Edward Waters outfielder Daniel Donaldson-Fountain was named SIAC Player of the Year, while Spring Hill senior Garrett Lott earned Starting Pitcher of the Year honors. Albany State freshman Dereck Foster was selected as Relief Pitcher of the Year, and Edward Waters sophomore Bobby Torres claimed Utility Player of the Year. Morehouse freshman Tripp Braswell was named Freshman of the Year, while Morehouse head coach Antonio Grissom was voted Coach of the Year.

Albany State led the First Team with five selections, highlighted by starting pitcher Samuel Crew, catcher Tyler Turner, first baseman Ty Grover, third baseman Luke Addison and Foster, the league’s top relief pitcher. Spring Hill and Edward Waters each placed three players on the First Team, with Spring Hill represented by Lott, Ray Ochoa and shortstop Jatnier Torres, while Edward Waters landed Tyler Pfirrmann, Donaldson-Fountain and Bobby Torres.

Morehouse placed two players on the First Team, with senior outfielder Elijah James and junior designated hitter Robert Robinson Jr. earning honors. Savannah State second baseman Johan Sandoval and Kentucky State outfielder Ryan Campbell rounded out the First Team.

The Second Team featured strong representation from Morehouse and Spring Hill, each with three selections. Morehouse freshman pitcher Cameron Simmons, Robinson at catcher and senior shortstop Elijah Pinckney were named to the Second Team. Spring Hill added pitcher Wyatt Brown, third baseman Jaylen Jones and designated hitter Jordan Black.

Benedict also had three Second Team selections with pitcher Lefrederick Wooten, first baseman Joshua Medina and outfielder Jaquez Akins. Savannah State placed pitcher Austin McCormack and relief pitcher Adonis Perez on the Second Team, while Clark Atlanta second baseman Jaylon Johnson, Edward Waters outfielders Angelo Prieto and Jordan Smith, and Miles utility player Ajani Lyons completed the list.

Morehouse also added one of the conference’s top academic honors, as Pinckney was named the SIAC’s Elite 16 Honoree, an award presented to the student-athlete who displays excellence in athletics and the classroom. The honor capped a strong awards showing for the Maroon Tigers, who earned Freshman of the Year, Coach of the Year, the Elite 16 award and five all-conference placements across four players.

The 2026 All-SIAC Baseball Team reflected a balanced year across the conference, with Albany State, Spring Hill, Edward Waters and Morehouse leading the way in major honors and all-conference representation. The announcement also set the stage for a postseason in which several of the league’s top performers are expected to play central roles in the SIAC championship race.

Player of the Year: Daniel Donaldson-Fountain, Edward Waters

Starting Pitcher of the Year: Garrett Lott, Spring Hill

Relief Pitcher of the Year: Dereck Foster, Albany State

Utility Player of the Year: Bobby Torres, Edward Waters

Freshman of the Year: Tripp Braswell, Morehouse

Coach of the Year: Antonio Grissom, Morehouse

Elite 16 Honoree: Elijah Pinckney, Morehouse

MACON, Ga. — Day two of the 2026 SIAC Baseball Tournament brought the first major bracket shakeup, the tournament’s first game in which neither team reached double-digit runs, the first 10-run rule result, and a weather-related schedule adjustment that pushed the winner’s bracket finale between No. 1 Spring Hill and No. 4 Savannah State to Saturday night.

No. 7 Benedict 8, No. 2 Albany State 5 — Albany State eliminated

No. 2 Albany State, one of the tournament’s top seeds, became the headline departure of the day, leaving Macon without a win after falling to No. 7 Benedict, 8-5, in an elimination game. Benedict and Albany State each finished with 10 hits, but the Golden Rams committed five errors and left 12 runners on base, allowing Benedict to stay alive. Kent Johnson powered Benedict’s offense, going 2-for-5 with a home run, three runs scored and four RBIs, while Jim Johnson worked seven innings to earn the win. Albany State got a home run from Arin Chevers and two hits from Emory Stephens, but could not overcome the early deficit or late Benedict insurance runs.

