Today, as the world puts on the number **42**, we are reminded that Jackie Robinson’s debut in 1947 wasn’t just a “nice moment”—it was a disruption. April 15, 2026, marks 79 years since that breakthrough, but as we look at the current landscape of the game, we must ask a hard question:

Is the brilliance born on our campuses truly valued, or is it merely utilized?

A Transactional Street

On this momentous day, I want to be clear: I personally celebrate diversity. I am a huge proponent of the brilliance on our campuses—brilliance that, upon graduation, is unleashed upon the world. We celebrate the legacy of our programs every single day, yet I often wonder if that brilliance is truly valued by the institution itself. Why is it that the energy our institutions show to the outside world rarely seems to be reciprocated back across the aisle?

Likewise, I would ask the same regarding non-minority schools (PWIs). Are the athletes truly valued enough that they could eventually lead the program, or is the relationship superficial? It often feels like a “what have you done for me lately” kind of street. The industry values your talent to play the game and win championships today, but it seems to hesitate when it’s time for that same talent to lead the legacy or handle the succession of the program tomorrow. We value your talent to play, but is it a one-way street?

The Leadership and Legacy Gap

I believe in pushing the best person for the role, period. We see the movement of elite talent constantly; for instance, Alabama State saw their 2025 SWAC Championship and NCAA 1st Round-winning head coach, Tony Madlock, depart to join Penny Hardaway’s staff at Memphis. In his place, Chris Wright has stepped in—a man with an impeccable record of winning everywhere he goes. Chris has absolutely earned the opportunity to lead a SWAC program.

However, the concern remains: does that same energy—the willingness to recognize and install elite leadership—travel back across the aisle, especially in baseball? Diversity shouldn’t be a one-way street where we do all the appreciating and others do all the overlooking. If you value the athlete on the field, you must value the mind capable of leading the dugout and the program’s future.

Preserving the Legacy, Scouting the Future

Because the “love” isn’t always reciprocated and the value is often seen as transactional, we must be the ones to anchor our own worth. This is why the partnership between Black College Nines and the National Scouting Bureau is so vital.

Black College Nines ensures that the brilliance on our campuses is documented as a permanent legacy, not just a temporary stat line.

The National Scouting Bureau provides the professional evaluation to ensure our players are seen as elite prospects and the future leaders of the game.

We are Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the Future because we refuse to let the brilliance of our athletes be treated as a disposable resource.

The Bottom Line

Jackie Robinson Day 2026 is about more than a jersey. It is a day to demand that the industry—both at HBCUs and PWIs—stop treating talent as a short-term utility. We are 79 years into this journey; it is time for the value we bring to the field to be matched by the opportunities we are given to lead the game.

Happy Jackie Robinson Day. Let’s keep playing ball.

For more information on the mission to elevate HBCU baseball, visit BlackCollegeNines.com and NationalScoutingBureau.com.

About the Author

Rod White is a veteran scout and the National Scouting Director for the National Scouting Bureau (NSB). A graduate of Scout School with the Toronto Blue Jays, Rod has served in scouting roles within the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies organizations and is a key selection committee member and scout for the MLB HBCU Swingman Classic.

Most recently, as the Head Baseball Coach at Dillard University, Rod led the program to unprecedented goals and a .660 winning percentage during his tenure. An alumnus and former assistant coach of Alabama State University, Rod has dedicated his career to the elevation of the game at every level.

As the founder of NSB, NSB ScoutWire, the ScoutsEye App, and the We Play Baseball Podcast, Rod blends a traditional scout’s ‘eye test’ with modern data-driven analytics to identify ‘fast-track’ prospects. His mission remains clear: ensuring that all baseball talent receives the professional visibility and evaluation they deserve, with a steadfast commitment to minority and HBCU players.

NSB SCOUTWIRE: BC9 HBCU WEEKEND ROUNDUP
Reporting on the Week of April 6th – 12th, 2026

The second week of April provided a masterclass in the unpredictability of the diamond. From a historic Power 5 upset to high-scoring conference sweeps, the “legacy of the nines” was on full display.

THE HEADLINE: WILDCATS SHOCK THE WORLD, THEN HIT A SPEED BUMP
Mid-Week Magic: Bethune-Cookman 10, #18 LSU 7
The story of the year—and perhaps the decade—unfolded on Tuesday, April 7th. The Wildcats traveled into the “Box” in Baton Rouge and did the unthinkable, taking down the SEC’s LSU Tigers.

The Play-by-Play: Down 6-5 in the 7th, B-CU manufactured a 5-run explosion fueled by discipline at the plate and a costly LSU error. Jean Carlos Zambrano slammed the door in the bottom of the 7th, striking out the side with the bases loaded to preserve the first-ever win over the Tigers in program history.

The SWAC Hangover: Mississippi Valley State Stuns B-CU
In a classic “trap game” scenario, the Wildcats struggled to carry that momentum into Itta Bena.
April 10th (Game 1): The Delta Devils played spoiler, outslugging the weary Wildcats 8-6.
The Recovery: B-CU found their footing on April 11th, dismantling Valley in a doubleheader sweep (13-2 and 15-0) to take the series. Despite the Game 1 slip-up, the Wildcats proved their resilience.

