Davis, the first girl ever to throw a shutout and record a win in Little League World Series history, became a cultural phenomenon in 2014. She graced the cover of Sports?Illustrated, earned a spot in Cooperstown’s Hall of Fame, and inspired girls around the world. Now, she’s joining over 600 hopefuls at tryouts in Washington, D.C. (Aug 22–25). Competing alongside pro baseball pioneers like Kelsie?Whitmore, all for spots in the league’s inaugural draft this October.

HBCU Roots: Building a Legacy at Hampton

But Mo’ne’s not coming back with just Little League experience. A 2023 graduate of Hampton University—an NCAA Division I HBCU—she spent two seasons anchoring the Lady Pirates’ infield. In her freshman year (2020), she flashed stellar defense, ranking third on the team in chances (77) and putouts (46). At the plate, she batted .333, slugged .357, and reached base at an impressive .423 pace. She recorded three multi-hit games, two multi-RBI outings, a 10-game on-base streak, and a 3-for-3/three-RBI/two-stolen-base explosion against Hartford on Feb 23.

Her sophomore campaign may have dipped offensively. She batted .219 with six doubles, 16 RBIs, and an 8-for-8 stolen base runs. But she remained a reliable defender with a .923 fielding percentage in 221 chances.

“From second grade all the way through graduation I’ve been at a predominantly white school. Just to be able to go to an HBCU and to get that experience, just to follow the path that a lot of African-Americans went through, I think it would be pretty cool,” Mo’ne Davis told ESPN’s Outside the Lines in 2019. “I feel like a lot of black athletes should look into HBCU’s, and it’s one of those decisions I’ll be able to say I won’t regret and I made the right decision.”

After graduation, Davis swapped cleats for a mic, providing ESPN commentary during Little League games. Proof she still has her finger on baseball’s pulse.

From ESPN to the WPBL

Now, she’s channeling all that experience into a bold mission: reviving women’s professional baseball in America. If the league and draft pan out, the Women’s Professional Baseball League—slated to debut in summer 2026—could feature six teams filled with talent-hungry women, and Mo’ne wants her name called.

It’s the natural next chapter for an athlete who has long pushed boundaries. From dominating all-boys teams with Taney Baseball in Philadelphia to competing at a top-tier HBCU to broadcasting on ESPN, Davis has a chance to layer each experience into one opportunity.

If the tryouts go well, this won’t just be a comeback—it’ll be a declaration. The HBCU alum, once Little League’s star, won’t just return to baseball. She’ll be trailblazing it.

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A Fitting Finish: Smiley Leads NL Comeback

In a poetic twist, it was Alabama State catcher DeMarkus Smiley who brought the biggest smile of the night. With the game tied in the bottom of the eighth, Smiley’s RBI groundout drove in Trey Bridges, putting the National League squad ahead for good. He later scored on a flurry of three consecutive singles that wrapped up a decisive three-run inning, securing a 7-4 win.

The National League had trailed 4-1 in the sixth inning before unleashing six unanswered runs to complete the comeback. NL manager Brian Jordan couldn’t resist ribbing opposing manager David Justice after the game, but both former MLB stars emphasized that the event’s true purpose transcended wins and losses.

Beyond the Baselines: Swingman Classic a Platform for Legacy and Opportunity

For the players, the Swingman Classic offered more than just competition — it was a rare stage for visibility. Scouts, mentors, and legends surrounded them, offering connections that could shape careers both on and off the field.

This night was a tribute to Black baseball’s rich legacy, honoring past trailblazers, showcasing present-day talent, and inspiring future generations. With performances by marching bands, dancers, and Greek step teams, the event honored the depth of Black culture woven into the sport.

The spirit of Ken Griffey Jr., the Classic’s founder, loomed large, but he wasn’t the only iconic figure in attendance. MLB greats like CC Sabathia, Andre Dawson, Ralph Garr, and Rubye Lucas (widow of Bill Lucas, MLB’s first Black GM) were also present, sharing wisdom and inspiration.

Home Runs, Heat, and Two-Way Talent

The talent level dazzled. Kameron Douglas, playing in his home state, broke a scoreless tie with a 417-foot home run to center in the second inning. Jay Campbell, a freshman from Florida A&M, followed suit with a towering seventh-inning homer to left-center.

“I didn’t know it was gone off the bat,” Campbell chuckled afterward. “It’s an MLB field — you never know.”

The duo wasn’t done. Douglas returned to the mound in the ninth, touching 96 mph and striking out two before handing the ball to Campbell, who induced a groundout to lock up the win.

“He deserves a shot,” Jordan said of Douglas. Justice, ever the competitor, joked he was just hoping Jordan would pull Douglas after one pitch.

A Morehouse Milestone

Among the standout stories was Elijah Pinckney, who made history as the first NCAA Division II player to compete in the Classic. Representing Morehouse College, he left an even greater mark by winning the T-Mobile Impact Award, honoring leadership both on and off the field.

“I’m really grateful for this,” Pinckney said. “Morehouse has taught me that being a great athlete is only part of the equation. As a Black man, you can impact your community in so many ways — that’s what matters most to me.”

Final Pitch

The 2025 HBCU Swingman Classic wasn’t just a game — it was a statement. A declaration that HBCU talent belongs on the biggest stage, that legacy matters, and that culture is a force to be celebrated. And on a night filled with electric moments and historic milestones, perhaps the biggest takeaway was this: Black baseball is alive, thriving, and smiling toward the future.

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Griffey’s son, Tevin Griffey, recently played football at Florida A&M University (FAMU), one of the most storied HBCUs in the country. During Trey’s playing days, Griffey didn’t just show up as a celebrity parent. He showed up with a camera in hand. The Hall of Famer took on a new role: sideline photographer—capturing FAMU games from the sideline, not the luxury box.

That experience gave Griffey Jr. a firsthand look at the pride, tradition, and challenges that define HBCU athletics.

“They’re not getting the recognition that they would like to advance to the next level,” Griffey told USA TODAY Sports in an exclusive interview.

A Stage Built for HBCU Stars

That motivation led to the creation of the HBCU Swingman Classic—a showcase featuring 50 of the top Division I baseball players from HBCUs. Now in its third year, the game kicks off MLB’s All-Star Week on Friday, July 11 at 7 p.m. ET, live from Truist Park in Atlanta and airing on MLB Network.

“It’s just an opportunity to give some of these kids an opportunity to be seen,” Griffey said.

Sixteen HBCUs will be represented in the event. And it’s not just a game—it’s a cultural celebration. Former MLB stars Brian Jordan and David Justice will manage the teams, while Emily Haydel, granddaughter of Hank Aaron, will serve as sideline reporter. Martin Luther King III was originally scheduled to throw out the first pitch, underscoring the event’s more profound social significance.

Not Just About Race—It’s About Opportunity

While the Swingman Classic elevates Black baseball culture, Griffey is clear: it’s open to all HBCU athletes.

“There are plenty of kids who are White and don’t have money, and they go to HBCUs, and they want to continue to play,” he told USA TODAY Sports. “It’s not about the color of your skin. It’s the school that you go to.”

That inclusive mindset reflects the heart of the game. Griffey isn’t chasing headlines—he’s creating pipelines.

HBCU Talent Deserves a Spotlight

The Swingman Classic is already producing results. Three players were drafted after the 2023 game. Two more went pro last year. With direct input from MLB and the MLBPA, and stronger collaboration with HBCU coaches, the level of competition has only improved.

Still, Ken Griffey Jr. believes more can be done, especially in how Major League Baseball scouts evaluate talent.

“The sad part is that the scouting department has gone away from trying to find these diamonds in the rough,” he said.

The Eye Test Still Matters

Griffey wants MLB to take a page from classic college football recruiting—the way Alabama and Clemson built dynasties by relentlessly seeking out talent.

“Now, if it’s not on a computer… they can’t understand talent unless they see it,” Griffey said. “What does it look like when it comes off the bat? What does it look like when he throws the ball?”

Many HBCU programs lack access to advanced metrics and expensive facilities. Griffey knows those limitations shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.

“Our kids need to be seen,” he said. “You give a kid an opportunity to be successful, and that’s all you ask for.”

Griffey’s Vision for the Future of HBCU Baseball

As long as Ken Griffey Jr. has a voice in the league office, he plans to use it to amplify HBCU talent. The Swingman Classic is more than a game—it’s a movement. One that’s giving a platform to players who deserve more than just a stat sheet.

And if Griffey has anything to do with it, this is just the beginning.

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More than just athletes, the Savannah Bananas are performers and crowd favorites—and, yes, they play impressive baseball too.

Over the past week alone, the Savannah Bananas have sold out professional and college football stadiums. That includes a two-day takeover of the iconic Fenway Park in Boston. “Bananamania” is sweeping the nation, fueled by their unique brand of flair, fun, and fearless content creation.

Their antics have made them a social media sensation. They’ve gone viral repeatedly, earned a feature on 60 Minutes, and solidified their place as the most unconventional—and beloved—team in sports.

Now, two proud HBCU alumni are helping lead the charge. Former Florida A&M University (FAMU) stars Malachi “Flash Tha Kid” Mitchell and Ty Jackson are among the team’s newest fan favorites. Both played their college ball at FAMU, one of the most tradition-rich HBCUs in the country, under longtime head coach Jamey Shouppe.

From FAMU to Banana Ball

Mitchell played for the Rattlers from 2017 to 2019. Though injuries limited his on-field time, he was part of the 2019 MEAC Championship team that advanced to the NCAA playoffs. His speed, charisma, and signature dugout catchphrases made him a team favorite—even when he couldn’t take the field.

One of his go-to lines? “Not even close,” delivered with flair anytime an opposing pitcher missed badly, especially on ball four. Mitchell may not have been a starter, but he was a heartbeat of the dugout.

Jackson, by contrast, was a breakout star. A two-time All-SWAC selection, he helped lead FAMU to its first-ever SWAC Baseball Championship in 2023. He kicked off the title game with a leadoff triple and was later invited to play in the MLB-sponsored Swingman Classic. He even received an opportunity with Team USA, though injury prevented him from participating.

HBCU Energy Meets Entertainment

Though their college careers were very different, both players brought a natural flair for entertainment. Mitchell was a livewire in the dugout, while Jackson made waves online by sharing behind-the-scenes team moments and interviews with teammates.

In fact, Jackson had a prior connection to the Savannah Bananas. He played with the team during summer ball before even joining FAMU—back when their brand was still gaining traction. With his eye-catching hair and powerful bat, he quickly became a standout.

Now, both HBCU products are thriving in an environment that blends talent with creativity. For Shouppe, their former coach, it’s no surprise.

“It’s not that they were prohibited from having fun at FAMU,” Shouppe said. “But winning and playing the right way were the priorities.” With the Bananas, he noted, the show is just as important as the score.

Talent Behind the TikToks

Mitchell, now known as “Flash Tha Kid,” has become a Banana Ball sensation. Whether leading TikTok dances, racing down the baselines, or promoting sliding mitts and energy drinks, he’s fully embraced the entertainment side of the sport.

“Malachi was probably the fastest player I ever coached,” Shouppe said. “That includes over 20 years at Florida State. His speed gave him the ability to change a game.”

Despite injuries and limited playing time at FAMU, Mitchell’s personality and drive have helped him find new life with the Bananas.

Meanwhile, Jackson’s hustle left a lasting impression on his coach.

“I went to see Ty play in junior college, and from his first at-bat I knew he was something special,” Shouppe recalled. “He lined out to the pitcher and ran a 4.0 flat to first base. He did it again—twice more. That kind of effort, most guys give up on. I knew I had to have him.”

The HBCU Journey Continues

The Banana Ball League is more than just a viral sensation. The rosters are filled with former Division I and pro-level talent. And remarkably, all of this has been built without corporate investors. Jesse Cole and his wife run the league independently, keeping the product pure and wildly original.

While Major League Baseball may not be the final stop for Mitchell and Jackson, they’ve found something arguably more rare—joy, freedom, and a spotlight that embraces everything they bring to the table as HBCU athletes.

“It’s good to be able to see these guys continue to play baseball,” Shouppe said. “I thought Ty would have an opportunity at the big leagues, but it didn’t work out. It’s great to see both of them make it in these environments.”

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Tickets are available now at AllStarGame.com/Swingman. Proceeds will support the MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation, which funds baseball and softball programs for youth across the U.S. and abroad.

The Swingman Classic is more than a game—it’s a cultural and community showcase:

• Private HBCU Fair: YDF, Ken Griffey Jr., the Atlanta Braves, and the HBCU Alliance will host an invite-only HBCU reception. High school students can connect with over 25 HBCUs and Divine Nine organizations at Truist Park.
• Player Engagement: Players will participate in a community service project with Foster Love, assembling care packages for children in foster care. They will also join a personal growth discussion led by Martin Luther King III and the Realize the Dream Foundation.
• MLB Voices Program: Aspiring Black broadcasters will gain real-world experience calling games and working with MLB’s broadcast team throughout the season.