No. 3 Edward Waters 8, No. 6 Miles 7

The middle game produced one of the best comebacks of the tournament, as No. 3 Edward Waters rallied past No. 6 Miles, 8-7. Miles jumped out to a 5-0 lead through two innings, but Edward Waters answered with one run in the third and four in the fourth to tie the game. After Miles moved back ahead 7-5 in the seventh, Edward Waters pushed across one run in the bottom half before taking the lead for good in the eighth. Daniel Donaldson-Fountain tied the game with an RBI single, and Angelo Prieto followed with the go-ahead sacrifice fly. Andres Carracciolo went 3-for-4, Joseph Di Cesare finished 3-for-3 with two runs scored, and Cason Shurling closed the door for the save.

No. 5 Morehouse 15, No. 8 Kentucky State 2 — 7 innings, 10-run rule

No. 5 Morehouse delivered the first 10-run rule finish of the tournament, eliminating No. 8 Kentucky State with a 15-2 victory in seven innings. Kentucky State scored first, but Morehouse answered with one run in the second, two in the third, one in the fourth, seven in the fifth and four more in the sixth to break the game open. Elijah Pinckney led the Maroon Tigers by going 2-for-4 with a double, two runs and three RBIs, while Myles Tucker drove in three, Kendyn Fredieu went 2-for-2, and Morehouse drew 14 walks as a team. Vernon Clay earned the win, allowing two runs over six innings before Dejorryn Pettis finished the seventh.

No. 1 Spring Hill vs. No. 4 Savannah State — postponed to Saturday night due to weather

The scheduled final game of the day, No. 1 Spring Hill against No. 4 Savannah State, was postponed to Saturday night because of anticipated weather in the Macon area. As a result, the games originally scheduled for Saturday will now be played on Sunday.

MACON, Ga. — Opening day of the 2026 SIAC Baseball Tournament delivered exactly what postseason baseball should: offense, pressure, late rallies and one major bracket-shaker. The eight-team, double-elimination tournament opened Thursday at historic Luther Williams Field, where the field is competing for the SIAC championship and the league’s automatic berth to the NCAA South Regional.

Across four games, SIAC teams combined for 78 runs and 88 hits, with three games reaching at least 20 total runs. By the end of the long opening day, No. 3 Edward Waters, No. 7 Miles, No. 1 Spring Hill and No. 4 Savannah State had moved into the winner’s bracket, while Benedict, Albany State, Kentucky State and Morehouse were pushed into elimination play.

No. 3 Edward Waters 12, No. 6 Benedict 11

Edward Waters opened the tournament with a 12-11 win over Benedict in one of the wildest games of the day. The Tigers jumped ahead with a five-run second inning, highlighted by home runs from Bobby Torres and Daniel Donaldson-Fountain, then used a three-run fifth-inning blast from Luis Nunez to build a 9-4 advantage.

Benedict refused to go quietly. The Tigers scored twice in the eighth on a Cameron Haley home run and then pushed across five runs in the ninth, cutting the deficit to one before Edward Waters escaped. Nunez led Edward Waters with a monster day, going 4-for-4 with a home run, double, three RBIs and three runs scored, while Benedict’s Milton Herring drove in four runs and Jaquez Akins went 3-for-4.

No. 7 Miles 15, No. 2 Albany State 11

The first true bracket-shaker of the tournament came in the second game, as Miles erased an early deficit and knocked off second-seeded Albany State, 15-11. Albany State came out swinging, scoring three in the first on an Arin Chevers home run and building a 10-4 lead after four innings.

Miles flipped the game in the middle innings, scoring four runs in the fifth before a six-run sixth changed the entire feel of the afternoon. The key — and most controversial — sequence came with the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth. Michael Smith, representing Miles’ 10th run, broke for the plate on an attempted steal of home and was initially called out. After the umpiring crew came together, the call was changed to catcher’s interference on Albany State catcher Ryan Brown, allowing Smith to score, moving Zakry Licastro to second and Malachi Jeffries to third, and awarding Mason Lynch first base. The official scoring credited Lynch with reaching on catcher’s interference and Smith with scoring an unearne run.