SWAC: THE OFFENSIVE ARMS RACE
While B-CU was making national headlines, the rest of the SWAC was busy rewriting the record books with a weekend of high-octane scoring.
Florida A&M Rattlers: A 23-Run Statement
The Matchup: FAMU vs. Jackson State (April 12)
Final Score: FAMU 23, Jackson State 8
The Highlight: The Rattlers’ bats are currently radioactive. They turned a rivalry game into a home run derby, highlighted by a massive 5th inning that saw three separate long balls. FAMU is officially the most dangerous offensive unit in the conference.
Texas Southern Tigers: Power in the Bottom Half
The Matchup: Texas Southern vs. Alcorn State (April 12)
Final Score: TSU 18, Alcorn State 5
PBP Highlight: TSU’s depth was the story here, with the bottom half of the order driving in nearly half the runs, showcasing a balanced attack that will be hard to scout.

SIAC & CIAA: DEFENDING THE TURF
Edward Waters vs. Savannah State
Final Score: Edward Waters 14, Savannah State 4 (April 11)
The Standout: Luis Nunez was a one-man wrecking crew, going 4-for-5 with 6 RBIs. His bases-clearing double in the 7th was the final nail in the Tigers’ coffin.
Albany State Remains King
The Golden Rams took 2 of 3 from Benedict, relying on a dominant complete-game performance in a 3-2 thriller on April 12th to maintain their #1 ranking in the BC9 DII polls.

BC9 WEEKLY LEADERS (APRIL 6-12)

Hitter of the Week
Luis Nunez
Edward Waters
6 RBI performance; .600+ OBP for the week.

Pitcher of the Week
Andris Barroso
Bethune-Cookman
Earned the historic W in relief against LSU.

Team of the Week
Florida A&M
FAMU 23 runs in a single game; 40+ runs on the weekend.

Weekend Takeaway for the Roundup:
The Wildcats’ victory over LSU is a rising tide that lifts all HBCU boats, proving that the gap is closing. However, the loss to MVSU serves as a reminder: in the SWAC, no lead is safe and no opponent can be overlooked.

About the Author

Rod White is a veteran scout and the National Scouting Director for the National Scouting Bureau (NSB). A graduate of Scout School with the Toronto Blue Jays, Rod has served in scouting roles within the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies organizations and is a key selection committee member and scout for the MLB HBCU Swingman Classic.

Most recently, as the Head Baseball Coach at Dillard University, Rod led the program to unprecedented goals and a .660 winning percentage during his tenure. An alumnus and former assistant coach of Alabama State University, Rod has dedicated his career to the elevation of the game at every level.

As the founder of NSB, NSB ScoutWire, the ScoutsEye App, and the We Play Baseball Podcast, Rod blends a traditional scout’s “eye test” with modern data-driven analytics to identify “fast-track” prospects. His mission remains clear: ensuring that all baseball talent receives the professional visibility and evaluation they deserve, with a steadfast commitment to minority and HBCU players.

The Wildcats, in a three way battle for first place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference with Texas Southern University and Florida A&M, currently stand at 25-11 on the season.

Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates and official votes in the Dick Howser Trophy, Regional Players of the Year and NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors Division I Players of the Week, the Stopper of the Year, and publication and writing contests.

Black College Nines has long been a huge fan of Mr. Garr and featured him twice in stories that we hope you’ll take a few moments to read.

The initial story appeared in the early days of blackcollegenines.com in 2009 entitled Ralph Garr of Grambling – More than a “Face in the Crowd”. Then, ten years later in 2019, our Doug Malan penned an interview with Garr entitled Living HBCU Baseball History with The Legends – Ralph Garr of Grambling.

Between those website posts, I had the honor of nominating Ralph Garr for membership into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013.  Two years prior, the College Baseball Foundation established a Black College Legends and Pioneers Committee and Mr. Garr was our fourth individual inducted. You can watch his induction video here.

Ralph Garr graciously autographing a trading card we created for an interview that appeared in 2019 on blackcollegenines.com

The two divisional polls are as follows…

Large School Poll

Small School Poll

2026 Poll Dates (with links to poll results):

Week 1 (March 11 , 2026)
Week 2 (March 25, 2026)
Week 3 (April 8, 2026)

The voting committee is made up of an informed and impartial group of individuals who follow college baseball on all levels, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) baseball. Included in the group are college athletic administrators and educators, college baseball writers and other sports journalists and broadcasters, former HBCU and other college ballplayers and above all else… college baseball enthusiasts who have an interest in promoting HBCU baseball.

As the college baseball season concludes, champions are named in two divisions… the “large school” division which is composed of the 17 HBCU schools representing NCAA Division I and a “small school” division made up of the 38 HBCU schools with NCAA Division II, NAIA NCCAA and USCAA status.

