Dell Matthews has a deep love for baseball, evident from his role as the Vice President of Baseball Development for Major League Baseball.
As All-Star week gets underway, Matthews eagerly anticipates events like the HBCU Swingman Classic, the celebrity softball game, the All-Star Futures game, and the home run derby.
“Baseball runs in my family. My father played in the major leagues for 17 years, and my brother played for the Rangers here in Dallas. It’s incredibly special for me to carry on this legacy,” Matthews expressed.
With the spotlight on Arlington, Texas, following the Rangers’ recent historic World Series victory, hosting the all-star game after decades holds significant meaning beyond the city’s benefits.
“It’s about opening doors and creating opportunities, realizing dreams,” Matthews reflected. “Baseball is a generational game, passed down from fathers to sons and mothers to sons.”
Inclusive of MLB Youth Academies in the week’s festivities underscores the commitment to reaching a broad audience, as highlighted by Jean Lee Batrus, Executive Director of the MLB-MLPA Youth Development Foundation.
“We’ve seen the rising costs of accessing the game over the past two decades, impacting underserved communities. It’s crucial to have greater diversity and representation among players,” Batrus emphasized.
Events like the HBCU Swingman Classic showcase young players who might not otherwise have a national platform, beginning All-Star week with televised exposure, Batrus noted.
Matthews underscored the importance of preserving “America’s favorite pastime” by honoring the trailblazers who paved the way.
“We want the next generation to embrace this legacy and hopefully follow in their footsteps,” Matthews affirmed.
Tickets for MLB All-Star Week events are available at https://www.mlb.com/all-star/schedule