Cultural Moments:

• First Pitch: Martin Luther King III will open the game.
• Anthem Performances: Grammy-winner AverySunshine will sing the National Anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” with the Spelman College Glee Club.
• Georgia Mass Band: Live performances will energize the ballpark before, during, and after the game.
• Divine Nine Step Show: Greek organizations will step on the dugouts in a powerful unity display.
• Roy Wood Jr.: The FAMU alum will give the official “Play Ball!” call.
• In-game Entertainment: DJ PNUT (Morehouse) and Big Tigger will keep the party going inside the park.

Harold Reynolds, Dave Sims, and Emily Haydel will call the game, with Ken Griffey Jr. providing dugout commentary.

The HBCU Swingman Classic is where baseball meets Black excellence.

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Based in Cary, NC, the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp trains select collegiate baseball players for international competition.

HBCU Coach leading Stars vs Stripes

Johnny Hernandez will lead his squad in the annual Stars vs. Stripes series, which will be held June 29 to July 3 at various locations across North Carolina. Following Training Camp, which features 56 of the premier non-draft-eligible collegiate players in the country, the Stars staff will lead Team USA at the 45th USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championship Series from July 8-13 at various venues across Japan. The Stripes staff will guide select players on a Collegiate National Team Prospects squad in a Fourth of July matchup with the Appalachian League Select Team in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

“We are excited about the coaching staff we have put together for this year’s Collegiate National Team Training Camp,” said Eric Campbell, USA Baseball’s General Manager of Collegiate and Professional National Teams. “This is a strong group of coaches who will be able to provide our players with a world-class experience this summer. We look forward to not only competing at a high level with our two exposures, but also developing the select players we bring to Cary and providing them with a wealth of knowledge from this group of coaches.”

For the most up-to-date information on the Collegiate National Team, including ticket information, visit USABaseball.com and follow @USABaseballCNT and @USABaseball on Twitter/X.

Bethune-Cookman University Athletics Communications provided portions of this story.

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Players were chosen by a selection committee featuring Griffey Jr., MLB and MLBPA officials, and scouts. The rosters were revealed live on MLB Network during the 2025 MLB Draft Combine.

Former Atlanta Braves stars Brian Jordan and David Justice will manage the National League and American League squads, respectively. Honorary guests include Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, Dusty Baker, Ken Griffey Sr., and Ralph Garr Sr.

Notable coaching staff include:

• Michael Bourn, two-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner
• HBCU alumni and former MLB players Courtney Duncan, Trenidad Hubbard, Milt Thompson, and Lenny Webster
• USA Baseball coach Troy Marrow

The 50 athletes represent 17 HBCUs, including Jackson State, Florida A&M, North Carolina A&T, and Southern University. Several players have participated in MLB’s elite development programs like the Breakthrough Series and the Hank Aaron Invitational.

Noteworthy returning players include:

• Irvin Escobar (Bethune-Cookman), making his third appearance
• Joseph Eichelberger (Jackson State) and Robert Tate Jr. (Jackson State), among eight players returning for a second time

Pre-game festivities will celebrate HBCU culture with a Divine Nine tribute and live entertainment.

This event not only shines a spotlight on emerging Black talent in baseball but also underscores MLB’s commitment to diversity and youth development.

2025 HCBU CLASSIC ROSTERS

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The Wildcats opened the regional Friday against No. 9 national seed Florida State. Despite out-hitting the Seminoles 10-6, B-CU came up short in a 6-2 loss marked by a two-hour weather delay. Sophomore right-hander Joel Core stayed on the mound through the delay, striking out seven over seven innings. Jorge Rodriguez delivered a key two-run single to tie the game early, but FSU responded with a pair of home runs, including a two-run blast from Myles Bailey that put the Seminoles ahead for good.

Saturday’s elimination game against No. 19 Northeastern was a heartbreaker. The Wildcats battled back twice to tie the game, but the Huskies scored two runs in the top of the ninth to escape with a 4-3 win. A solo home run and a B-CU defensive miscue proved costly, although the Wildcats mounted a last-inning threat. With runners in scoring position and the SWAC Co-Hitter of the Year Andrey Martinez at the plate, the Huskies closed it out with a strikeout.

Martinez led the Wildcats with a 2-for-5 performance and an RBI, while Daniel Figueroa and Darryl Lee contributed key hits in the effort.

Bethune-Cookman finishes its season with a 37-23 record and a SWAC championship title. Head Coach Jonathan Hernandez, named 2025 SWAC Coach of the Year, praised his team’s grit and composure on the national stage.

Bethune-Cookman Baseball NCAA Tournament 2025 may have ended in defeat, but the Wildcats showcased resilience and promise for the future of the program.

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Merv Melendez established the Wildcats as a force to be reckoned with by not only dominating the MEAC, but picking up wins from mid-majors and Power Four schools along the way.  He was followed by Jason Beverlin who continued to high levels of accomplishment. 

Beverlin’s 2017 Wildcats achieved the improbable.  They won the MEAC and made serious noise in the NCAA Regional in Gainesville.  They defeated the Florida Gators for the first time in school history in the championship round, before falling to the No.3-seeded Gators in the championship game.  Beverlin was immediately scooped up after that performance.

Big cleats to fill at Bethune-Cookman

In 2018, Hernandez was hired to take over the program.  There was a shadow of success and extremely large shoes to fill.  Hernandez, who had success both as head coach of ASA College in Miami and as a coach/recruiter for Team USA baseball, took the challenge head-on.  It was not easy to start, however, he had an immediate impact.  His 2019 class was the highest-ranked class in B-CU history at 59^th as ranked by Perfect Game.

“Coach Beverlin and Coach Melendez, those two guys did great things here in our program,” Hernandez said.  “For us to be able to get the program back where it needs to be, and that’s at the top of what is now the Southwestern Athletic Conference, when I took the job, we were in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and it was an opportunity for us to get right back to it.  Having that championship mindset day in and day out, I wear that on my sleeve every day.”

Transitional phase

Hernandez began with a 17-38 season in 2019.  The 2020 and 2021 seasons were COVID-interrupted years.  The Wildcats would transition to the SWAC in 2021, where the first season was played in 2022.  The Wildcats managed a 27-32 season on the restart of baseball.  Since then, each of the last three seasons, B-CU has won 30-plus games.  In 2023, the team went 33-27, in 2024 the team went 32-27, and this year the Wildcats are sitting at 37-21, Hernandez’s best season ever.

The team also brought home the first SWAC title in school history after dominating the MEAC to capture 17 titles.  It is a clear signal that Hernandez was the right choice to lead B-CU for the future.  Additionally, in the era of APR, Hernandez has a perfect record of student-athlete academic success.

“I have to commend our players too, because we had a 3.5 GPA in the fall and a 3.5 GPA in the spring.  So that’s back-to-back championships in the classroom that ultimately lead to what we have right now, a SWAC baseball title in front of us.  It’s been a grind, but I’ve enjoyed every part of the process, and you start to see the fruit of the labor right now with how the program has evolved in the last couple of years.”

Bethune-Cookman wins SWAC Championship with walkoff homer

It was only fitting that B-CU’s best-ever home run-hitting team capture the SWAC championship with a walk-off homer deep to center field with two outs in the final inning of the SWAC Baseball Tournament against in-state rival FAMU.   As Andrey Martinez’s blast cleared the centerfield fence, the chess match was complete with a checkmate from B-CU’s Johnny Hernandez to FAMU’s Jamey Shouppe. B-CU has hit 90 home runs this season.

While the two schools are arch rivals, the respect that Hernandez and Shouppe have for one another is unmatched.  The pregame meetings at home plate have often been comical.  When the game starts though, it’s every man for himself.  The Rattlers derailed the Wildcats’ first opportunity at a SWAC title in 2023, so it was only fitting that in much the way they have played all season, they beat the Rattlers with the last at-bat of the tournament.

Hernandez had one final word for any Rattlers in Tallahassee who love to watch baseball.  “If there’s any cousins of ours that rocked the orange and green, if they want to come out and support, I think it’ll be huge.  For our program and for the SWAC to have everybody involved to come out and support the Wildcats as we’re representing not only our program, our university, but the Southwestern Athletic Conference and the HBCU space as a whole.”The Wildcats are the only Division-I HBCU to make the NCAA Regionals.

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Under the guidance of head coach Jonathan Hernandez, the Wildcats have demonstrated resilience and growth throughout the season. Andrey Martinez’s two-out, three-run home run to straightaway centerfield gave Bethune-Cookman a walk-off come-from-behind 11-9 win over FAMU, earning the tournament berth.

“What a finish to an incredible baseball game,” said Bethune-Cookman Head Coach Jonathan Hernandez. “Our guys never gave up, and Andrey [Martinez] came through in the biggest moment of the year.”
 

Their journey continues as they enter the Tallahassee Regional, facing a formidable opponent in No. 9 Florida State University (FSU) on Friday at 3 p.m. ET, with the game broadcasted on the ACC Network.

Close loss against Florida State this year

Historically, BCU has faced challenges against FSU, holding an 0-9 record in their matchups dating back to 2000. Their most recent encounter on March 5, 2025, resulted in a narrow 9-7 loss, indicating a competitive edge that could be pivotal in the upcoming game.

The Wildcats’ appearance in the NCAA Tournament not only highlights their athletic achievements but also underscores the significance of HBCUs in collegiate sports. As they prepare to challenge a top-seeded team, BCU embodies the spirit of determination and excellence, aiming to make a lasting impact on the national stage.

Making the loss even more bittersweet for FAMU is the notion that they would have been able to play at home in the Tallahassee regional versus FSU.

Fans and supporters can follow the Wildcats’ progress and updates at HBCUGameday.com and the ACC Network’s coverage of the Tallahassee Regional.

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Missing from the HBCU rivalry series against Bethune-Cookman University. Shouppe then explained that Grainger felt something in his arm during the first inning of his start against Jackson State. The team was resting him, hoping for his return.  It would not be that easy.  The All-SWAC pitcher underwent an MRI, where it was determined that surgery would be required to treat his arm.

Dominate Arm

“Caleb is a dominant college pitcher, and one of the best to wear a FAMU uniform! It is rare that FAMU has a Preseason All-American, but Caleb was selected for that honor before this season,” Shouppe said.  “Other coaches in the SWAC have told me that he is one of the most dominating pitchers they have seen at our level. As good as he is on the field, he is an even better young man, who represents FAMU and SWAC Baseball proudly!”

Grainger’s condition did not get better, resulting in the need for surgery on his arm.  He will undergo surgery in Gainesville.  Despite Grainger missing from the lineup, the Rattlers have battled to remain in second place in the SWAC.  Shouppe’s teams have always been gritty, even when facing adversity.  After being swept by the Wildcats, the Rattlers took two of three from the Grambling Tigers to move into second place. They are tied with the Alabama State Hornets, but due to their head-to-head advantage over the Hornets. They would be given the second seeding if the tournament were to begin today.  Before the ASU series, the Rattlers swept the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.  

The Rattlers will close out home play in the SWAC with a weekend series against the Alabama A&M Bulldogs.

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Sanford, FL – Five years ago, it was the top HBCU baseball rivalry in the MEAC.  Now it has returned to the peak of relevance in the SWAC.  When Bethune-Cookman University and Florida A&M University (FAMU) face off in baseball, it has had a significant impact on conference standings for the last 20 years.

This past weekend was no different.  The Wildcats and Rattlers were sitting atop the SWAC baseball standings, with a weekend series being crucial to winning the regular season title, as just a month remained before the SWAC Championship tournament.

Bethune-Cookman’s offense was relentless on a “chamber of commerce” weekend in Sanford, FL, just a few miles from Daytona Beach.  Historic Sanford Stadium is a pristine park where legendary Jackie Robinson once played, before heading to Daytona Beach.

Sweep with Style

B-CU made a clean sweep of the Rattlers and did it with flair. The bats for the Wildcats would batter FAMU pitching.  Bethune rattled off wins of 8-2, 5-2, and 9-2 to glide away from the Rattlers atop the conference.

B-CU head coach Johnny Hernandez feels his team is playing really well right now, in this critical time heading into the SWAC tournament.  “Overall, it was a good complete series for our guys.  I think this is the first series in the entire year where we had pitching, defense, and the offense executed in different ways,” Hernandez said.  “With the long ball, with situational hitting, and with two-out hitting.  Just proud of our guys for the grit to complete the sweep over FAMU.”