The SWAC has arrived at its most treacherous intersection of the season, and the road signs all point toward confrontation. Three programs — Florida A&M, Texas Southern, and Bethune-Cookman — stand locked at 10-2 in conference play, each with credible claims to the throne and none willing to yield an inch. This was a week of surgical dominance at the top and seismic offensive eruptions in the middle of the table, with Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s 26-1 Saturday HUGE WIN to prevent the Bama State sweep leaving the series 1-2 Alabama State.  Normally, this would have been Sunday’s game 3 but due to Resurrection Sunday, the series began on Thursday.  Either way both Alabama State and Pine Bluff are serving notice that the pursuit of the Tournament is alive, well and can be quite violent. 

On the Mid-Week Ambush side of things, Bethune-Cookman slipped into Tampa on a Tuesday night and snatch a DUB from South Florida in a in a 6-5 thriller that boosted their RPI and their reputation simultaneously. The SWAC is not waiting for anyone to get comfortable — and the final weeks of this regular season are going to be merciless.

—

SWAC POWER MOVES — WEEK OF MARCH 30–APRIL 5, 2026

The SWAC title race tightened into a genuine three-way war this week, and every team left fingerprints on the standings. Here is how it played out.

FLORIDA A&M arrived at Prairie View and asserted dominance from the jump, ripping through a three-game road sweep by a combined score of 41-24. The opener was a 17-14 barnburner that required every run FAMU could manufacture, and Jay Campbell provided the thunder throughout the series with multiple home runs that kept the Rattlers’ offensive engine running at full capacity. Jackson McKenzie delivered his own signature blast, punctuating a sweep that extended FAMU’s winning streak to six games and locked the Rattlers into a share of the SWAC penthouse at 10-2. This club has found an identity, and right now they are playing with genuine championship conviction.

TEXAS SOUTHERN executed flawlessly in a road sweep of Alabama A&M, winning all three games by scores of 7-5, 5-3, and 5-2 in controlled, professional fashion. Byron Robinson was the story of the week — the HBCU Player of the Week honor was not a close call. Robinson went 9-for-15 across four games with a .600 average, two home runs, eight RBI, 17 total bases, and four runs scored, punishing mistakes at every opportunity and giving TSU’s lineup a genuine cleanup presence that opposing pitchers could not neutralize. Sharing the award spotlight was Jose Luccioni, TSU’s HBCU Pitcher of the Week, who carved through lineups across two starts, logging 13.0 innings, going 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA and seven strikeouts. Luccioni’s command and composure on the mound gave Texas Southern the pitching anchor that championship-caliber clubs require. At 10-2 SWAC, TSU is a legitimate threat to take this conference.

BETHUNE-COOKMAN stumbled in Game 1, dropping a 7-3 decision to Southern University, but the Wildcats responded with championship-level focus. Christopher Watson delivered a home run in Game 2 to ignite the offense in a 6-3 victory, and Maikol Lucena’s multi-hit presence throughout the series gave BCU the consistent offensive engine they needed. Game 3 was a statement, a 12-7 victory that reasserted BCU’s authority and preserved their share of the SWAC lead at 10-2. The mid-week résumé moment, however, may have been the most impressive performance of BCU’s entire week: a 6-5 road victory over South Florida of the AAC. BCU erupted for six runs in the fifth inning, then held on late to lock down the victory against a power-conference program. At 22-10 overall, Bethune-Cookman is the most complete team in the SWAC when measured by the full body of work.

ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF swung the week’s wildest pendulum. Jose Vasquez was an absolute force, going 8-for-16 with eight RBI and nine runs scored, while Zach Wieder matched that energy with an 8-for-17 line, a home run, and seven RBI. UAPB crushed Central Arkansas 13-3 on Tuesday in a mid-week statement, and the Golden Lions took the series from Alabama State two games to one. But nothing — nothing — in SWAC baseball this week matched what happened in Game 3 at Alabama State on April 4. UAPB produced 23 hits and a 26-1 destruction of the Hornets, a historic offensive outburst that will be referenced in SWAC record books for years. The Golden Lions sit at 8-4 SWAC and remain squarely in the hunt.

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE swept Alcorn State in three consecutive road games, and Isreal Ramos provided the power highlight of the series with two home runs during the April 1 doubleheader, helping fuel a 15-8 victory in Game 2. Kendall Brookins delivered the dagger in the series opener, driving in the game-winning run with a walk-off RBI in the tenth inning to secure a 6-5 victory. The Delta Devils are now 6-6 in conference play and have positioned themselves as a legitimate middle-tier disruptor.

GRAMBLING STATE took the series from Jackson State two games to one in a back-and-forth battle at Willis Reed Field. The series opener was a 12-9 comeback win that showcased Grambling’s resilience, with Charles Ashe III delivering a key home run in the series-deciding game to help seal the victory. JSU’s 20-10 explosion in Game 3 avoided the sweep but could not change the series outcome. Grambling fell 12-0 to No. 4 Mississippi State on Tuesday but competing at that level without a loss of confidence speaks to this program’s constitution.

