2023 Cactus Jack HBCU Classic

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Naiya Childs, Egalitarian Staff Writer

The Cactus Jack Foundation was created by Jacques Bermon Webster ll more known as recording artist Travis Scott. The Cactus Jack Foundation mission includes, “To empower and enrich the lives of youth by providing access to education and creative resources to ensure long term success. The foundation believes the youth should not be prevented from attaining their lifetime goal and is committed to extending educational opportunities to all, regardless of their circumstance to achieve their dreams.” 

February 17- February 19, 2023, The Cactus Jack Foundation held their first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Classic at Minute Maid Park. Where six HBCU schools participated in a three-day nine game baseball tournament. The six universities included Houston areas Texas Southern University (TSU) and Prairie View A&M (PVAMU), and four neighboring schools form Louisiana and Mississippi; Grambling State University, Southern University, Mississippi Valley State University, and Jackson State University. 

Cactus Jack Foundation’s Travis Scott Bobblehead

An Exclusive Travis Scott Bobblehead was handed out to the first 2,500 fans each day, presented by Cactus Jack Foundation. The general admission tickets were available for $10 each day and were good for the day with no re-entry.

On day one, Friday February 17, 2023, game one consisted of Prairie View A&M defeating Grambling with a score of 7 to 5. In game two Texas Southern lost 5 to 7 against Mississippi Valley. In game three Southern University conquered Jackson State 5 to 4.

Mississippi Valley State University Baseball Pitcher #9 Hunter Stallings

On day two, Saturday February 18, 2023, game one consisted of Mississippi Valley taking a loss against Jackson State with a 1-14 score. In game two Southern University secured the win with 4 to 3 against Grambling. In game three Texas Southern defeated Prairie View with an 8-3 score.  

On day there, Sunday February 19, 2023, game one consisted of Grambling State taking the win against Mississippi Valley with a final score of 14 to 4. In game two Prairie View were defeated by Jackson State with an 8-3 result. The final game of the event, game three resulted with Southern University winning against Texas Southern with an 11-1 score.  

Based off of the results of the tournament Sothern University were victorious in winning the 2023 Cactus Jack HBCU Classic, the first of its kind.