The Andre Dawson Classic: Celebrating HBCU Baseball
The 17th annual Andre Dawson Classic is set to kick off this weekend, bringing together some of the most enthusiastic and talented baseball players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This prestigious round-robin tournament not only highlights the rich tradition of baseball at HBCUs but also celebrates the legacy of MLB Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, a Florida A&M University alumnus. Dawson, alongside Lou Brock and Larry Doby, holds the distinction of being one of only three Hall of Famers to have graduated from an HBCU. This year’s tournament will feature seven HBCUs and the University of Missouri, with all games taking place at the historic Holman Stadium at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Andre Dawson Classic is more than just a tournament; it’s a celebration of the contributions of HBCUs to the world of baseball. Named after one of the sport’s legends, the event continues to inspire young athletes to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors. Andre Dawson’s journey from Florida A&M to the MLB Hall of Fame is a testament to the potential that lies within HBCU programs. This year, the tournament will see fierce competition among institutions such as Alabama A&M, Prairie View A&M, Jackson State, Southern, Alabama State, Grambling, Florida A&M, and the University of Missouri. Each game promises to be a showcase of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.
Tournament Schedule and Venues
The 2025 Andre Dawson Classic will span three days, from Friday, February 21 to Sunday, February 23. The tournament will be held at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Florida, a venue known for its rich history and significance in baseball. The complex will host four games each day, ensuring that fans have plenty of action to enjoy. From the early morning games to the evening matchups, the schedule is designed to provide a comprehensive and exciting experience for all attendees.
Televised and Live Stream Coverage
Fans unable to attend the games in person can still enjoy the action thanks to comprehensive TV and live stream coverage. Select games will be aired live on MLB Network and can be streamed on Fubo, which offers a free trial. For a limited time, new subscribers can get their first month of Fubo for as low as $59.99, a $25 savings. This service allows viewers to access ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and over 200 top channels of live TV and sports without a cable subscription. All other games will be available for streaming live on MLB.com, ensuring that no moment of the tournament is missed.
Detailed Game Schedule
Here is the complete schedule for the 2025 Andre Dawson Classic, including the TV and live stream information for each game:
Friday, February 21
- Alabama A&M vs. Prairie View A&M: 9 a.m. ET (MLB.com)
- Jackson State vs. Southern: 12 p.m. ET (MLB.com)
- Alabama State vs. Grambling: 4 p.m. ET (MLB Network, Fubo)
- Missouri vs. Florida A&M: 8 p.m. ET (MLB Network, Fubo)
Saturday, February 22
- Grambling vs. Alabama A&M: 9 a.m. ET (MLB.com)
- Jackson State vs. Prairie View A&M: 12 p.m. ET (MLB.com)
- Alabama State vs. Missouri: 3 p.m. ET (MLB.com)
- Florida A&M vs. Southern: 7 p.m. ET (MLB.com)
Sunday, February 23
- Missouri vs. Southern: 9 a.m. ET (MLB.com)
- Prairie View A&M vs. Grambling: 10 a.m. ET (MLB.com)
- Alabama State vs. Jackson State: 12 p.m. ET (MLB.com)
- Alabama A&M vs. Florida A&M: 3 p.m. ET (MLB.com)
The Spirit of Competition and Community
The Andre Dawson Classic is not just a series of games; it’s a community event that brings together students, alumni, and baseball enthusiasts from across the country. The tournament serves as a platform for HBCU athletes to showcase their talents and for the broader baseball community to recognize the significant contributions of HBCUs. As the games unfold, the spirit of competition and camaraderie will be on full display, inspiring the next generation of baseball players and fans. Whether you’re in Vero Beach or following the action from home, the 2025 Andre Dawson Classic promises to be a memorable event for all.