ALABAMA STATE split its energy between a series win over UAPB — taking two of three — and a brutal 26-1 Game 3 capitulation that made onlookers wonder, “wait.  What just happened?”. The Hornets also absorbed a 14-2 mid-week defeat at the hands of Troy. Alabama State did have some key  injuries at 5-7 in conference play but needs to rediscover the identity that produced those early series wins.

SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY grabbed Game 1 against Bethune-Cookman behind Kenyon Hughes, who delivered a triple and two RBI in a 7-3 upset victory that temporarily had Jaguar fans dreaming. The mid-week trip to Baton Rouge produced a 16-6 loss to LSU, a result that stings but does not diminish what Southern accomplished in that Game 1. At 5-6 in conference, Southern needs to string series wins together before the window closes.

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M absorbed the FAMU sweep in three games and fell to Stephen F. Austin 15-3 mid-week. At 2-10 in SWAC play, the Panthers are in a difficult moment, but the competitive offensive output in that 17-14 Game 1 against the Rattlers shows there is fight in this roster that the final standings do not fully capture.

ALABAMA A&M dropped all three to Texas Southern and was thoroughly dismantled by UT Martin 22-4 on Tuesday. The Bulldogs are 2-10 in conference at 7-27 overall, and the path forward requires immediate structural answers on the pitching staff.

ALCORN STATE surrendered three consecutive home games to Mississippi Valley State, with Jaylyn Bennett providing one of the week’s few bright individual moments by going 3-for-3 in the series opener despite the 6-5 loss. At 1-11 in SWAC play, Alcorn State faces the steepest climb in the conference, but individual performances like Bennett’s are the foundation on which turnarounds are eventually built.

—

NEC AND INDEPENDENT HIGHLIGHTS

Norfolk State handled its business against Coppin State this week, taking the series two games to one in a sequence that told two very different stories. The Spartans opened with a gritty 7-6 ten-inning victory before turning around and delivering an emphatic 21-2 demolition of the Eagles on April 3rd — the kind of blowout that echoes through a locker room for weeks. Jaydan Israel was the engine driving Norfolk State’s offense across the series, going 6-for-10 at the plate with seven RBI and a home run, imposing his will at the dish in a way that scouts notice and opponents fear. Coppin State salvaged game three with a 9-6 win, and Pranav Sundar delivered a clutch performance in that series finale to give the Eagles something to build on — but this week also featured a 1-18 bruising at the hands of Towson on Tuesday, a result that underscores just how steep the climb remains for this program. Coppin State is fighting, but the margin for error at this level is razor thin.

Maryland Eastern Shore dropped a tough one to Fairleigh Dickinson, falling 13-9 in a game that got away from the Hawks late. UMES showed enough offensive life to be competitive, but surrendering thirteen runs against an independent opponent is the kind of result that keeps a coaching staff up at night. The Hawks need better pitching discipline if they want to make noise down the stretch.

North Carolina A&T made the loudest statement of anyone in this region on Tuesday, March 31st, erupting for sixteen runs against Gardner-Webb in a 16-6 victory that started with a nine-run first inning. Nine runs before the opposition can catch its breath — that is not a rally, that is a declaration. The Aggies then split their Elon series, dropping the first two games 3-10 and 3-11 before grinding out a 6-5 win to close the week with something positive in hand. North Carolina A&T has the offensive firepower to compete with anyone, but the pitching staff must match that energy consistently if the Aggies intend to be a postseason factor. Delaware State had no games scheduled this week.

—

WEEKLY CLOSING STATEMENT

Three teams. Twelve wins apiece. One crown to claim. That is where HBCU baseball stands as April deepens its grip on the SWAC schedule, and the tension at the top of the conference table is as taut as a full-count fastball with the bases loaded. Florida A&M has won six straight, riding Jay Campbell’s bat and a road sweep of Prairie View that never felt as close as the 17-14 opener suggested. Texas Southern is a machine operating with Swiss precision — Byron Robinson torched opposing pitching at a .600 clip with 8 RBI and 17 total bases, while Jose Luccioni posted a 2.08 ERA across 13 innings to earn both Player and Pitcher of the Week honors from this desk. And Bethune-Cookman, sitting at 22-10 overall, remains the most credentialed program of the three — a fact they underscored Tuesday when they walked into USF territory and executed a 6-run fifth-inning ambush to steal a 6-5 decision from an AAC program. That win does not just feel good; it moves BCU’s RPI needle in ways that conference victories alone cannot. The three-way summit of the SWAC is not a coincidence — it is a collision course, and somebody is going to blink.

Below the top tier, the week produced defining statements that demand acknowledgment. Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s 26-1 series sweep saving annihilation of Alabama State on the April 4th was not just a baseball game — it was a proclamation. Twenty-three hits. Jose Vasquez going .500 with 8 RBI and 9 runs scored across the week. Zach Wieder matching him stroke for stroke at .471. UAPB has the offensive machinery of a team that knows it is chasing the top three and running out of margin for error, and they played like it. Meanwhile, Mississippi Valley State swept Alcorn State on the road to climb to 6-6 in SWAC play — .500 in conference for the first time this season — and Isreal Ramos provided the power in that doubleheader sweep. The Delta Devils are no longer a team you schedule to rest your pitching staff. They are a team with momentum, identity, and the look of a dangerous mid-pack disruptor in the final weeks of the regular season.