The ruling kept the inning alive, and Miles immediately capitalized. One batter later, Gregory Willis doubled to center field, clearing the bases and turning the controversial call into a four-run swing that pushed the Golden Bears in front for good. Willis finished with five RBIs, while Lynch went 3-for-3 with three runs scored and Myles Wessels added three hits and three runs. Albany State got home runs from Chevers and Luke Addison, but the Golden Rams’ five defensive errors helped open the door for the Miles comeback.

No. 1 Spring Hill 8, No. 8 Kentucky State 1

Top-seeded Spring Hill handled its opening assignment with an 8-1 win over Kentucky State. The Badgers put the game away early with six runs in the bottom of the first, getting run-scoring hits from Jaylen Jones, John Webb and Gavin Moran before adding two more runs in the fifth.

Moran led the Spring Hill offense, going 3-for-4 with three RBIs, while Webb added two hits, two RBIs and two runs scored. On the mound, Donovan Monsees set the tone, working seven scoreless innings while allowing six hits and striking out four. Kentucky State avoided the shutout in the ninth on an RBI single by Ryan Campbell.

No. 4 Savannah State 11, No. 5 Morehouse 9

The nightcap started late and became another offensive showcase, with Savannah State outlasting Morehouse, 11-9. Morehouse struck first with two runs in the opening inning and added back-to-back solo home runs from Nicholas Pittman and Robert Robinson in the second to take a 4-0 lead.

Savannah State answered with seven runs in the bottom of the second, using a two-run single from Gavin Jusino, an RBI single from Jason Ramos, an RBI single from Julian Grier and a two-run double from Kidane Stephens to flip the game. Morehouse continued to battle, tying the game at 9-9 in the fifth on a bases-clearing triple by Tripp Braswell, but Savannah State reclaimed control in the eighth when Johan Sandoval hit a two-run home run.

Stephens led Savannah State with two hits, four RBIs and a double, while Grier scored three runs and Sandoval drove in two. Morehouse was powered by Robinson, who went 4-for-5 with a home run, four runs scored and an RBI, and Braswell, who drove in three.

Day One Takeaways

The opening day belonged to offense, but Miles’ comeback win over Albany State was the biggest result of the day. Spring Hill looked every bit like the top seed, Edward Waters survived a dangerous Benedict rally, and Savannah State showed late-game toughness in the finale.

Friday’s schedule sends Benedict against Albany State and Morehouse against Kentucky State in elimination games, while Miles faces Edward Waters and Spring Hill meets Savannah State in the winner’s bracket.

The Foundation: A Living Legend & The Bama State Grit

Our story began at Alabama State University, and it was built on the rock of a living legend: Coach Larry Watkins. Long before he was the Associate AD for Facilities, Coach Watkins was molding us into men.
Happy and I didn’t just learn the game; we were mentored and developed under Watkins’ watchful eye. He taught us that the “Bama State” way is the only way—discipline, integrity, and an unshakeable work ethic. Every success Happy has today is a reflection of the standard Coach Watkins set for us.

The Dual-Threat Leader
I remember when we recruited Happy to ASU. He was the ultimate “Two-Sport” weapon—leading the huddle as a Quarterback and dominating the diamond as a two-way player. That QB1 mentality never left him. Whether he’s calling a game from the dugout or breaking down mechanics on the mound, he leads with the poise of a man who has been under center and under pressure.

A Proven Architect of Champions
Happy’s coaching journey is a masterclass in player development:

• The ASU Days: We started our coaching journey together at our alma mater, learning the ropes and paying our dues.

• The Savannah State Era: Hired by Carlton Hardy and served as Associate Head Coach/Co-Pitching Coach, Happy helped lead the program to a MEAC Championship. It was here where he had a hand in the development of Kyle McGowin (RHP), taking him from a collegiate arm to a 5th-round MLB draft pick and, eventually, a 2019 World Series Champion with the Washington Nationals.

• The Texas College Command: Happy took the mantle of Head Coach, and I had the honor of serving as his Associate Head Coach. What we accomplished there was nothing short of a miracle. We took a program from 4 wins to 30 wins in just two years. In the COVID-shortened year, we weren’t just winning—we were dominant, on pace to set national records in runs scored and stolen bases. We built a culture of aggressive, winning baseball.