The Rattlers and Wildcats entered the series with only two conference losses, both having identical conference records of 13-2. B-CU now sits atop alone at 16-2 while the Rattlers slip into a tie for second place at 13-5 with Texas Southern and Grambling. The Alabama State Hornets sit just one game behind them with a 12-5 conference record.

There is about a month remaining in the HBCU baseball regular season before SWAC teams head to Birmingham, Ala. For the 2025 SWAC Championship Tournament.  The tournament is scheduled for May 21-25 at Rickwood Field. Historic Rickwood Field is said to be America’s oldest ballpark and was one of the parks used in the Negro League.

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Alabama State led the way with a jaw-dropping 25-9 win over Alabama A&M in a seven-inning game on Saturday, capping off a sweep in which the Hornets scored 49 runs in total across three games. Bethune-Cookman also showed consistency at the plate, defeating Mississippi Valley State with double-digit outputs in two of three games, including a 15-5 victory on Saturday.

Florida A&M swept Jackson State while scoring 11 runs in back-to-back games after a more modest 7-3 win to open the series. Texas Southern erupted for 20 runs in one of its two wins over Alcorn State, showcasing serious offensive depth.

Runs show up in Rivalries

Even one of the top HBCU rivalries—Grambling State vs. Southern—was packed with fireworks. Southern edged out Grambling in two high-scoring affairs, 15-14 and 16-12, solidifying the Jaguars as one of the hottest hitting teams in the league. Southern’s Cardell Thibodeaux is the second-leading batter in NCAA Division I baseball with a .470 batting average.

There were only three games where the winning team didn’t reach double figures: Florida A&M beating Jackson State 7-3, Texas Southern with a 5-1 win over Alcorn State and Bethune-Cookman’s 6-5 win over Mississippi Valley State.

Four of the top 50 NCAA D1 teams in batting average are from the SWAC: Alabama State (13th, .322), Mississippi Valley State (33rd, .310), Southern University (40th, .308), Bethune-Cookman (41st, .308).

With SWAC play heating up, this weekend’s scoring spree signals a shift in momentum toward teams with elite hitting depth—and serves as a warning to any pitching staff not on top of its game.

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NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark. | The Grambling State University baseball team put up a valiant effort against second-ranked Arkansas, falling 7-4 on Tuesday night at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock, Ark. The HBCU baseball squad (10-17) registered six hits in the contest while UA (27-3) picked up seven hits and committed two errors. 
 
Trey Bridges led the Tigers offensively, going 2-for-4 with an RBI. Nyan Hayes also drove in a run, going 1-for-3 with a double. Jaylyn Bennett went 1-for-5 with an RBI. Nick Robinson (0-4) git the start on the mound for the Tigers, surrendering five runs on four hits. He struck out two batters and issued two walks.

Hampton Phillips (2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 SO, 1 BB), John Decoste (2.0 IP, 1 H, 2 SO, 2 BB), Thomas Leiden (1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB) and Derrell Fletcher (2.0, 2 SO, 1 BB) entered the game in relief of Robinson. 

Grambling Roars Back

With Arkansas leading 1-0 after two innings, Grambling State tied the game on a grounder by Bennett that allowed Chris Marcellus, who was on third base, to score. The Razorbacks added four runs in the bottom of the third to take a 5-1 lead. With runners on second and third, the HBCU scored its second run of the contest after Cameron Hill hit into a fielder’s choice, cutting UA’s advantage to 5-2.

Arkansas scored a pair of runs in the sixth, extending its lead to 7-2. Grambling State didn’t give up, however. An RBI double by Hayes and an RBI single by Bridges pulled the Tigers within three runs, 7-4. Neither team scored the rest of the way. Arkansas’s Tate McGuire (1-3) picked up the win after going four innings and allowing one run on one hit. He struck out four batters and two.  

UP NEXT

Grambling State travels to Baton Rouge, La., to take on rival Southern University in a weekend series. Due to impending weather, the series will begin on Thursday, April 3, at 6 p.m. at Lee-Hines Stadium.

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Fans were asked not to leave the stands by the PA announcer: 

“All fans on the field will be banned,” the announcer stated. “If you are a fan or a parent on the field, you will be banned. All players to the dugout.”

When the dust settled, a total of six Jackson State players and three from Prairie View A&M were suspended in addition to the HBCU programs themselves being fined. 

The two teams finished the third game in the series on Sunday with Prairie View winning 9-5. PVAMU took the series 2-1 after JSU took the opener on Friday 12-0.

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Savannah, Georgia-Savannah State University Athletics has announced the hiring of Florentino “Tino” Burgos as the new head coach of the Tigers’ HBCU baseball program.

Burgos comes to “ The Marsh” with a wealth of experience as a head coach, with his most recent post coming at Florida Memorial University, where he spent eight seasons, leading the Lions to their most successful era of baseball in program history. “Becoming the head baseball coach at Savannah State University is more than an opportunity, it’s a calling to lead, inspire, and elevate young men both on and off the field,” remarked Coach Burgos. “Together, we will build a culture of excellence, resilience, and pride that represents the very best of Tiger Nation.”

During Burgos’ tenure at the Miami Gardens, Florida-based HBCU, the FMU baseball program developed into one of the best baseball teams among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and grew to be a highly competitive program in The Sun Conference, often referred to be the toughest baseball conference in the NAIA.
In 2023, Burgos won the Black College World Series championship, defeating fellow SIAC school Albany State 5-4 in the title game.

“We are excited to have someone of the caliber of Tino Burgos to lead our baseball program,” remarked SSU Director of Athletics Opio Mashariki. “Our search for a new coach required us to do a deep dive to find someone who will continue the success of the program, and I am confident that we have found that person in Coach Burgos.”
Burgos takes over a Savannah State team that finished 2024 with an impressive 31-17 overall record and represented the SIAC at the 2024 NCAA Division II Baseball Tournament.

In addition to the many FMU players selected for the Sun Conferences’ All-Conference Team since 2018, more than 10 FMU players have received the Sun Conferences’ All-Academic Team honors each year, demonstrating the culture of academic excellence that Burgos has established.
In 2019, FMU Baseball achieved a No. 1 ranking in the Black College Nines National HBCU Baseball Poll for the first time in their history and Burgos was named HBCU Coach of the Year by Black College Nines. That year, FMU finished the season tied for third in the Sun Conference and reached the Sun Conference Tournament for the first time in over 15 years.

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BALTIMORE – Coppin State head baseball coach Sherman Reed has announced that Wayne Franklin, a former MLB pitcher for seven seasons, has been hired as the pitching coach at the Baltimore HBCU.

“We were fortunate to land a pitching coach of the caliber of Coach Franklin,” said Reed who is entering his 15^th season at the helm of the CSU program. “The guys play this game in hopes of reaching the Big Leagues someday. Under the tutelage of a former Major League Baseball pitcher, the guys are getting instruction at the highest end. They have done a great job putting on the breaks of the past and buying into Coach Franklin’s pitching philosophy. I am excited to see what the future holds for our young and talented pitching staff.”

In Franklin’s own opinion, his entire Major League career has prepared him for this moment – to come back to his home state of Maryland as a college coach, and it will be at an HBCU for the upcoming season.

Born in Wilmington, Del., yet raised in North East, Maryland, Franklin was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1996 MLB Draft out of the University of Maryland and was picked up by the Houston Astros in the 1999 Rule Five Draft. Franklin made his big league debut with the Astros in 2000, forcing Hall of Famer Ken Griffey, Jr., the first batter he faced, to ground out.

Franklin spent his first three seasons with the Astros as a reliever before the Milwaukee Brewers converted him into a starter. He ended the 2002 season with a 2-1 record while recording a 2.62 ERA for the Brewers before winning ten games the following season, striking out a career-high 116 batters.

Over his professional career in Major League Baseball, Franklin was a teammate of several all-time great hitters, including Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Jeff Bagwell, Chipper Jones, Andruw Jones, Jason Giambi, Robinson Cano, Bernie Williams, Craig Biggio and Jorge Posada, and on the same pitching staffs as Mariano Rivera, Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Kevin Brown and Billy Wagner.

A person whom Wayne attributes greatly to his knowledge of baseball is the late author and sports psychologist, H.A. Dorfman. Franklin says that Dorfman’s contributions to the mental game of baseball will never be quantified.

Following his MLB career, Franklin played three years at the International and Independent League levels before starting his collegiate coaching career at San Francisco State, then as the manager of the San Diego Jets, a Collegiate summer league team in 2019. That summer, he led the Jets to a League Championship. In 2021, he managed the Lake Mills 94’s of the Dairyland Collegiate League, losing in the league championship.

Franklin has also spent time in recent years as a pitching coach at Menlo College and Holy Names University.

About Coppin State

Since 1900, Coppin State University has been inspiring students from Maryland and beyond to achieve greatness in and out of the classroom.

With a proud HBCU history, colorful traditions, and deep community roots, Coppin State students and faculty are spreading Coppin pride far and wide, giving back to surrounding Baltimore communities, winning prestigious awards and much more.

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“The Astros are excited to partner with Texas Southern University as they build new baseball and softball fields. TSU students deserve the opportunity to go from playing and watching baseball at a city park to having their own stadium on campus,” said Paula Harris, Vice President of Community Affairs and Director of the Astros Foundation when the HBCU venture was announced in February of 2023. “The entire World Series-winning Astros organization is proud to be a part of the historic and monumental opportunity for Texas Southern University Baseball.”

“This partnership is a game-changer for our student-athletes. Our players already excel in the classroom as scholars.  Now they will get the facilities they deserve as athletes,” said TSU Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Kevin Granger. “I would like to thank Houston Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane and his executive team for their generosity and commitment to help make this project a reality for our campus and the surrounding community.”

Both facilities will be located on the corner of Cleburne and Sampson Streets which is across from the Texas Southern University East Garage and on the current site of the Yates High School Baseball/Softball Fields.

The softball stadium will have a capacity of 480 while the baseball stadium is slated to seat 1,080 spectators. Both stadiums will share a concession stand and will have locker room space for both programs along with press boxes and lighting for night contests. The baseball stadium will also feature VIP seating for 80 spectators as both stadiums are projected to officially open in the spring of 2026.
 

Both HBCU facilities will be located on the corner of Cleburne and Sampson Streets which is across from the TSU East Garage and on the current site of the Yates High School Baseball/Softball Fields.

The softball stadium will have a capacity of 480 while the baseball stadium is slated to seat 1,080 spectators. Both stadiums will share a concession stand and will have locker room space for both programs along with press boxes and lighting for night contests. The baseball stadium will also feature VIP seating for 80 spectators as both stadiums are projected to officially open in the spring of 2026.

Information on the official groundbreaking ceremony is listed below, courtesy of Texas Southern University Athletics.

WHAT: Texas Southern University Baseball/Softball Stadiums Groundbreaking
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 3 • 11 a.m.
WHERE: Corner of Cleburne & Sampson Streets (Across from East Garage & current location of Yates High School Baseball/Softball Fields)
WHO: President James W. Crawford III, TSU Board of Regents members, TSU Administrators, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Kevin Granger, TSU athletic staff, Houston Astros Front Office Representatives and Houston ISD Staff

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Braves alumni who attended HBCUs include Bill Lucas (Florida A&M University), Ralph Garr (Grambling State University), Marvin Freeman (Jackson State University), and Marquis Grissom (Florida A&M University).

In conjunction with HBCU Night presented by Truist, the Braves will offer an HBCU Night ticket package which includes a game ticket, an Atlanta Braves “Thumper” Bass Drum bobblehead, a $4 donation to the Atlanta HBCU Alumni Alliance, and exclusive access to the inaugural HBCU Night Pregame Party at the Coca-Cola Roxy. This event will be hosted by V103’s own, Big Tigger and DJ PNUT at 5:15p.m. and offer fans a night of fellowship and fun with HBCU faculty, alumni, and students. For more information on HBCU Night or to purchase the ticket package, please visit, www.braves.com/hbcu.

At the pregame party, a Braves Retail Pop-Up Shop will offer a collection of Braves and HBCU co-branded hats from associated universities across Braves Country, including Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T University, Grambling State University, and Spelman College. Guests are also encouraged to wear their HBCU gear and Greek paraphernalia.

Fans are invited to arrive early to the ballpark for a special performance by the Alabama State University Marching Hornets in front of the Coca-Cola Roxy on Battery Avenue at 5:15p.m.

Before the game, the Braves will hold a special on-field presentation recognizing current HBCU Presidents from the Atlanta University Center including, Dr. Helene D. Gayle (Spelman College), Dr. David Thomas (Morehouse College), and Dr. Kevin James (Morris Brown College University). Dr. George French (Clark Atlanta University), who is unable to attend, will also be honored. There will be a ceremonial first pitch thrown by Emmy-nominated actress and Spelman College alumna, Keshia Knight Pulliam.

