishing House

Marie Duval did not attend an HBCU; she received her educational experience at a predominately white institution, Mercer University, a private Baptist-supported school in Macon, Georgia, her hometown. The other half of the Duval family, Steve Duval, attended two HBCUs, Hampton University and Tuskegee University. The Duvals traveled 150 miles to witness a rare national spotlight shine on Black college baseball.

“I am excited to be here, Marie Duval said, then explained, “There are times I wish I had attended an HBCU. “I am rejoicing with my HBCU friends,” Marie Duval said.

“Every time I go to an HBCU event, I get caught up in the affair. There is always a different flavor to an HBCU gathering that you don’t get at PWI occasions,” she explained.

Emotions like Duval’s spilled over yesterday at Coolray Field, home of the Atlanta Braves National League Baseball Club’s triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Stripers, and host of the first Ralph Garr-Bill Lucas HBCU Baseball Classic.

Aisha Cooper, President of the Atlanta Grambling Alumni Club showing off the gripe she used to toss out the first pitch of game two of the Gar-Lucas HBCU Baseball Classic, March 14, 2021. Photo Cascade Publishing House

At noon on the second Sunday in March 2021, the doors opened at Coolray Field. A…