• The Prairie View A&M Stretch: After the world restarted post-COVID, Happy was brought on by Auntwan Riggins to sharpen the staff at PVAMU, continuing his legacy as the premier pitching mind in the SWAC.

The Ascension:
Williamsport & The MLB Draft League
The Williamsport Crosscutters aren’t just getting a coach; they’re getting a winner. They’re getting a man who has seen the game from every angle—from the gridiron to the World Series.

“To my brother, my comrade: We’ve walked this path together from the very beginning. From being young recruits under Coach Watkins to leading our own programs, I have watched you pour your soul into this game. Seeing you ascend to the MLB Draft League isn’t just a win for you—it’s a win for all of us who know the grind. I love you, I’m proud of you, and I know Williamsport has no idea how lucky they are to have you.”

The “Happy” Era has reached the next level. Let’s work.
#Crosscutters #MLBDraftLeague #BamaStateBuilt #LarryWatkinsLegacy #HappyMacon #Brotherhood #PVAMU #TexasCollege #WorldSeriesPedigree #CarltonHardy #AuntwanRiggins

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 Lead-Off: HBCU Baseball Mid-Season Heat

As we turn the corner toward the final stretch of the 2026 season, the landscape of HBCU baseball has shifted from “figuring it out” to “fighting for it.” The week of April 20–26 proved that the road to the SWAC and NEC tournaments won’t just be paved with talent—it will be forged in grit, extra-inning drama, and high-stakes rivalry.

In the SWAC East, the “Florida Classic” lived up to its billing on the diamond. Bethune-Cookman made a definitive statement in their series against Florida A&M, proving why they currently hold the crown in the BCN Large School Poll. Meanwhile, the SWAC Westhas become a high-speed chase, with Southern University currently riding a blistering 10-game winning streak that has the rest of the conference looking over their shoulders.

Up the coast in the NEC, the Mid-Atlantic programs delivered some of the week’s most theatrical finishes, highlighted by Norfolk State’s extra-inning heroics. And while North Carolina A&T continues to navigate the rigorous waters of the CAA, individual power surges from their core lineup prove that the Aggies are never out of a fight.

From walk-off balks in Virginia to dominant shutouts in Texas, we’ve crunched the box scores for all 17 Division I programs to bring you the standouts, the stats, and the stories that defined the week.

This is your Black College Nines HBCU Roundup.

The Lead: SWAC East Separation

Bethune-Cookman has officially created daylight at the top of the conference, winning a high-stakes series against rival Florida A&M.

1. Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

• Standout: Edwin Sanchez (P) – Earned his 9th win of the season on April 24, allowing just 3 runs in a tight 4-3 victory over FAMU.
• Key Stat: Moved to 17-4 in SWAC play, holding the #1 spot in the BCN Large School Poll.

2. Florida A&M Rattlers

• Standout: Ty Jackson (CF) – Remained a statistical anomaly on the bases, recording 3 hits and 2 stolen bases during the BCU series despite the Friday loss.
• Key Stat: Currently sits at #2 in the BCN Poll at 21-19 overall.

3. Jackson State Tigers

• Standout: Diego Melendez (INF) – Torched Alabama A&M on April 26, going 3-for-5 with 4 RBIs in a 13-5 series-clinching win.
• Key Stat: JSU snapped a mid-week slump to stay in the middle of the East pack.

4. Alabama State Hornets

• Standout: Devin Chandler (LF) – Continued his torrid April. In the mid-week vs. Mercer, he went 2-for-4 with a HR and a double, then followed up with a 2-hit, 2-RBI performance against MVSU.
• Key Stat: The Hornets are currently on a 3-game winning streak.

5. Alabama A&M Bulldogs

• Standout: Tristan Curless (OF) – The lone consistent bright spot in the JSU series, recording a triple and maintaining a .300+ average for the week.

6. Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils

• Standout: Jaxon Haynes (SS) – Hit a solo HR in the April 25th slugfest (11-9 loss), showing rare power for the Valley lineup.

