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Former MLB star Rickie Weeks talks increasing HBCU baseball reputation
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- Former MLB star Rickie Weeks talks increasing HBCU baseball reputation
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Former MLB All-Star and Southern University alumnus Rickie Weeks Jr. believes HBCU baseball is already producing talented players. Now, he says, programs need greater access to the same technology and resources available at college baseball's biggest programs.
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Weeks shared his thoughts during MLB All-Star Weekend after serving as one of the managers for the HBCU Swingman Classic alongside former Philadelphia Phillies star Jimmy Rollins . The annual event, created by Ken Griffey Jr., highlights many of the nation's top HBCU baseball players in front of professional scouts and baseball executives.
Speaking with Andscape's Mia Berry, Weeks said the next step for HBCU baseball isn't a lack of talent but a lack of access to advanced player evaluation tools.
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"Well, I think it starts with tools and resources first. Let's just get it out the way," Weeks said. "I think, to most of the HBCUs, we're seeing the talent come to the school. We're seeing everything kind of come together. But now with the step forward of tools and resources, now we're seeing in the SEC that everybody has TrackMan now. Everybody has some kind of KinaTrax tracker or some kind of data going forward."
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Weeks said that while professional scouts continue to evaluate HBCU prospects, many programs lack the advanced analytics that have become standard throughout Division I baseball.
"You're in these talks with these teams, you're in these talks with these players, they just don't have enough information on them," Weeks said. "Are we getting out to see these guys? Yes, we are. But I think the next wave of us getting the next level of a player from the HBCU starts with information and data for sure."
The HBCU American League squad, in which Weeks served as manager, beat the National League 6-1 on six runs and seven hits. Southern University center fielder Jacoby Radcliffe was named MVP of the game.
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