Fans can stop by the Truist Community Corner, located at the corner of Power Alley and Battery Avenue, all weekend to shop at Black-owned small businesses. From Thursday, August 22, through Sunday, August 25, fans can also grab baseball-themed giveaways, enjoy the Xbox gaming lounge, and get their face painted. In addition, Cam Kirk, a Morehouse College alumnus and founder of Cam Kirk Studios, will host temporary pop-up studios at the Community Corner, allowing local creators a chance to improve their skills, market themselves, and network.

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INDIANAPOLIS — For the 11^th time in the last 13 years, the Benedict College baseball team has been named the NCAA statistical champion for stolen bases per game. The NCAA recently announced the statistical champions for the 2024 season. Columbia, South Carolina HBCU Benedict College stole 160 bases in 39 games, for an average of 4.10 stolen bases per game.
 
Under head coach Selwyn Young, the Tigers have stolen 3,075 bases during his 16 seasons, an average of more than 192 per season.
 
In 2024, the Tigers had seven HBCU baseball players reach double figures in stolen bases, led by Jamell Mitchell Jr., who had 34 total stolen bases. His 0.89 stolen bases per game ranked fourth in Division II last season and led the SIAC. Justin Murray finished with 19 stolen bases out of 21 attempts.
 
The Tigers went 14-25 during the 2024 season.
 
The 2025 season will open on Feb. 15 with a SIAC doubleheader against Miles College. Miles finished third in the nation in stolen bases per game, while another SIAC school — Savannah State — was second.

About Benedict College baseball coach Selwyn Young

Selwyn Young begins his 15th season as head baseball coach for the Benedict Tigers.

He is Benedict’s all-time winningest baseball coach with 251 wins His record over eight seasons is 251-226 for a .526 winning percentage. He won his 100th game in 2013 and became a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association Century Club. He won his 200^th game in 2017 and was honored by the Benedict Booster Club with their Annual Outstanding Achievement Award.

He built the baseball field that the Tigers play on, competing their 5th year playing there, and has now added a brand new completed construction of an outfield wall, with school colors built, financed and donated by Coach Young.

No school in NCAA history has put up the stolen base numbers that Benedict College has under Young. During his 10 years with the Tigers, they have stolen  a total of 2,147 bases. The South Carolina HBCU holds the top five spots in the NCAA Division II record book for season stolen bases. They all took place during a 5-year period from 2009-2013 when the Tigers stole 1,371 bases. The Tigers swiped 334 bases in 403 attempts over 41 games during the 2013 season to rank No. 1 in NCAA Div. 2 history. During the 2022 season, Benedict once again led the NCAA in stolen bases with 272. Bradon O’Connor broke the NCAA single season record for stolen bases with 97.

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GREENSBORO — The Kansas City Royals made North Carolina A&T catcher Canyon Brown the 257th overall pick in Monday’s ninth round of the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) Draft. The Royals drafted Brown a year after the Miami Marlins took his former HBCU teammate, right-handed pitcher Xavier Meachem, in the 10th round with the 293rd overall pick.

Brown is the highest A&T draft pick since the San Diego Padres drafted College Baseball Hall of Famer Al Holland with the 81st overall pick in the fourth round in 1975. Brown joins Holland and Lloyd Lightfoot as the only three North Carolina A&T Aggies selected in a single-digit round. Lightfoot went in the third round of the 1969 draft with the 70th overall selection.

Brown’s unique skills, particularly his excellent arm behind the plate, made him a standout for major league teams. His impressive 47.4 percent rate of catching base stealers, with 27 runners caught, earned him a reputation for controlling the opponent’s running game. His performance at the MLB Draft Combine further solidified his standing in the draft, showcasing his above-average arm and an ability to effectively receive pitches.

Some of the concerns came in his ability to be an offensive threat despite Brown having a career year where he batted .310 with six home runs, 49 RBIs, 12 doubles, three triples with a .414 on-base percentage and a .492 slugging percentage. His batting average, RBIs, doubles, triples, on-base percentage and slugging percentage were career highs as he earned first-team All-Coastal Athletic Association honors.

The Aggies have had 22 HBCU baseball players drafted to the MLB during its baseball program history. Canyon Brown is the fourth Hall recruit drafted since he took over the program during the 2015 season. Brown joins Meachem, RHP Leon Hunter and RHP Cutter Dyals as MLB draft picks under Hall.

“I am extremely excited to see Canyon drafted on the second day of the MLB Draft,” said Hall. “It is a dream realized, and I’m so proud of all the work he put in to make this happen. Canyon is a true testament to a player who set a goal, put the work in, stayed true to his commitments, developed, and earned this opportunity. He will be a high-level professional; the Royals got a complete player.”

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. | HBCU baseball player Randy Flores of Alabama State University was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels Baseball Club in the eighth round of the 2024 Major League Baseball (MLB) Amateur draft on Monday, July 15, 2024. Flores was the first HBCU baseball player taken in the 2024 MLB Draft.

“I am extremely proud of the hard work Randy has put in to make the dream of playing professional baseball come true,” Alabama State University Head Baseball Coach Jose Vazquez said. “He has always represented ASU well and deserves this opportunity. The Angels are getting a future star.”

Flores, the 262nd overall pick, is the first Hornet player drafted since infielder Ray Hernandez was selected in the 29th round by the Atlanta Braves in 2018.

In 2024, Flores ranked in the top 10 in the SWAC in eight categories, leading the conference in hits (74), hits per game (1.42), and the toughest to strikeout (11.2). His 31 stolen bases rank third in the SWAC and 16th nationally, and his .60 stolen bases per game are fourth in the SWAC and 19th in the NCAA. Flores has four triples (4th SWAC) and is hitting .347 (16th SWAC), nine home runs (T4th SWAC), 53 runs scored (8thSWAC), and 42 RBI. 

The Brooklyn, N.Y., native played and started 114 games and was a two-time First-Team All-SWAC selection over his seasons with the Hornets. He batted .338, 159 hits, 119 runs scored, 25 doubles, seven triples, and 20 home runs. Flores drove in 98 runs, stole 68 bases, slugged .549, and had a .421 on-base percentage in his HBCU baseball career.

Alabama State Baseball in the Pros

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MONTGOMERY, ALA. | HBCU baseball skipper Jose Vazquez from Alabama State University managed the USA Collegiate National Team to a perfect 8-0 record during the then 2024 summer training camp in Cary, N.C. There were 8 HBCU baseball players on the Stars and Stripes rosters this year.

“What an experience with USA Baseball! I’m proud to have represented Alabama State University and all HBCU at the highest level this summer.” Vazquez said.

This was Vazquez’s second summer on the USA Collegiate National Team staff, serving as an assistant in 2023 before being elevated to manager for 2024.

The CNT also referred to as Stars captured two games over Stripes by the scores of 9-5 and 7-1 win to begin the schedule.

A five-game friendly series against Chinese Taipei as the CNT swept all five games in impressive fashion before closing the camp schedule with a win over Stripes.

Alabama State University senior hurler Luis Rodriguez tossed a scoreless inning with two strikeouts to help seal a win over the Stripes in the camp finale.

Catch Jose Vazquez interview on the MLB Network

FRIENDLY SERIES RECAPS VS. CHINESE TAIPEI

GAME 1
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Nolan Schubart (Oklahoma State) mashed a pair of homers and Derrick Smith (North Carolina State) locked down a tough save to give Team USA a 5-4 win in game one of the 21st USA vs. Chinese Taipei International Friendship Series on Saturday, June 29 at Segra Stadium.

GAME 2
CARY, N.C. – Team USA and Chinese Taipei were locked in a pitchers’ duel for the first few innings before Team USA broke through in the top of the fourth, and took a 3-2, rain-shortened victory on Sunday, June 30 at the National Training Complex.

GAME 3
CARY, N.C. – Team USA picked up a series-clinching victory over Chinese Taipei in commanding fashion, as the U.S. scored nine unanswered runs to win, 11-1, on Monday, July 1 at Coleman Field.

GAME 4
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Jamie Arnold (Florida State), Tyler Bremner (UC Santa Barbara), and Alton Davis II (Georgia) chilled the Chinese Taipei bats as they worked together to throw a combined no-hitter in a 9-0 victory for Team USA on Tuesday, July 2 at First National Bank Field in Greensboro, N.C.
It was the first no-hitter thrown by the Collegiate National Team since July 1, 2015, when the U.S. held Cuba hitless in a 2-0 win thrown by Tanner Houck, A.J. Puk, and Ryan Hendrix at the National Training Complex.

GAME 5
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – Brooks Bryan (Troy) lifted a grand slam to put an exciting capper on the 21st USA vs. Chinese Taipei International Friendship Series sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation to help Team USA to a 6-0 win, and a five-game sweep, on Wednesday, July 3 at Atrium Health Park.

The USA Baseball Collegiate National Team has been in action for over 60 years and has won 13 gold medals in international competition. This summer, the Collegiate National Team played in a five-game series against Chinese Taipei in North Carolina.

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Pine Bluff, AR. —  Logan Stout has been named the head baseball coach at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (an HBCU in the Southwestern Athletic Conference), Vice Chancellor of Intercollegiate Athletics Chris Robinson announced on Wednesday.

“As we progressed through the hiring process, it became clear that Logan Stout would be an excellent addition to the Golden Lions baseball program,” Robinson said. “He has a positive reputation within the baseball community for his relentless recruiting efforts, his ability to develop student-athletes, and his high character as a coach. Logan has a wide network across the country, which will enable him to have an immediate impact on the program. We are excited to welcome Logan and his family to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.”

Logan is beginning his first season at the Arkansas HBCU, bringing a wealth of experience from the baseball world. With his strong work ethic, he aims to build the program into an HBCU powerhouse and help student-athletes become better leaders, both on and off the field.

“I’m extremely grateful and excited to build upon what the previous coaching staff and teams have created at UAPB baseball. UAPB has a phenomenal legacy and I truly believe the potential is endless for the baseball program,” said Stout.

Logan Stout is an accomplished Entrepreneur, Keynote Speaker, Best-Selling Author, and Founder of the Dallas Patriots.  Logan has over 2500 wins as a head coach and 27 World Series/National Titles ranging from Perfect Game to USA Baseball National Championships and many others.  Logan has had over 200 MLB draft picks and thousands of college players come through his program.  Some notable alumni currently in the Big Leagues include Josh Bell, Trevor Story, AJ Minter, and many others.  Logan was a keynote speaker for the 2024 ABCA conference and coached the Future Stars team at Globe Life field. 

Logan was a college All-American and conference player of the year both as a shortstop and as a pitcher.  In his second year of pro ball, Logan suffered a career-ending injury which led him into coaching and scouting.  Logan coached at Dallas Baptist University and has served as an Associate Scout in Major League Baseball for over 21 years.  

Off the field, Logan has started multiple companies that have generated over $3.5 Billion of revenue.  In addition, Logan has been featured on TV, Magazines, Podcasts, and more, and has been regarded as one of the top Keynote Speakers in the world by Entrepreneur Magazine.  His latest book, Grit Factor has been endorsed by the Sharks from Shark Tank, John Maxwell, and many others.  Logan has recently been featured as an investor on the Show Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch alongside the founder of Netflix, Marc Randolph, and others.  

Logan and his wife Haley have twins, Miles and Cooper. Logan would love to connect with you on social media, and all of his accounts can be found at www.LoganStout.com.

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GREENSBORO, N.C. —— Florida A&M (FAMU) and HBCU baseball legend Costa “Pop” Kittles was selected to the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Kittles was a football and baseball star at Florida A&M University during the late 1940s and 1950s before becoming one of the most successful head baseball coaches in Florida A&M history.

Kittles earned All-America football honors as an end in 1950 and was an all-star catcher for the baseball team. He joined the Florida A&M staff in 1952 as an assistant football coach and physical education instructor. For the next 40 years, he worked as a coach for Florida A&M Athletics, coaching with legends such as Jake Gaither and Rudy Hubbard.

Kittles became the Rattlers’ head baseball coach in 1960, piloting the HBCU baseball program to their first of seven straight Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles and eight overall. One of FAMU baseball’s most memorable wins all-time came under Kittles in 1981 when the Rattlers topped Miami 2-1 on a solo home run by catcher Albert Goode in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Rattlers appeared in six NAIA district playoffs, advancing to the NAIA World Series in 1962 under Kittles.

Kittles went 401-128 (.758) before retiring in 1982. Nineteen of his players were signed or drafted to the professional leagues, including Hal McRae, Andre Dawson, and Vince Coleman, as well as the late William “Bill” Lucas, the first African American executive in Major League Baseball history when he worked for the Atlanta Braves.

Following his retirement from coaching, he served as an assistant professor in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation at Florida A&M until 1995.