—

OUTLOOK FOR THE COMING WEEK

• THE THREE-WAY SUMMIT FACES ITS FIRST TEST: With Florida A&M, Texas Southern, and Bethune-Cookman each sitting at 10-2, the upcoming schedule will begin separating contenders from champions. Any series loss by any of the three immediately opens the door for the other two. Watch for head-to-head implications to sharpen — a BCU series loss would be the first crack in their 22-10 armor, while FAMU’s six-game winning streak will face a genuine stress test. TSU cannot afford to let Byron Robinson carry every offensive burden; the supporting cast must validate itself against stronger opposition.

• UAPB’S MOMENTUM MUST SURVIVE A BRUTAL STRETCH: Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s offensive explosion — 26 runs, 23 hits, Vasquez and Wieder combining for a .485 week — was spectacular theater, but the Golden Lions sit at 8-4 in conference play and need to run the table to have any realistic shot at a championship conversation. Their pitching staff will be scrutinized closely; the offense can carry a bad start only so long before the math catches up. How UAPB manages its rotation after this run-scoring deluge will define their ceiling.

• MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE IS NO LONGER AN AFTERTHOUGHT: The Delta Devils swept Alcorn State on the road, climbed to 6-6 in SWAC play, and now own legitimate .500 standing in a conference where they were picked to finish near the bottom. Isreal Ramos is swinging a dangerous bat and Kendall Brookins has already delivered a walkoff this week. If MVSU can steal another series in the coming week, they vault into the middle-tier conversation and complicate the standings math for programs above them.

• RPI POSITIONING AND MID-WEEK OPPORTUNITIES: BCU’s Tuesday ambush of South Florida proved that mid-week non-conference games are not exhibitions — they are RPI weapons for teams with tournament aspirations. Watch for other SWAC contenders to leverage upcoming mid-week matchups aggressively. FAMU, TSU, and BCU all have the roster depth to absorb a mid-week start without compromising their weekend rotation, and in a tight three-way race, the program that adds the best non-conference win before April closes may own the tiebreaker that matters most.

About the Author

Rod White is a veteran scout and the National Scouting Director for the National Scouting Bureau (NSB). A graduate of Scout School with the Toronto Blue Jays, Rod has served in scouting roles within the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies organizations and is a key selection committee member and scout for the MLB HBCU Swingman Classic. Most recently, as the Head Baseball Coach at Dillard University, Rod led the program to unprecedented goals and a .660 winning percentage during his tenure. An alumnus and former assistant coach of Alabama State University, Rod has dedicated his career to the elevation of the game at every level. As the founder of NSB, NSB ScoutWire, the ScoutsEye App, and the We Play Baseball Podcast, Rod blends a traditional scout’s ‘eye test’ with modern data-driven analytics to identify ‘fast-track’ prospects. His mission remains clear: ensuring that all baseball talent receives the professional visibility and evaluation they deserve, with a steadfast commitment to minority and HBCU players.

Look at this image. 23,133.

When Tina Nunez shared this in December 2024, it marked her son Nasim as the 23,133rd human being to ever debut in Major League Baseball. I am incredibly grateful to the Nunez family for allowing us to use this photo to talk about the reality of the “long road.” Our relationship with them over the years has shown us that while the destination is elite, the journey has to be grounded in something deeper than just “stats.”

To understand the scale of what your child is chasing, you have to look at the 15.5 Billion.

Reduction to the Ridiculous: The Great Human Filter

Since the inception of the Major Leagues in 1876, an estimated 15.5 billion human beings have walked this earth. 15,500,000,000 souls have lived, worked, and died in the MLB era.

If you stood every one of those people shoulder-to-shoulder, the line would wrap around the Earth 380 times. Now, look at that canvas again. At the time of this photo, out of that literal ocean of humanity, only 23,133 had ever been good enough to step onto a Big League diamond.

• The 1-in-670,000 Reality: For every 670,000 people born since 1876, only one becomes an MLB player.

• The Stadium Mirage: If you filled every seat in a Major League stadium (40,000 people), the statistical probability says that zero people in those stands will ever make it. You would have to fill 17 entire stadiums just to find one Nasim Nunez.

When we talk about “The Show,” we are talking about a selection process so brutal it reduces billions of people to a list that fits on a single wall.

The Freak Factor: Why the “Multi-Sport Athlete” Wins

This is where the pressure often breaks the player. Parents see these odds and think they need to “specialize” early. They think 12 months of baseball is the answer. It’s not.

To be the 23,133rd person in history, you have to be a physical freak of nature. 

* The 5’11” and Under Warrior: You need a “glitch in the system”—a twitch and lateral explosiveness that usually comes from playing basketball, soccer, or track.

• The 6’0″ and Above Athlete: Height is just a frame; you need the raw athleticism of a football player or a swimmer to fill it with the kind of “freakish” metrics that set you apart from the billions.

