“I played baseball for one year, found out I was terrible, and my mom said never again,” he said. “But I play MLB The Show every day. I’ve got a great franchise going, it’s been six years and two World Series.”
When Fletcher turned 25, he left his career as a DJ to use the cooking talents he’d acquired from his grandmother and pursue a career as a chef, which led him to Sodexo, where he answered a listing from Howard University seeking an executive chef to change the culture and content of the school’s dining program.
During the Swingman Classic in Seattle, Fletcher is representing both Howard and T-Mobile Park concessionaire Sodexo Live by preparing menus alongside executive chefs from other Sodexo-served HBCUs.
“I wear a chef’s coat with Howard University on my chest every day and was just like, ‘I’m just going to work to make a difference in these kids’ lives,’ and they’re like, ‘No, this is something bigger than you,’” he said. “Now I’m starting to understand that and always challenge myself to think bigger and broader, because it’s more than just a dining hall—this is history. There are so many people that are connected to this university, so I’ve got to make sure that I’m on my A game at all times.”
Building beyond baseball
Griffey and his counterparts at MLB have reached out to HBCU contacts and ensured that all details are covered. Members of the Negro Leagues Family Alliance will be recognized prior to the first pitch, when Griffey will join HBCU notables including Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, College Baseball Hall of Fame coach Roger Cador, College Baseball Hall of Famer Rickie Weeks and former Atlanta Braves All-Star Ralph Garr.
Grammy-nominated gospel artist (and former minor leaguer) Todd Dulaney, with Seattle church choir all-stars Songs of Black Folk Celebration Chorus, will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