In 1982, Kittles was honored with induction into the Florida A&M Sports Hall of Fame and his contributions to the HBCU baseball program were again recognized in 1999 when the baseball field at Florida A&M was renamed Moore-Kittles Field in honor of Kittles and his college coach, Dr. Oscar Moore.

Kittles, who passed away in 2003 at the age of 75, and his wife Emma established the Costa Kittles Endowed Athletic and Physical Education Scholarship at Florida A&M. The scholarship is intended to provide financial support for students pursuing studies in physical education and participating in athletics at Florida A&M. The pair also established the Emma and Costa Kittles Scholarship in Human Sciences endowment at Florida State University.

About the American Baseball Coaches Association

Founded in 1945, the American Baseball Coaches Association is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. Its over 15,000 members represent all 50 states and 41 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association membership has broadened to include nine divisions: NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel.

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CARY, N.C. — USA Baseball finalized the rosters for the Collegiate National Team, which features the International Friendship Series and Summer League Tour rosters. Both rosters feature HBCU baseball players.

“After two very competitive Stars versus Stripes games, we are excited to announce our two Collegiate National Team rosters for 2024,” said Eric Campbell, USA Baseball’s Professional and Collegiate National Team General Manager. “We are confident that the fifty-seven players we have assembled will represent the United States well and look forward to beginning our schedule tomorrow in both Cary and Fayetteville.”

Overall, the 57-man roster features seven USA Baseball alumni. The International Friendship Series roster comprises four players who have previously donned the stars and stripes: Ben Abeldt, RJ Austin Jr., Drew Burress, and Nolan Schubart. On the Summer League Tour roster, Gavin Grahovac, Matthew Matthijs, and Ethan McElvain return to play for Team USA after previous stints in the red, white, and blue. Additionally, Alton Davis II, Matt Scott, and Pablo Torres participated in last summer’s Collegiate National Team Training Camp.

Vanderbilt leads all schools with four players on the two rosters, including three athletes on the Summer League Tour squad. Georgia, Louisville, North Carolina, North Carolina State, and Tennessee all feature three players among the two rosters, while Alabama State, Duke, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Stanford, and Virginia all boast two players each.

Both rosters begin action on Saturday, June 29. The 21st USA vs. Chinese Taipei International Friendship Series kicks off at Segra Stadium in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Saturday before game two at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, North Carolina on June 30. Game three of the series will also be at the National Training Complex on July 1 before the two sides face off at First National Bank Field (Greensboro, North Carolina) on July 2. The series finale will be on July 3 at Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

The Summer League Tour gets underway at the National Training Complex on June 29 as the U.S. will take on the Coastal Plain League Select Team. The two teams will meet again on June 30 in Cary before Team USA hits the road to take on the Appalachian League East Select Team on July 1 at Calfee Park in Pulaski, Virginia. The Stars and Stripes complete their four-game Summer League Tour on July 2 against the Appalachian League West Select Team at TVA Credit Union Ballpark in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Following the conclusion of both team’s slates, the International Friendship Series roster and the Summer League Tour roster will meet for a Fourth of July contest at Segra Stadium in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

There are five HBCU baseball players on the 2024 Collegiate National Team. Grambling State infielder Kyle Walker is the only HBCU player on the International Series Roster, while there are four HBCU players on the 2024 Summer League Tour Roster.

Below are the rosters for the 2024 Collegiate National Team

HBCU player names in BOLD

**International Series Roster
***(Name; Position; School)
*

*Ben Abeldt; LHP; TCU
Jamie Arnold; LHP; Florida State
*RJ Austin Jr.; UT; Vanderbilt
Max Belyeu; OF; Texas
Tucker Biven; RHP; Louisville
Caden Bodine; C; Coastal Carolina
Tyler Bremner; RHP; UC Santa Barbara
Brooks Bryan; C; Troy
*Drew Burress; OF; Georgia Tech
^Dean Curley; INF; Tennessee
^Gabe Davis; RHP; Oklahoma State
Alton Davis II; LHP; Georgia
Danny Dickinson; INF; Utah Valley
Anthony Eyanson; RHP; UC San Diego
Patrick Forbes; OF/RHP; Louisville
Gabriel Gaeckle; RHP; Arkansas
Marek Houston; INF; Wake Forest
Ben Jacobs; LHP; Arizona State
Nelson Keljo; LHP; Oregon State
^Anthony Martinez; INF; UC Irvine
*Nolan Schubart; OF/INF; Oklahoma State
Matt Scott; RHP; Stanford
Kolten Smith; RHP; Georgia
Derrick Smith; RHP; North Carolina State
Nate Snead; RHP; Tennessee
Devin Taylor; OF; Indiana
Kyle Walker; INF; Grambling State
Kyson Witherspoon; RHP; Oklahoma
Malachi Witherspoon; RHP; Oklahoma

Summer League Tour Roster

(Name; Position; School)

Eric Becker; INF; Virginia
Cooper Consiglio; LHP; North Carolina State
^Daniel Cuvet; INF; Miami
Jason DeCaro; RHP; UNC
Jacob Dudan; RHP; North Carolina State
Henry Ford; INF/OF; Virginia
Jamal George; C/INF; Alabama State
AJ Gracia; OF/LHP; Duke
*^Gavin Grahovac; INF; Texas A&M
Miller Green; LHP; Vanderbilt
Kyle Johnson; OF/LHP; Duke
Justin Lebron; INF; Alabama
Dylan Loy; LHP; Tennessee
*Matthew Matthijs; RHP; UNC
*Ethan McElvain; LHP; Vanderbilt
Trey Newmann; RHP
^Liam Peterson; RHP; Florida
Tre Phelps; INF; Georgia
Brett Renfrow; RHP; Virginia Tech
Luis Rodriguez; RHP; Alabama State
Zion Rose; C; Louisville
Eric Segura; RHP; Oregon State
Brennan Seiber; RHP; Vanderbilt
Luke Stevenson; C; UNC
Pablo Torres; RHP; Bethune-Cookman
Dominic Voegele; RHP; Kansas
Joey Volchko; RHP; Stanford
KJ White; INF; Southern

* USA Baseball alum

^ Participated in a National Team Development Program

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ARLINGTON, Texas — Huston-Tillotson University (a private HBCU in Austin, Texas) student-athlete Zech Robichaux was one of five college students selected for the Charley Pride MLB Fellowship Program Class of 2024, the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation announced.
 
Robichaux, a senior from San Antonio, Texas, concluded his HBCU baseball career with the Rams in 2024. A three-year letter winner with the Rams, he hit .311 with four home runs and 28 RBIs during the 2024 season.
 
In its fourth year, the Charley Pride Fellowship Program will again see five college students from diverse backgrounds spend their summer working in the Texas Rangers front office for the unique internship.
 
Created in honor of the late country music star and close friend of the Texas Rangers organization, Charley Pride, the program aims to build a launching pad for students from diverse backgrounds looking to gain experience in a Major League Baseball front office.

 
The 2024 Charley Pride Fellows were selected after an extensive application and interview process by the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation Fellowship Selection Committee. They began their paid internships at Globe Life Field on Tuesday, May 28, with the program concluding on Friday, August 2.
 
The Foundation will hire, train, and support the five fellows as they rotate through three front-office departments. The students will gain valuable skills during the 10-week program to equip them in their professional endeavors.
 
The Class of 2024 has identified baseball operations, business analytics, business partnerships, legal, marketing, REV Entertainment, and the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation as the departments in which they will rotate while employed this summer.
 
Roland Parrish, a prominent Dallas businessman and philanthropist, and his Parrish Charitable Foundation are partnering with the Rangers Foundation in the Charley Pride Fellowship Program for the fourth consecutive year.
 
Over the first three years of the MLB fellowship program, 15 individuals have participated, receiving extensive experience in the baseball and business departments of the Rangers’ organization.

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GRAMBLING, La. | Legendary former head Grambling State Baseball coach Wilbert Ellis is set to be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the 2024 Induction Class, with a ceremony set for June 20-22 in Natchitoches, La. The HBCU baseball legend will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, becoming only the second person to be honored with this recognition. 

The Ambassador Award was created by the Hall’s parent organization, the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, and was first presented to network broadcaster Tim Brando as part of the LSHOF Class of 2020. The award honors long-term exemplary contributions to the perception of Louisiana by an individual who has ties to the state’s sports landscape. 

Ellis spent 43 years coaching the Louisiana HBCU, assuming the head coaching role in 1977 upon the retirement of R.W.E. Jones. Ellis amassed a 701-478-2 career record in 26 seasons as head coach, retiring following the 2003 season. Ellis, who had his No. 31 jersey retired last season, led GSU to three SWAC Championships and guided the Tigers to three NCAA Tournament appearances.

 

“Coach Ellis is an Icon; he is a living legend and it’s an honor to be able to have his presence around our baseball program and university. He’s a great baseball coach but an even better man,” said Grambling State baseball Head Coach and former player Davin Pierre. “His values and his love for Christ is an example for us to follow. He’s a winner on and off the field, he’s a community leader, he’s a husband, father and he’s Grambling. Having the ability to call him whenever I need him or just to talk about anything has been amazing for me. I’m extremely proud of his induction to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and can’t wait to share in the moment with him. Congratulations Coach Ellis ‘HELL BABY, WE GRAMBLING'”

Previously, the HBCU legend has been inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame, the SWAC Hall of Fame, and the Grambling Legends Hall of Fame. 

He has been a trusted advisor for generations of presidents, athletic directors, and coaches at Grambling, and in community and governmental affairs. Ellis was instrumental in the establishment of the Eddie G. Robinson Museum in Grambling, and the university’s Grambling Legends Sports Hall of Fame. He still conducts baseball clinics for kids in Lincoln Parish and serves as an NCAA Regional site supervisor.

Wilbert Ellis will be enshrined in the LSHOF alongside Drew Brees, Seimone Augustus, Perry Clark, Daniel Cormier, Frank Monica, Kevin Jackson, Kerry Joseph, Ray Sibille, Tom Burnett, Bobby Ardoin, and Ron Higgins. He will become the 13^th member of the Hall of Fame affiliated with Grambling State University. 

The LSHOF’s Class of 2024 will be enshrined at the Hall of Fame’s home in Natchitoches to culminate the 65th Induction Celebration. More information and the opportunity to purchase tickets for five events is available at www.LaSportsHall.com.

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CARY, N.C. | Jamal George, Alabama State University sophomore catcher and one of the top HBCU baseball players has received an invitation to the 2024 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp on June 25-June 29.
 
George is the second player from Montgomery, Alabama-based HBCU Alabama State University to get an invite to the USA Collegiate National Team Training Camp. He joins ASU Head Baseball Coach Jose Vazquez, who was named the manager for the 2024 USA Collegiate National Team last spring.
 
Jamal George was one of nine Hornets to hit above .300 batting average, hitting .310 with 10 doubles, nine home runs, 35 RBI, and 44 runs scored. George nabbed 10 stolen bases in 10 steal attempts while slugging .523 with a .404 on-base percentage.  In 2023, George was named the SWAC Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-American Honors.

The USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Training Camp will feature 56 of the premier non-draft-eligible college players for a two-game Stars vs. Stripes intrasquad series in North Carolina on June 26 and 27. USA Baseball will name the final Collegiate National Team for the International Friendship Series roster and a Summer League Tour roster, following Training Camp on June 29.
 
Both Training Camp games will be held at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C., on June 26 and 27. The first pitch of both games will be at 6:35 p.m. ET. The International Friendship Series roster will then take on Chinese Taipei in a five-game series, while the Summer League Tour roster will take on select teams from the Appalachian League and the Coastal Plain League in a four-game slate.
 
The schedule will culminate with a Fourth of July matchup between the two U.S. Collegiate National Team rosters on July 4 in Fayetteville, N.C.

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The photos were shared with the caption, “Some teams do playoff beards…we do tournament tattoos🖋️ #HellBabyWeGrambling🐯.” If you’ve followed the Tiger’s SWAC championship run, you’ve likely heard it as the team’s rallying cry, but for a select group of Grambling baseball players, it’s become a permanent reminder of the teams 2024 SWAC championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.

Grambling State University head baseball coach Davin Pierre shared why the slogan means so much to his team and explained its origins with some of the great HBCU coaches in the history of Grambling State University.

“It comes from coach Eddie Robinson and coach Wilbert Ellis! It’s about the passion they have for our university and athletic programs. And I’m just holding and pushing what they started. ‘Hell Baby, We Grambling’ means we can overcome anything, we can do anything, and the expectation is for us to be the best. It means we are family. It means we have respect for our university, it means that we just don’t wear the G. It’s in our heart and it means no matter what we will always fight for Grambling.”

Coach Pierre also told the TexAgs account on X.com that he told the team when they got to the SWAC championship game, that they would get the tattoos if they won.

