Why MLB Legend David Justice Is Suddenly Everywhere Again – Inside the Surprising Comeback Story

Former Atlanta Braves slugger and three-time All-Star David Justice is back in the spotlight for two very different reasons. On the baseball side, Major League Baseball announced that Justice will manage the American League squad at the 2025 HBCU Swingman Classic during All-Star Week, a showcase that highlights top talent from Historically Black Colleges and Universities and promotes diversity in the sport. Off the field, the 58-year-old appeared on the “All the Smoke” podcast and revisited long-standing rumors that he abused ex-wife Halle Berry, insisting again that he was never responsible for the actress’s partial hearing loss and criticizing Berry for, in his view, allowing public speculation to linger. Justice’s return to Truist Park—where he launched a franchise-changing World Series home run in 1995—adds star power to the third annual Classic. He’ll work alongside fellow Braves great Brian Jordan, who will skipper the National League squad. Organizers say the July 11 exhibition will pair the two managers with a coaching staff of former MLB players and HBCU alumni, giving 50 student-athletes rare face time with big-league mentors. Ticket proceeds benefit the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, and the game will air live on MLB Network. While fans welcomed the baseball news, Justice’s podcast appearance ignited fresh debate on social media. Speaking to hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, the former outfielder recounted his whirlwind 1992 courtship with Berry, their 1997 divorce, and the backlash that followed. He reiterated that Berry privately told him a “former Hollywood boyfriend” caused her ear injury and said her refusal to clear his name publicly has affected his reputation for nearly three decades. Justice made similar statements in 2015 but said he felt compelled to address the topic again as he reenters the public eye. The dual headlines underscore the complex legacy of a player who hit 305 career home runs, won two World Series rings (Atlanta 1995, New York 2000), and became a key figure in “Moneyball” lore after a mid-career trade to Oakland. For many fans, Justice remains the embodiment of 1990s Braves dominance; for others, his personal life has overshadowed his athletic achievements. Next on the calendar, Justice will begin scouting reports on HBCU prospects and assembling his coaching strategy for the July exhibition. Meanwhile, baseball historians note that the Swingman Classic could serve as an informal audition for future coaching roles at the professional level, potentially ushering Justice back into MLB dugouts full-time. Whether you remember David Justice for his clutch postseason homers, his Hollywood marriage, or his outspoken podcast moments, one thing is clear: in 2025, his name is trending again—and this time the conversation spans from the diamond to the cultural zeitgeist.