Real athleticism is “translated” from other sports. When a kid plays multiple sports, they aren’t “falling behind” in baseball; they are building the engine that will eventually allow them to become an outlier.

The Long Road: It’s Not a Sprint

The road to 23,133 is a marathon, and the “rabbit” rarely wins.

This is why when I show up to a high school game, I set up the FlightScope and the Stalker Pro II. Pull out the stopwatch to capture hitters’ home to first and catcher’s pop times.  It isn’t to put more pressure on your kid—it’s to provide a compass. We use data to identify:

1. Where they are: Their raw athleticism today.

2. Where they can be: Their ultimate ceiling.

3. The Roadmap: The slow, patient development required to get there.

The Five Pillars of the Parent-Athlete Journey

If you want your child to have a shot at defying the 15.5 billion-to-one odds, you must provide the environment where these five traits can grow and flourish:

• Patience: Development is not a straight line. It is a slow, quiet climb. You cannot microwave a Major Leaguer.

• Development: Skill is important, but athleticism is the foundation. Let them run, jump, and play other games.

• Fearlessness: A child who is afraid to fail because of parental pressure will never have the heart to stand in the box against 98mph. They must be allowed to fail.

• Humility: The game (and the data) will humble them. They need a parent who provides a safe harbor when the world tells them they aren’t “fast enough” yet.

• Doggedness: This is the “dog” in the player. It can’t be coached, and it can’t be forced by a parent. It is born when a kid loves the game so much, they refuse to stop.

The Reality:

Nasim Nunez didn’t just “make it.” He defied the history of the human race. But he didn’t get there because he was pressured at age 10; he got there because he had the freakish athleticism, the doggedness to keep going when others quit, and a family that was willing to support not only his wins, but his failures as well while helping guide him through them.

Bottom Line:

Support them. Let them have fun. Let them be athletes. Because the door is narrow, and the only ones who make it through are the ones who still love the game when the lights get the brightest.

23,133. It’s a long road. Let’s make sure they enjoy the journey.

About the Author

Rod White is a veteran scout and the National Scouting Director for the National Scouting Bureau (NSB). A graduate of Scout School with the Toronto Blue Jays, Rod has served in scouting roles within the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies organizations and is a key selection committee member and scout for the MLB HBCU Swingman Classic.

Most recently, as the Head Baseball Coach at Dillard University, Rod led the program to unprecedented goals and a .660 winning percentage during his tenure. An alumnus and former assistant coach of Alabama State University, Rod has dedicated his career to the elevation of the game at every level.

As the founder of NSB, NSB ScoutWire, the ScoutsEye App, and the We Play Baseball Podcast, Rod blends a traditional scout’s “eye test” with modern data-driven analytics to identify “fast-track” prospects. His mission remains clear: ensuring that all baseball talent receives the professional visibility and evaluation they deserve, with a steadfast commitment to minority and HBCU players.

About the Author
Rod White is a veteran scout and the National Scouting Director for the National Scouting Bureau (NSB). A graduate of Scout School with the Toronto Blue Jays, Rod has served in scouting roles within the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies organizations and is a key selection committee member and scout for the MLB HBCU Swingman Classic.

Most recently, as the Head Baseball Coach at Dillard University, Rod led the program to unprecedented goals and a .660 winning percentage during his tenure. An alumnus and former assistant coach of Alabama State University, Rod has dedicated his career to the elevation of the game at every level.

As the founder of NSB, NSB ScoutWire, the ScoutsEye App, and the We Play Baseball Podcast, Rod blends a traditional scout’s “eye test” with modern data-driven analytics to identify “fast-track” prospects. His mission remains clear: ensuring that all baseball talent receives the professional visibility and evaluation they deserve, with a steadfast commitment to minority and HBCU players.

ETTRICK, Va. (March 25, 2026)

The four team event will feature the host Trojans along with Bluefield State University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, and Claflin University.

Participation in the CIAA Baseball Series Championship will be contingent upon postseason qualification. Any team that advances to its respective conference tournament will not compete in the event.

Claflin competes as a member of the Peach Belt Conference, while Lincoln University of Pennsylvania is a member of the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference. Bluefield State competes as an independent institution, and Virginia State competes in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.

Additional information regarding game times and other event details will be announced at a later date.

Source:  Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Strategic Communications

NEW ORLEANS – Philander Smith University outfielder and pitcher Tyron Brickhill wins Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Baseball Player and Freshman of the Week. Southern University at New Orleans pitcher Christopher Nunez garners Pitcher of the Week. Huston-Tillotson University pitcher Weston Bailey claims Newcomer of the Week. They were recognized for their performance between March 16-22, the conference announced on Monday.

Brickhill went 6-for-9 in the three-game series against Tougaloo College and 7-for-13 overall. For the week, he hit three home runs with eight RBI and scored five runs. He also started on the mound in the finale and struck out six in four innings. His performance helped the Panthers sweep the series against Tougaloo and stay in contention for the 2026 Hope Credit Union HBCUAC Baseball Championship.