“The tattoos come from a phrase we have: Hell baby, we Grambling. I said after we got to the championship game and won the championship that we’d get tattoos.” “When we say, ‘Hell baby, we Grambling,’ it means a lot of different things, but it means we fight for Grambling State University.”

Grambling went on to win the 2024 SWAC championship game with a thrilling 6-5 win over Jackson Statre on a bottom-of-the-ninth RBI to take home the SWAC championship trophy and the title of HBCU baseball champions, as the SWAC is the only Division I HBCU conference to sponsor baseball.

“We’re playing against the elite of the elite.” Coach Pierre said of the Tiger’s opponent, one of the top teams in the nation, “Texas A&M was No. 1 throughout the duration of the year and is the No. 3 seed overall. We have to earn our respect.”

Right-handed pitcher Mason Martinez will start on the mound for Grambling vs. Texas A&M in the first round of the NCAA Division I baseball tournament on May 31 in the Bryan-College Station Regional at 12 p.m. CT. on ESPN+.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Southwestern Athletic Conference has announced its 2024 SWAC Baseball Tournament seedings following the conclusion of regular season play. The SWAC is the only Division I HBCU conference to sponsor the sport.

Florida A&M (East) and Texas Southern (West) claimed divisional titles after finishing with the top records in their respective divisions. 

Florida A&M (22-8 SWAC) enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed from the Eastern Division.

Bethune-Cookman claimed the Eastern Division No. 2 seed (19-10 SWAC), while Alabama State claimed the No. 3 seed (18-12 SWAC) followed by No. 4 seed Jackson State (16-12 SWAC).

Texas Southern (18-6 SWAC) enters the tournament as the No. 1 seed from the Western Division.

Grambling State claimed the Western Division No. 2 seed (18-8 SWAC), while Prairie View A&M claimed the No. 3 seed (18-9 SWAC) followed by the No. 4 seed Southern (15-12 SWAC).

In the event of a tie in conference records the league’s tiebreaker policy was used to determine final seedings.

The tournament will be played in a double-elimination format with HBCU baseball action set to start at 9:00 a.m. EST on Wednesday, May 22^nd with games slated to run through May 26^th.

The complete tournament bracket can be found HERE. Please click here to purchase tickets for the event.

Wednesday, May 22
Game 1 — (E2) Bethune-Cookman vs. (W3) Prairie View A&M, 9:00 a.m.
Game 2 — (W2) Grambling State vs. (E3) Alabama State, 12:00 p.m.
Game 3 — (W1) Texas Southern vs. (E4) Jackson State, 3:00 p.m.
Game 4 — (E1) Florida A&M vs. (W4) Southern, 6:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 23
Game 5 — Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 3, 9:00 a.m.
Game 6 — Loser Game 2 vs. Loser Game 4, 12:00 p.m.
Game 7 — Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 3, 3:00 p.m.
Game 8 — Winner Game 2 vs. Winner Game 4, 6:00 p.m.

Friday, May 24
Game 9 — Winner Game 5 vs. Loser Game 7, 9:00 a.m.
Game 10 — Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 8, 12:00 p.m.
Game 11 — Winner Game 7 vs. Winner Game 9, 3:00 p.m.
Game 12 — Winner Game 10 vs. Winner Game 8, 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 25 (If necessary)
Game 11b — Loser Game 11 vs. Winner Game 11, 12:00 p.m.
Game 12b — Loser Game 12 vs. Winner Game 12. 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 26
Game 13 — Championship Game, 1:00 p.m.

All times listed Eastern Standard Time (EST) 

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CORAL GABLES, Fla. – It took only four hits on the night as HBCU Bethune-Cookman survived a late Miami rally to take down the Hurricanes of the ACC, 6-4, Wednesday night at Mark Light Field. Giving HBCU baseball another big win over a power conference school this season.

Miami (16-20, 6-12 ACC) grabbed a single run in the second on a solo homer before the Wildcats (20-17, 10-4 SWAC) produced four on only one hit in the fourth as the Hurricanes loaded the bases on a single and two walks. 

Colton Olasin registered the first B-CU RBI of the night on a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch before Daniel Figueroa made it 2-0 on a HBP of his own. One batter later, Garrett Chun walked to score Franki Febles before Sergio Rivera became the third hit batter of the inning to make it 4-1. 

Miami took two back in the bottom of the seventh on a RBI double and B-CU throwing error to cut things to 4-3. The Canes tied the ballgame at 4-4 an inning later on a two-out RBI single. 

In the top of the ninth, facing the Hurricanes closer, the Wildcats again jumped on the free pass to re-take the lead for good as Figueroa was hit for the second time on the night and came around to score on a Manny Souffrain bases-loaded walk following two B-CU singles. 

Yet another bases-loaded walk, this time for Ramses Cordova, made it 6-4 as Jose Gonzalez came in to score. 

Colby Lipovsky made the start for B-CU, working an impressive six innings in which he allowed only one earned run on four hits with three strikeouts and no walks.

Dale Michaud recorded one out before Pablo Torres came in for the remaining 2.2 innings, allowing one earned run on two hits with six strikeouts and no walks. He earned his third win of the season. 

• B-CU walked 10 times on the night to eight strikeouts. 
• Manny Souffrain recorded a run scored, an RBI, and four walks. 
• Wednesday marked the first win for B-CU over Miami since 2018. 
• The Hurricanes are currently 6th in the ACC Coastal Division.

The Wildcats get set to host fellow HBCU and SWAC opponent Mississippi Valley State for a four-game series this weekend at Jackie Robinson Ballpark beginning Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m. 

This is the third HBCU baseball win over a power conference school this season as Alabama State beat Auburn by a score of 3-2, and Southern University took down LSU 12-7.

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Tyeler Hawkins broke the game open in the third inning with a home run to left field, bringing in KJ White and Logan Sanders. LSU struck back in the fifth inning with a pair of scores to cut the margin to 3-2. Southern increased the lead in the top of the fifth inning as Ryan Ollison’s double brought in three runners to push the lead to 6-2.

Donny Sandifer homered to left field, bringing in Ollison. LSU responded with two unearned runs to cut the lead to 8-5 heading into the top of the fifth. Southern would add an unearned run of its own to push the lead to 9-4. LSU would get as close as 9-7 but Southern scored three runs at the top of the ninth inning and then kept LSU away from home plate.

LSU baseball fell to 20-10 overall. Southern improved to 12-13 overall on the season. 

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Wake Forest, who played for the national championship last season, is just a short 30 minute drive down I-40 traveling from Greensboro to Winston-Salem. But there is much more distance between the mid-major and Power Five programs.

The Demon Deacons are the top rated team in the latest NCAA poll and a favorite to compete for the national title again. The Aggies fell short in their effort to upset the Deacs on Tuesday but the historic moment will live on.

NCAT committed five errors and walked Wake Forest 11 times, losing to the Demon Deacons 12-1.

Junior second baseman Tre Williams drove in the Aggies’ only run of the evening in the fifth inning with an RBI sacrifice fly to center field to score Enrique Wood, cutting Wake’s lead to 8-1 at the time.

The Aggie season is off to a very good start despite the loss. NCAT is currently sitting at 6-2 with its only other loss coming against Prairie View A&M.

The Aggies return to War Memorial this weekend, March 1-3, to face Eastern Illinois. They will play the Panthers at 4 p.m. on Friday, 2 p.m. on Saturday and noon on Sunday.

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VERO BEACH, Fla.  | The Grambling State University baseball team carried a 6-4 lead into the bottom of the ninth inning but couldn’t withstand a late rally by Florida A&M, dropping its opening game of the Andre Dawson Classic 7-6 on Friday evening. 
Down to its final three outs, FAMU (3-2) used a leadoff home run followed by some patient approaches at the plate, drawing a walk-off walk to sneak past the Tigers in the final frame. 

Ashton Inman paced the GSU (1-4) at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored. 

Randy Reyes started the game on the mound for the Tigers, striking out six batters in 5.0 innings of work. He allowed four runs on five hits and five walks. 

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Trailing 1-0 in the top of the second inning, Grambling State found the scoreboard on an RBI single by Inman. Jose Vargas gave the Tigers a 2-1 lead with a sharply hit RBI single to left field. Later in the inning, Tiger Borom drew a bases loaded walk, stretching the advantage to 3-1. 
• Janmikell Bastardo’s solo home run in the bottom of the third inning pulled the Rattlers within a run of the Tigers. 
• Borom drove in his second run of the night in the top of the fourth on a towering RBI double to banged off the centerfield wall, making it 4-2 GSU. Florida A&M responded with a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame, squaring the game at 4-4.
• In the top of the eighth inning, Inman came through with a solo homer to put Grambling State back on top 5-4. Cameron Bufford tacked on another run in the top of the ninth with a RBI single, extending the lead to 6-4.
• FAMU’s Sebastian Greico hit a leadoff homer off of GSU reliever Raphael Capistran to open the bottom of the ninth, trimming the Tigers’ lead to 6-5. After the next two batters reached base via a single and a walk, the Grambling State made another pitching change, bringing in Carlos Peguero. 
• FAMU’s Adam Haidermota then laid down a bunt single to load the bases. The Rattlers tied the game 6-6 on a wild pitch and then plated the winning run on a walk. 

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Grambling State finished with six runs on 12 hits. The Tigers committed one error and stranded nine runners.
• Florida A&M plated seven runs on 10 hits. They left 10 runners on base.
• Raphael Capistran was charged with the loss (0-1) after surrendering three runs on three hits in 1.0 innings. He fanned two batters and walked two. 
• Cody Williams earned the win in relief for FAMU. He worked 0.2 innings, allowing one hit and striking out two batters.

UP NEXT
Grambling State travels to Vero Beach, Fla. continues the Andre Dawson Classic on Saturday when the Tigers take on Alabama State. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be streamed on MLB.com.

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VERO BEACH, Fla. —Sophomore Michael Burroughs collected four hits to help lead the Prairie View A&M Panthers past the N.C. A&T Aggies 7-5 on Friday.

Junior Elijah Breeden (1-0) picked up the victory out of the bullpen for Prairie View A&M (4-1). The right-hander went two innings, giving up two runs, both of them earned, on two hits, allowing no walks and striking out three. Junior Michael. Dews also made an impact on the mound for the Panthers, starting the ballgame and throwing six innings, giving up three runs, two earned, on seven hits, with one walk and four strikeouts.

In addition to his four hits, Burroughs had a double, a home run, and an RBI to lead the Panthers. Junior Isaac Davila put together a noteworthy performance at the dish as well, going 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and three RBI. Junior Lee. Allen also contributed for Prairie View A&M, putting together three hits in four trips to the plate while adding a double.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Panthers got the scoring started early, putting one run on the board in the bottom of the first inning with the game still scoreless. Freshman Michael Smith came across to score the lone run of the inning for Prairie View A&M and get them on the board.

The Aggies then tied the ballgame at one before the Panthers came back to reclaim their advantage in the fourth inning. Prairie View A&M pushed across a run on Davila’s one-out RBI double, which brought the score to 2-1 in favor of the Panthers.

Prairie View A&M’s lead had evaporated by the time the sixth inning arrived and turned into a 3-2 N.C. A&T advantage, when the Panthers re-took control at 4-3. Davila’s run-scoring single highlighted a two-run output in the frame for the Panthers.

Prairie View A&M lost the lead they built in the sixth but got back on the board in the seventh trailing 5-4. The Panthers sent in two runs, including one on a solo homer off the bat of Burroughs, bringing the Prairie View A&M advantage to 6-5.

The Panthers kept N.C. A&T off the scoreboard before building on their lead to 7-5 the following inning. Prairie View A&M picked up a run on Davila’s leadoff home run off of senior Jake Delisi. The score remained 7-5 for the rest of the game, as the Panthers held on for the win.

GAME NOTES
» Burroughs racked up four hits on the day for Prairie View A&M.
» The Panthers had both Davila and Burroughs crush multiple extra-base hits in the ballgame.
» Prairie View A&M’s highest-scoring inning was the seventh when it pushed two runs across.
» Four Panthers had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» The Panthers had a total of 15 hits.
» The Panthers out-hit the Aggies at a 15-10 clip.
» Prairie View A&M pitchers limited N.C. A&T to just 1-for-5 (.200) with runners in scoring position.
» PVAMU pitchers faced 39 N.C. A&T hitters in the game, allowing nine ground balls and six fly balls while striking out eight.
» Davila led the Panthers at the plate, going 3-for-4 with a double, a home run, and three RBI.
» N.C. A&T was led offensively by junior Tre Williams, who went 3-for-5 with a home run and two RBI.
» Delisi led the Aggies pitching staff, throwing 1.1 innings of one-run ball.

