PINE BLUFF, AR – The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff is proud to announce that senior catcher Vinny Saumell and junior right-handed pitcher Kenney Fabian have been selected to participate in the 2025 HBCU Swingman Classic, held during MLB All‑Star Week. The prestigious showcase, created by Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., features the top talent from Division I Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Saumell has been a cornerstone of the Golden Lions' offense, finishing the season with a .341 batting average and a .407 on‑base percentage. A switch‑hitter with a keen eye, he batted .324 during conference play and consistently delivered in clutch situations. Saumell's leadership behind the plate and steady bat were critical in jumpstarting UAPB's postseason momentum.
Fabian emerged as the ace of the pitching staff, compiling a 6–6 record with a 3.01 ERA and 57 strikeouts across 80.2 innings this season. His dominance was even more pronounced in SWAC matchups, where he went 6–2 with a sterling 2.34 ERA and held opponents to a .227 batting average. Fabian's presence on the mound provided the consistency needed to drive UAPB to its first postseason appearance since 2019.
While Edwin DeLaCruz earned a spot in last year's Swingman Classic, this season's selections of Saumell and Fabian mark the beginning of a new era and highlight the program's expanding talent pipeline. Their inclusion in the 2025 Classic reinforces UAPB's growing reputation as a breeding ground for elite HBCU baseball athletes.
About the HBCU Swingman Classic
Presented by T‑Mobile and powered by the MLB–MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, the Swingman Classic is an annual event that showcases standout Division I HBCU baseball players during MLB All‑Star Week.