Nunez went seven innings Saturday against Huston-Tillotson — the second-best team in the West Division — allowing just 2 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, and striking out four on 85 pitches in a 2-0 complete game shutout. His performance helped the Knights win the series and improve to 10-9 on the season.

Bailey struck out seven batters en route to a complete-game conference victory at SUNO this weekend. He has won his last four starts.

Additional baseball weekly nominees: Estevan Baca (Wiley), Daniel de los Rios (Wiley), Manuel Duran (Voorhees), Jhemmal Geraldo (SUNO), Adrian German (Huston-Tillotson), Jaiden Godette (Voorhees), Rashad Hutchings (Voorhees), Armando Jackson (Talladega), Chance Jaubert (Oakwood), Dylan Jimenez (SUNO), Payton Johnson (Huston-Tillotson), Ethan Jones (Wiley), Amir Mason (Wiley), Eli Payne (Talladega), Angel Ramos (Talladega), Gavin Rehorn (Stillman), John Roland (Stillman), Khalil Rufus (Tougaloo), Bryce Sanchez (Huston-Tillotson), Derrick Sanders (Oakwood), Graelan Shaffer (Tougaloo), Aaditya Sur (Philander Smith), Chase Varnado (Tougaloo), Dewinel Vazquez Oquendo (Talladega)

About the HBCU Athletic Conference

The HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) is the only HBCU conference in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The HBCUAC membership includes Dillard University (LA), Fisk University (TN), Huston-Tillotson University (TX), Oakwood University (AL), Paul Quinn College (TX), Philander Smith University (AR), Rust College (MS), Southern University at New Orleans (LA), Stillman College (AL), Talladega College (AL), Tougaloo College (MS), University of the Virgin Islands (St. Thomas), Voorhees University (SC), Wilberforce University (OH), and Wiley University (TX). HBCUAC sponsors championships in men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s track and field, women’s volleyball, softball, and baseball. In 2022, the HBCUAC secured the largest media rights deal in conference and NAIA history, signing a multimillion-dollar deal with Urban Edge Network. On July 1, 2024, the conference rebranded from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) to the HBCU Athletic Conference, marking a new era for the conference that embodies the makeup of its membership. For more information, visit hbcuac.org.

Source: HBCU Athletics Conference Communications Department

Florida A&M stays in the top five this week, but drops from the number three spot to number four while Grambling State University enters the poll for the first time at number five.

Rounding out the top ten are Jackson State University, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Southern University, Norfolk State University and North Carolina A&T University.

The two divisional polls are as follows…

Large School Poll

Small School Poll

2026 Poll Dates (with links to poll results):

Week 1 (March 11 , 2026)
Week 2 (March 25, 2026)
Week 3 (TBA)

The voting committee is made up of an informed and impartial group of individuals who follow college baseball on all levels, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) baseball. Included in the group are college athletic administrators and educators, college baseball writers and other sports journalists and broadcasters, former HBCU and other college ballplayers and above all else… college baseball enthusiasts who have an interest in promoting HBCU baseball.

As the college baseball season concludes, champions are named in two divisions… the “large school” division which is composed of the 17 HBCU schools representing NCAA Division I and a “small school” division made up of the 38 HBCU schools with NCAA Division II, NAIA NCCAA and USCAA status.

ATLANTA

PLAYER OF THE WEEK – ARIN CHEVERS, ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY

Outfielder | R-Freshman | Albany, Ga.
Chevers had an impressive week at the plate, playing a crucial role in Albany State’s offensive success against Lane. He displayed both power and consistency, hitting multiple home runs and driving in key runs during critical moments. Chevers’ ability to deliver timely hits and ignite scoring rallies significantly contributed to the Golden Rams’ performance in conference play, making him a key player behind the team’s strong results. He finished the week batting .556 with a 1.667 slugging percentage and a .714 on-base percentage, totaling five hits, five runs scored and eight RBI in the series. Chevers added three home runs and a double, while drawing three walks.


PITCHER OF THE WEEK – KEVIN MAYA, LEMOYNE-OWEN COLLEGE

Right-Handed Pitcher/Infielder | Sophomore | Orlando, Fla. 
Maya dominated on the mound in Game 2 of a three-game series against Benedict College, leading the Magicians to a 3-1 victory over the Tigers with a complete-game effort that showcased both control and composure. He worked all seven innings and allowed just one run, keeping Benedict’s offense in check from start to finish. Maya threw 100 pitches, including 69 strikes, demonstrating his ability to command the zone and stay ahead of hitters. He faced 26 batters and recorded 10 strikeouts.

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SIAC)
The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions (Albany State University, Allen University, Benedict College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University), which are located within a contiguous seven-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors nine men’s and seven women’s sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II.