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VERO BEACH, Fla. —Junior Jose Almazan struck out eight Southern University hitters over six innings of work, but it was not enough as the Alabama State Hornets fell to the Jaguars 7-1.

In addition to his eight strikeouts, Almazan (1-1) threw six innings, giving up five runs, all of them earned, on seven hits and walking two for Alabama State (2-4).

Junior Kyler McIntosh led the way offensively for the Hornets, going 1-for-4 in the ballgame with a double.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Trailing 7-0, the Hornets first put runs on the board in the eighth inning. Alabama State got an RBI single from senior Randy Flores, scoring sophomore Jamal George from second base. The Hornets were unable to get any closer, as neither ASU or Southern scored again in the ballgame.

GAME NOTES
» Almazan fanned eight Jaguars hitters.
» Alabama State’s highest scoring inning was the eighth, when it pushed one run across.
» Alabama State pitchers faced 37 Southern hitters in the game, allowing seven ground balls and five fly balls while striking out 10.
» The Hornets drew five walks from Southern pitching.
» McIntosh led the Hornets at the plate, going 1-for-4 with a double.
» Southern was led offensively by junior Khyle Radcliffe, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI.
» Sophomore Ranard Grace led the Jaguars pitching staff, throwing six shutout innings.

The Andre Dawson Classic continues on Saturday.

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It was quite a task to even get the games in.  Cold and rainy weather wreaked havoc on the schedule.  The team originally had planned a three day series, but had to squeeze it into two.  Playing around the weather, the Rattlers played in a chilly 50 degrees.

Head coach Jamey Shouppe and the Rattlers took the game against EIU on Friday in a thrilling one point victory.  Broedy Poppell and Jalen Niles each carded two hits for FAMU in the win.  Niles would also score twice in the season-opening victory.

Saturday’s rain forced cancellation of several delayed starting times.  In the second game of the series, which was played on Sunday at 12:00 noon, the Rattlers would blank the Panthers behind a strong outing from Tre Simmons.  Simmons went five innings allowing just one hit.  He allowed two walks, while striking out six.  The Rattlers spreaded six hits out among the team and it was enough to blank the Panthers 4-0.

EIU would fight to the finish in the second game of the Sunday doubleheader.  Lucas Loos would slug three hits against FAMU pitching to lead the Panthers to their first win of the season and avoid being swept by the Rattlers.  Mike O’Conor and Cole Gober each added two hits in the victory.

The Rattlers will welcome the Troy Trojans to Tallahassee and Moore-Kittles Field on Tuesday.  First pitch is scheduled for 4:00 PM.  The Rattlers will then head down to Vero Beach, Fla. to participate in the Andre Dawson Classic and open SWAC play where they will face the Grambling Tigers on Feb. 23, Prairie View on Feb. 24, and the Southern Jaguars on Feb. 25.S

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The 27 year old RHP pitched one inning in his debut, giving up a hit and two earned runs.

JOURNEY TO THE MAJORS

Devin Sweet spent his entire collegiate career with the NCCU Eagles from 2015-2018. He started 41 games and pitched 268 innings over the time. He earned 18 wins and 246 strikeouts over his college career. The Seattle Mariners signed Sweet to a contract after the 2018 MLB Draft and he has been in the Mariners organization ever since.

MINOR LEAGUE STATS

• 144 games

• 28 starts

• 23—19 record

• 9 saves

• 3.69 ERA

• 93 walks

• 384 strikeouts

Devin Sweet made history for a North Carolina Central University that no longer exists. The baseball program last competed in 2021 and since shut down after financial and organizational issues stemming from the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. The success that Sweet is having will surely continue to fuel those working to bring the program back.

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Trey Paige was one of three HBCU players to participate in the 2023 MLB Draft Combine. He also competed in the inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic sponsored by Ken Griffey Jr. Paige had the first hit in the historic game.

The Pennsylvania native posted 71 hits, 55 runs, and 53 RBIs on 191 at bats during his 2023 campaign with the Delaware State Hornets.

Trey Paige was the third HBCU player selected in the 2023 MLB Draft. He was proceeded by Bethune Cookman RHP Nolan Santos and NC A&T RHP Xavier Meachem who were selected in the seventh and tenth round. The St. Louis Cardinals add a heavy hitter in Paige.

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“This is huge for our program here at BCU that Nolan was selected in draft and in the 7th round nonetheless,” Bethune Cookman’s head baseball coach Jonathan Hernandez told HBCU Gameday.

“For us to be able to deal with all the adversity our program has had the last 2 years and still be able to develop our guys and put them in situations to get professional opportunities speaks volumes of the work that our coaching staff is able to do with our student athletes. “

Santos started 16 games for Bethune Cookman last season. He earned six wins on the mound with 138 strikeouts last season. He had a season high 13 strikeouts against Mississippi Valley State University in April.

Santos is special , he’s a hard worker, he’s competitive and he’s a TEAM first type of guy,” Coach Hernandez told HBCU Gameday.

“I’m just so happy for Nolan and his family that he was able to get this opportunity with the Minnesota Twins. There’s no doubt in my mind that Nolan will be ready to go and will represent Bethune Cookman and the SWAC as he ventures off into his professional baseball career.”

Nolan Santos began his college baseball career in 2020 at Bethune Cookman University, pitching 14 innings as a freshman. He spent his sophomore season in 2021 at Miami Dade College with Bethune Cookman opting out of play due to Covid-19. Santos pitched in 26.1 innings while throwing 28 strikeouts. Santos returned to Bethune Cookman in 2022 as a junior.

Santos was one of 50 HBCU athletes to compete in the inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic powered by Ken Griffey Junior. He now joins a young Minnesota Twins team.

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Randy Flores (Alabama State) hit a double with one out in the eighth inning, stole second and finished with the go-ahead run with on a dive home after a wild pitch, as the American League team went on to a 4-3 victory late Friday in the inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic.

North Carolina A&T pitcher Xavier Meachem threw two scoreless innings for the American League Squad while Daalen Adderley of Texas Southern drove in two early runs to give that squad a 3-0 cushion.

The HBCU Swingman Classic was the kicker for the MLB All-Star Game. It is the brain child of Baseball Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr., who spent the majority of his career with the Mariners in Seattle. 

“It’s all about trying to get seen,” Griffey told the Seattle Times on Friday. “I mean, if I can give an opportunity for a kid, one kid, two kids, three kids to be seen, how many kids can that be over the next five, 10, 15 years?” Griffey said. “How many lives will that one person change? That’s all we’re trying to do.”

Griffey’s son, Tevin, plays football at Florida A&M University. His father, Ken Griffey Sr. was a coach. The opening pitch was thrown by another Baseball Hall of Famer in Andre Dawson and caught by former St. Louis Cardinal and Mariner Vince Coleman. Both players matriculated at Florida A&M. 

The two teams were composed of players from 17 historically black colleges and universities.

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Three Black college standouts are competing on the USA Baseball Collegiate National team. Omar Melendez, a sophomore left handed pitcher out of Alabama State University, is the the first Hornet in history to make a USA Baseball roster. Xavier Meachem, a right-handed pitcher from North Carolina A&T, is the first Aggie to pitch on a USA Baseball squad. Southern University right-handed pitcher Nick Wilson is also representing on the team.

Melendez and Meachem both made their debuts for the team in game three of the Chinese Taipei International Friendship Series. The Black college duo both turned a perfect inning to cap off the game three win.

Next up is the 44th USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championship Series which will be held July 7-12. The first three games of the series will take place at the National Training Complex while the final two games will he hosted at Joseph Riley Jr. Park in Charleston, SC.

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EAST GREENSBORO — North Carolina A&T right-handed pitcher Xavier Meachem will represent the Stars and Stripes for team USA this summer. In what could be a summer to remember for the hard-throwing righty, he was named to the team on Thursday.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Meachem. “It’s very exciting to play for your country. It’s very exciting to represent African-American baseball players and HBCU players. It’s an all-around great opportunity.”

USA Baseball announced the 31-man Collegiate National Team roster that will represent Team USA in a pair of five-game series with Chinese Taipei and Japan from June 30-July 12 at various venues across the Carolinas. The final squad was named after the completion of the 2023 Collegiate National Team Training Camp, a four-game intrasquad series played at the National Training Complex in Cary, N.C.

This year’s Collegiate National Team is led by Manager Larry Lee, who is making his Team USA managerial debut in 2023. Lee is joined on staff by Brady Austin (East Carolina), Reggie Christiansen (Sacramento State), Thomas Eager (Stanford), Andy Stankiewicz (USC), and José Vázquez (Alabama State).

“After the most talented and competitive Training Camp, the staff completed a grueling selection process to get to the final roster today,” said Lee in a release by USA Baseball out of Cary. “Our roster is full of extremely talented and capable baseball players, and we are focused on representing the United States well in international competition. We are looking forward to getting our series against Chinese Taipei started tomorrow night here in Cary.”
Twenty-four different schools are represented on the 2023 Collegiate National Team roster, with six boasting a pair of athletes: Florida, Kansas State, Stanford, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wake Forest.

Meachem is one of three players from an HBCU on the team, including Southern’s Nicholas Wilson and Alabama State’s Omar Melendez. Xavier Meachem is the first North Carolina A&T Aggie to represent his country for USA Baseball.

The 20^th USA vs. Chinese Taipei International Friendship Series is set for June 30-July 4, with games at the National Training Complex, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis, and Segra Stadium in Fayetteville. The National Training Complex will host the opening three games of the 44^th USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championship Series July 7-9, while games four and five of the series will be played at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Ballpark in Charleston, South Carolina, on July 11 and 12.

Team USA leads the series with Chinese Taipei 15-0-4 (Overall: 80-13-2). Against Japan, the stars and stripes lead the series 24-19 (Overall: 133-107-2), including a 21-1 (Overall: 87-33-2) series record in the United States. All time, the Collegiate National Team boasts a record of 135-32-2 in North Carolina dating back to 1987, including a 38-14-1 mark at the National Training Complex in Cary.

Xavier Meachem will join teammate Camden Jackson in Seattle to participate in the inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic presented by T-Mobile and powered by MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation. The game is at 10:35 p.m., eastern standard time (EST), on Friday, July 7, at T-Mobile Park. MLB Network will air the HBCU Swingman Classic game beginning at 10:30 p.m. EST with the broadcast team of MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds, Mariners broadcaster Dave Sims, and HBCU sports journalist Symone Stanley.

Hall of Famer and MLB-MLBPA Youth Development Foundation Ambassador Ken Griffey Jr. will join the broadcast from each dugout throughout the game. Meachem is also preparing for the July 9-11 MLB Draft after recently showcasing his talents at the MLB Draft Combine in Phoenix.

The full 2023 Collegiate National Team roster is as follows:

2023 Collegiate National Team Roster
(Name; Position; Hometown; School)

• Ben Abeldt; LHP; McKinney, Texas; TCU
• Matt Ager; RHP; Pleasanton, Calif.; UC Santa Barbara
• Drew Beam; RHP; Murfreesboro, Tenn.; Tennessee
• Jac Caglianone; LHP/1B; Tampa, Fla.; Florida
• Charlie Condon; 1B/OF; Marietta, Ga.; Georgia
• Christian Coppola; RHP; Galloway, N.J.; Rutgers
• Kaelen Culpepper; INF; Memphis, Tenn.; Kansas State
• Duce Gourson; INF; San Diego, Calif.; UCLA
• Rodney Green, Jr.; OF; Richmond, Calif.; Cal
• Luke Holman; RHP; Sinking Spring, Pa.
• *Carter Holton; LHP; Guyton, Ga.; Vanderbilt
• Ryan Johnson; RHP; Red Oak, Texas; Dallas Baptist
• Seaver King; INF; Athena, Ga.; Wake Forest
• Jace LaViolette; OF; Katy, Texas; Texas A&M
• Michael Massey; RHP; Suwanee, Ga.; Wake Forest
• Xavier Meachem; RHP; Winterville, N.C.; NC A&T
• Omar Melendez; LHP; Cayey, P.R.; Alabama State
• Braden Montgomery; OF/RHP; Madison, Miss.; Stanford
• ^Malcolm Moore; C; Sacramento, Calif.; Stanford
• ^Christian Moore; INF; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Tennessee
• Brandon Neely; RHP; Seville, Fla.; Florida
• Tyson Neighbors; RHP; Royse City, Texas; Kansas State
• Griff O’Ferrall; INF; Richmond, Va.; Virginia
• Fran Oschell III; RHP; Phoenixville, Pa.; Duke
• Kyle Robinson; RHP; Vienna, Va.; Texas Tech
• Hagen Smith; LHP; Bullard, Texas; Arkansas
• Ryan Stafford; C; Folsom, Calif.; Cal Poly
• JJ Wetherholt; INF; Mars, Pa.; West Virginia
• Nicholas Wilson; RHP; Carrollton, Texas; Southern
• Jay Woolfolk; RHP; Chesterfield, Va.; Virginia
• Trey Yesavage; RHP; Boyertown, Pa.; East Carolina

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“I’m very thankful to be there,” Bethune Cookman Outfielder Hylan Hall said. “Coming from an HBCU and having this opportunity to be seen in front of scouts it’s a great opportunity and I just want to make the best out of it.”

