Outstanding action on and off the diamond: the Lone Star Diamond Classic

Spring is right around the corner.

With warmer weather and the hope that "springs eternal", the game of baseball rounds into form. When it takes place deep in the Dallas Metroplex (Frisco, TX specifically), it's a special occasion. Add to it outstanding HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) along with community engagement components, you clearly have the makings for a classic weekend.

The weekend of March 26-28, 2021 is the inaugural Lone Star Diamond Classic. Hosted by the nonprofit Bcsg360 (click HERE to find out more about their programs) and supported by an outstanding venue, the Dr Pepper Ballpark Center (the home of the Frisco Roughriders, the AA affiliate of Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers), the weekend slate of games features separate (2) 3-game series. The pairings include the Southern University Jaguars against the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions, along with the Grambling State University Tigers against the Prairie View A&M University Panthers.

A sound slate of community-centered programming compliments the great play on the field.

A virtual HBCU college fair is scheduled to take place as students (along with their advisors) may receive essential information and more about their higher education options. With high school juniors and seniors having potential on-site admission and scholarship opportunities, this is a great way to gain access to essential resources to help map out their present and immediate future. Combined with the job fair, there are even greater means for community and economic support.

Complimenting the weekend are a series of networking and social events to provide options for HBCU alumni, professionals, and mature audiences a way to socially connect and engage in as safe and sound an environment as possible.

As Grambling's head baseball coach notes in the press conference held earlier in the month (February 4, 2021 - click HERE to view), "This can change the perception of HBCU baseball (and more)".

Shaping communities by being a global advocate of the Historically Black College and University Experience (along with a wide range of programs and initiatives for the K-12 to higher education space) is central to the work of BSCG 360. Augmented by support from former Major League Baseball Player Torii Hunter (whose 19-year career includes being a 5-time All-Star and winner of 9 consecutive Golden Gloves at the top fielder at his positions, center field and right field) and Frisco's President/GM Victor Rojas, the inaugural event can clearly leave a positive footprint and impact on the game (from little leagues to Major League Baseball), the teams, the respective schools, the larger community, and HBCU's overall.

There are vendor, sponsor, career fair, and related opportunities available (please contact Executive Director Prentiss Hill via email at prentiss@bcsg360.org or phone at 773-726-3056). Likewise, day tickets (starting at $10) and weekend tickets (starting at $40) are scheduled to be available for purchase in the upcoming days (make sure to visit the site by clicking HERE for more information).

The last weekend of March is shaping up to be the first dawn of a new day on the diamond and beyond.