Source: SIAC Communications Department

PLAYER OF THE WEEK – ROBERT ROBINSON JR., MOREHOUSE COLLEGE
Catcher/First Base | Junior | Houston, Texas

Robinson turned in a monster week at the plate for the Maroon Tigers, helping power Morehouse to a 4-1 record from March 10-15. Over five games, Robinson hit .316 (6-for-19) with six runs scored, nine RBI, five home runs, four walks, and a 1.105 slugging percentage. His biggest statement came in the March 14 nightcap against LeMoyne-Owen, when he erupted for a 3-for-4 performance with three home runs, five RBI, four runs scored, and a walk in an 11-1 Morehouse win. Robinson also homered in Morehouse’s 7-5 win over Stillman on March 10 and added another home run in the March 14 opener against LeMoyne-Owen, giving him home runs in three different games during the week.

PITCHER OF THE WEEK – IAN MAKLE, MOREHOUSE COLLEGE
Left-Handed Pitcher | Sophomore | Washington, D.C.

Makle delivered the strongest week on the mound for Morehouse, combining dominance and efficiency in two appearances. Over 7.0 innings, Makle posted a 0.00 ERA, allowed just four hits, walked one, struck out 10, and limited opponents to a .167 batting average. Makle first gave the Maroon Tigers a major lift in relief during Morehouse’s 7-5 win over Stillman on March 10, tossing 3.0 scoreless innings while allowing only one hit and striking out three. He followed that with another clutch outing in the March 14 conference opener against LeMoyne-Owen, working 4.0 scoreless innings with three hits allowed, one walk, and seven strikeouts to earn the win in a 7-5 Morehouse victory.

ABOUT THE SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (SIAC)
The SIAC is a NCAA athletic conference consisting primarily of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with headquarters in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. The SIAC includes 15 member institutions (Albany State University, Allen University, Benedict College, Central State University, Clark Atlanta University, Edward Waters University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, LeMoyne-Owen College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University), which are located within a contiguous seven-state footprint (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio). The SIAC sponsors nine men’s and seven women’s sports and is a proud member of the NCAA Division II.

Source: SIAC Communications Department

Ealey was instrumental in helping lead Norfolk State to a weekend series win over Central Connecticut State in Northeast Conference play. The southpaw made one appearance on the mound, starting Sunday’s series finale, going two innings, while allowing only one hit and striking out three batters. For the weekend, Ealey was 6-for-14 (.429) at the plate, scoring four runs, earning two RBIs, one walk and one triple. The sophomore also posted a 4-for-9 (.444) performance as a hitter in mid-week play.

Each week the CBF recognizes weekly award winners in conjunction with the Brooks Wallace Award, Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award, John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award and the National Pitcher of the Year Award.

The John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award is presented annually by the College Baseball Foundation to honor the nation’s top combo pitcher-position player. Olerud, who was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007, was a standout pitcher and first baseman at Washington State University from 1987 through 1989.

About the College Baseball Foundation

The purpose of the College Baseball Foundation (CBF) is to preserve, elevate, and advance the game; to inspire the next generation; to teach those who love college baseball about its rich history and traditions; to celebrate those who make college baseball special; and to honor those who have come before us, and built the foundation upon which college baseball thrives today.

The College Baseball Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Support for the College Baseball Hall of Fame will help preserve the rich history of the sport for future generations. All donations to the College Baseball Hall of Fame are tax deductible and can be made via this link on the organization’s website.

The CBF presents the Brooks Wallace Award (Nation’s Most Outstanding Shortstop), the National Pitcher of the Year Award, the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award, the Skip Bertman Coach of the Year Award, the George H.W. Bush Distinguished Alumnus Award, and the Wayne Graham Award for Teaching Excellence.

About the College Baseball Hall of Fame

Each year, more than 200 representatives nationwide vote on the College Baseball Hall of Fame induction class. The voting body is comprised of national and regional college baseball media, active and retired coaches, former players, former inductees, college baseball historians and members of the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) collegiate baseball committee. The College Baseball Hall of Fame inducted its first class in 2006. Since that time, 175 players, coaches, umpires, administrators and contributors have been selected for induction. Click here for a full list of College Baseball Hall of Fame classes.

The College Baseball Hall of Fame will establish a physical location in Overland Park, Kansas in 2026. Located within the iconic Museum at Prairiefire, the College Baseball Hall of Fame will serve as a shared community asset, deepening connections to the nation’s favorite pastime through a dynamic and ever-evolving space for college baseball enthusiasts to celebrate the sport’s rich past, present, and future.

The two divisional polls are as follows…

Large School Poll

Small School Poll

2026 Poll Dates (with links to poll results):

Week 1 (March 11 , 2026)
Week 2 (March 25, 2026)
Week 3 (TBA)

The voting committee is made up of an informed and impartial group of individuals who follow college baseball on all levels, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) baseball. Included in the group are college athletic administrators and educators, college baseball writers and other sports journalists and broadcasters, former HBCU and other college ballplayers and above all else… college baseball enthusiasts who have an interest in promoting HBCU baseball.

As the college baseball season concludes, champions are named in two divisions… the “large school” division which is composed of the 17 HBCU schools representing NCAA Division I and a “small school” division made up of the 38 HBCU schools with NCAA Division II, NAIA NCCAA and USCAA status.