“It was super surreal,” Grambling State infielder Kyle Walker expressed. “I was just thankful for the opportunity and i’m just really excited to play.”

Having a baseball icon like Ken Griffey Jr. be a sponsor for the event takes the excitement to a new level.

“When you hear a name like Ken Griffey Jr. it’s like I definitely need to turn it on another notch,” Walker stated. “I feel like a lot of people are going to be out there watching and it could lead to bigger opportunities for the future.”

Three HBCU Swingman Classic participants were also invited to the 2023 MLB Draft Combine held in late June. Hylan Hall (BCU), Xavier Meachem (NCA&T), and Trey Paige (Delaware State) joined the top prospects ahead of the MLB Draft at the combine.

“I’m just looking at guys that I have not seen and seeing if I can hold my own,” Hall stated.

“I’m out here learning and picking everybody’s brain and seeing how they play and seeing how I can improve,” Meachem explained.

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Ken Griffey Jr., a renowned baseball player and Hall of Famer, took the initiative to organize the inaugural HBCU Swingman Classic, motivated by his desire to give back to the sport, following in his father’s footsteps.

As a Youth Development Foundation Ambassador for MLB and the MLB Players Association, Griffey has dedicated himself to molding the growth and development of young athletes. During the upcoming All-Star Week in July, the HBCU Swingman Classic will take place.

According to the MLB, this event sets to celebrate the rich history and legacy of HBCUs baseball programs. Additionally, it will provide a “once in a lifetime” platform for 50 talented HBCU baseball players to showcase their skills on a national stage. These athletes have been carefully selected by a committee comprising Griffey Jr., representatives from MLB and MLBPA, as well as scouts. Throughout the week, they will participate in various activities related to the MLB All-Star Week and engage with the local community.

“It gives an opportunity for these guys to be seen; plus, they want to continue their baseball career like everybody else,” Griffey said to the MLB. “This is an opportunity for these guys to be out there on a big stage, to have some fun with some guys who played the game at a high level and learn some things.”

Players were selected from the following schools:

• Alabama A&M University
• Alabama State University
• Alcorn State University
• University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff
• Bethune Cookman University
• Coppin State University
• Delaware State University
• Florida A&M University
• Grambling State University
• Jackson State University
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore
• Mississippi Valley State University
• Norfolk State University
• North Carolina A&T University
• Prairie View A&M University
• Southern University
• Texas Southern University

The classic will happen July 7 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, the site of the 2023 MLB All-Star Game. Fans will be able to catch it live on the MLB Network.

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“We really want to give these kids an opportunity in front of scouts,” explained MBP founder Alex Wyche.

“You know, the purpose of showcasing kids is giving them an opportunity to see at the next level, man. So we got about fifteen scouts out here to see these great HBCU all stars.”

The combine was held at Cool Ray Field right outside of Atlanta, Georgia and featured a variety of drills for the Black college athletes to show what they have.

“It’s an amazing opportunity opportunity to be out here with some of the best HBCU baseball players along with myself,” said Jayden Sloan of Alabama State University.

“You get to see everyone from different, different schools and we get to show what we really can do.”

Kansas City Royals’ Darwin Pennye was one of the many MLB scouts in attendance.

“I saw some guys who obviously have tools enough to be professional players and some guys that if they continue to mature as players, they continue to grow and learn the game may have an opportunity to one day be on TV and play in the major league,” Pennye stated.

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It is not without some success that an HBCU faces the juggernaut.  In 2014, the Rattlers got their lone win, a 4-3 nailbiter, against the Gators at Condron Family Ballpark.  Additionally, a feisty B-CU baseball team defeated the Gators in the NCAA Regional in a game before the Gators exacted their revenge in the finals of the regional championship before going on to win the national championship in 2017.

With this conference championship, several FAMU baseball records and a SWAC record were broken.  The Rattlers become the first team to win the SWAC Baseball Championship after first being a member of the MEAC.  FAMU players Jared Weber and Zach Morea, the SWAC Tournament’s Most Valuable Player, are the first two players ever to win both a MEAC baseball championship and a SWAC one.  FAMU head coach Jamey Shouppe becomes the first coach to navigate the same team to both a MEAC and SWAC title.

Shouppe is familiar with NCAA Regionals

Shouppe became the head coach for FAMU in 2013, playing his first season in 2014.  With the 2020 season a wash because of covid, he has coached nine years at FAMU and won three conference titles.  Oddly enough, they are evenly spread.  He won every fourth year starting with 2015, then 2019, and now 2023.  

Prior to coming to FAMU, he was an assistant coach at Florida State University. During that time he experienced 21 NCAA Baseball Regionals and went several times all the way to the NCAA College World Series in Omaha.

“They (conference championships) are all special.  You see the experience the kids have,” Shouppe said.  “ I am on the back end of my career and not trying to progress my personal career, now it’s about seeing the young men being happy and being excited about an experience that not many kids get in the college game of baseball.  It warms my heart to see these guys get so excited about the opportunity…80% of the country is not playing college baseball right now.”

Weber and Morea are both excited to have the opportunity to experience both the MEAC and the SWAC. Like Shouppe, they all feel that the SWAC is a much deeper and tougher baseball conference that requires a team to be performing at peak performance to win a championship.

“It’s great to come in and win it as a freshman.  We really got to see how much work it takes to get to a championship.  Not just to get there but to win it in a tougher conference,” Weber said.  

Morea echoed those sentiments. “Being a freshman and getting that ring right out of high school was amazing.  Getting another one as a fifth-year (player), and the extra year we got because of covid, getting a SWAC Championship is one of the best feelings.”

The Rattlers started the season relying on the arm of ace pitcher Hunter Viets.  Somewhere during the season, the bats woke up to record-breaking proportions.  Sebastian Greico distinguished himself as the FAMU single-season home run leader with 17.  Three other Rattlers Janmikell Bastardo (12), Ty Hanchey (10), and Weber (10) all finished with double-digit homers.  This alone displays the balanced hitting the Rattlers had throughout their lineup. 

FAMU VP/AD Tiffani-Dawn Sykes, who jumped the fence to run on the field and celebrate at Georgia Tech baseball field, is expecting the Rattlers to continue striking.  “ I’m expecting a win.  I want to keep playing some more baseball as long as we can on the road to Omaha.  It all started at the beginning of the season and that’s what the guys have been talking about all year,” Sykes said.  “We’ve won conference tournaments in the SIAC, we’ve won them in the MEAC and now we’ve won one in the SWAC.  FAMU baseball can play with anybody, anywhere, and win.

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Senior Hunter Viets (7-1) started on the mound and picked up the win for Florida A&M (29-28). The right-hander went 7.2 innings, giving up five runs, all of them earned, on 12 hits, allowing two walks and striking out five.

Hanchey’s two extra base hits were the highlight of a 3-for-5 day, and included a double, a home run and three RBI. Greico made his contribution with a double, a home run and three RBI, part of a 3-for-5 performance at the plate. Senior Jared Weberalso contributed for the Rattlers, putting together two hits in five trips to the plate while adding a home run and an RBI.

TOURNAMENT AWARDS

Janmikell Bastardo, Sebastian Greico, Jared Weber, Hunter Viets, and Zach Morea were named to the All-Tournament Team and Morea was named the Tournament MVP after picking up four saves in the tournament.

GAME NOTES
» Florida A&M got three-hit games from both Hanchey and Greico.
» Viets struck out five Wildcats hitters.
» The Rattlers had both Greico and Hanchey smack multiple extra-base hits in the ballgame.
» Hanchey and Greico drove in three runs each for the Rattlers. » Florida A&M’s highest scoring inning was the first, when it pushed three runs across.
» Florida A&M grabbed a 3-0 lead in the top half of the first and didn’t surrender that lead for the remainder of the game.
» Four Rattlers had multiple hits in the ballgame.
» Florida A&M University hitters hit three homers in the ballgame.
» Florida A&M University went 5-for-14 (.357) with runners in scoring position.
» Florida A&M pitchers faced 40 Bethune-Cookman hitters in the game, allowing 15 ground balls and four fly balls while striking out five.
» Hanchey led the Rattlers at the plate, going 3-for-5 with a double, a home run and three RBI.
» Bethune-Cookman was led offensively by junior Robert Moya, who went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBI.
» Junior Nolan Santos led the Wildcats pitching staff, throwing six innings of five-run ball.

SELECTION MONDAY
The Rattlers will gather Monday afternoon for the 2023 NCAA Tournament Selection Show at the Al Lawson Center to see where they will be headed next. Fans may watch the selection show Monday, May 29 at noon at ESPN2.

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ATLANTA — Colton Olasin was 3-for-4 with four RBIs, while Santiago Gomez went five strong innings on the bump for Bethune-Cookman on Saturday afternoon in helping the Wildcats secure a 14-4 victory over Grambling State and advance to the title game of the 2023 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Tournament at Russ Chandler Stadium on the campus of Georgia Tech. Sunday’s title game will be between BCU and Florida A&M at 1 p.m., with the game being shown on ESPN3.
 
Timely hits. Strong starting pitching. And good fielding all played a part for the Wildcats — seeded No. 2 in the SWAC Eastern Division, on Saturday at Mac Nease Baseball Park.

Grambling State (25-25) led early on by plating a pair of runs in the home half of the first inning.
 
Kyle Walker smacked a double to left field while first baseman Cameron Bufford walked, with both eventually coming around to score on a triple off the wall in left from Trevor Hatton. That allowed the top-seeded Tigers from the SWAC Western Division a 2-0 lead after an inning played.
 
Bethune-Cookman (33-26) would tie things up in the top of the second inning with two runs of their own.
 
Boris Peña and Robert Moya each led off the Wildcats at-bat with back-to-back singles. A Colton Olasin single to centerfield allowed Peña to score. Jeremy Garcia followed with an infield second to second base, pushing in Moya to even the ballgame.
 
The Wildcats took the lead 3-2 after Garret Chun took an RBI base on balls with four-straight pitches and the bases loaded. The lead would grow to 6-2 off the end of a two-out bases-clearing double off the centerfield wall by Hylan Hall that scored Chun, Garcia and Luis Tuero, respectively.

BCU added three runs in the top of the third inning to widen the lead to 9-2.
 
Moya singled, Manny Souffrain doubled to left, and the lead stretched to 7-2 in favor of the Wildcats. Irvin Escobar tallied an RBI single in his at-bat to put runners on the corners. That set the stage for Olasin to pick up a run-scoring double down the line in left bringing in Souffrain. A Garcia sacrifice fly to right field was deep enough for Escobar to score and make it 9-2.
 
The Cats would produce another big inning in the top of the fourth with five runs.

 
Escobar doubled following a Souffrain walk to put runners on the corners. Olasin immediately followed with a two-run single up the middle to make it 11-2. Chun delivered an RBI single with a hot shot through the left side, bringing in Olasin from third. A Hall single to right center crossed Garcia. And a Peña sacrifice fly allowed Tuero to come in from third and advance the BCU lead to 14-2.
 
That inning for the Maroon and Gold was good enough to put the run-rule into effect.
 
Grambling produced the final score line of 14-4 with a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh, using an RBI base on balls drawn by Walker with the bases loaded to score reserve third baseman Daylon Ardoin. The final run was scored courtesy a Bufford single that plated Julian Murphy.

It would be Yoansell Diaz toeing the rubber in relief to get the final three batters with strikeouts.
 
The win went to BCU starter Santiago Gomez as he upped his record to 2-3 for the season. The right-hander worked five innings, giving up just two runs on three hits, three walks and picking up three strikeouts. The loss went to Grambling starter Lorenzo Petersen, with the Tigers ace throwing just 1.2 innings, allowing six runs on five hits, two walks and adding one strikeout.
 
Olasin’s 3-for-4 effort charged the BCU bats as he added our RBIs and two runs scored of his own. Hall added two hits and four RBIs, while Escobar also supplied two hits for the Cats. Chin punched in two RBIs on one hit, scoring one run.
 
The Wildcats now face in-state opponent Florida A&M in the SWAC Championship game on Sunday at 1 p.m.
 
Follow Bethune-Cookman Baseball on Twitter (@BCUDiamondCats) and Instagram (@BCUBaseball) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUAthletics), Instagram (@BCU_Athletics) and BCUathletics.com.

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