SWAC West: The Texas Takeover

Texas Southern and Southern University are currently locked in a battle for West Division supremacy.

7. Texas Southern Tigers

• Standout: Justin Mays (P) – Threw a masterpiece against Prairie View on April 24, moving to 5-1 with a complete-game shutout.
• Key Stat: TSU’s pitching staff held PVAMU to zero runs in two of the three weekend games.

8. Southern University Jaguars

• Standout: KJ White Jr. (OF) – The engine of the Jaguars’ offense. He recorded 4 hits over the weekend and swiped his 21st base of the season.
• Key Stat: Southern is currently on a 10-game winning streak, the longest in HBCU baseball.

9. Grambling State Tigers

• Standout: Shannon Martin (INF) – Delivered a clutch 2-RBI single in a narrow victory over Alcorn State to keep Grambling in the hunt for a tourney seed.

10. Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions

• Standout: Vinny Saumell (C) – Hit .400 for the week with 5 RBIs, helping the Lions maintain their #3 ranking in the BCN Large School Poll.

11. Prairie View A&M Panthers

• Standout: Michael Burroughs (LF) – Managed 2 hits against the dominant TSU pitching staff, one of the few Panthers to reach base consistently.

12. Alcorn State Braves

• Standout: Jaylyn Bennett (OF) – Maintained his team-high .363 average with a multi-hit performance in the series opener against Grambling.

NEC & CAA: Mid-Atlantic Action

13. North Carolina A&T Aggies (CAA)

• Standout: Andrew Tinsley (LF) – Despite a lopsided weekend vs. William & Mary, Tinsley went 3-for-4 with a 2-run HR on April 24.
• Key Stat: Remains #10 in the BCN Top 10 despite the conference step-up.

14. Norfolk State Spartans

• Standout: Jaydan Israel (SS) – The walk-off king. Scored the winning run on a balk in the 10th inning to beat Coppin State 7-6.
• Key Stat: Moved up to #9 in the BCN Poll.

15. Coppin State Eagles

• Standout: Armando Hurtado (C) – Launched a 2-run HR against Norfolk State and has established himself as the premier power catcher in the NEC.

16. Delaware State Hornets

• Standout: Chris Amparo (INF) – The Hornet’s most reliable bat, recording a multi-hit game in the weekend opener.

17. Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks

• Standout: Bronson Taylor (OF) – A terror on the basepaths, recording 3 stolen bases across the week’s mid-week and weekend slate.

Roundup Note: Southern University’s 10-game win streak makes them the hottest team in the country heading into the final month of the regular season.

The Week’s “Golden Spike” Performers:

• The Power Bat: Andrew Tinsley (NC A&T) – 2-run HR, .750 AVG in series opener.
• The Ace: Justin Mays (Texas Southern) – Complete-game shutout vs. PVAMU.
• The Speedster: KJ White Jr. (Southern) – 4 hits, 21st stolen base of the season.
• The Clutch Gene: Jaydan Israel (Norfolk State) – Walk-off run scored in the 10th.

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 head coaches nominated and voted. The top players at each position earned First Team All-HBCUAC and the runner-up earned Second Team.

Most Valuable Player Christopher Alcantra-Diaz, DH, Wilberforce

Hitter of the Year Christopher Alcantara-Diaz, DH Wilberforce

Pitcher of the Year Weston Bailey, Huston-Tillotson

Freshman of the Year Junior Veras-Vasquez, 3B, Wilberforce

Newcomer of the Year Weston Bailey, Pitcher, Huston-Tillotson

Coach of the Year Marcos Dominguez, Talladega

Assistant Coach of the Year Al Robinson, SUNO

First Team

SP Weston Bailey, Huston-Tillotson

SP Estevan Baca, Wiley

RP Mikel Black, SUNO

C Armando Jackson, Talladega

1B Ivan Del Villar, Wiley

2B Joe Mendy, Wilberforce

3B Robert Gage, Stillman

SS Amir Mason, Wiley

OF Eli Payne, Talladega

OF Darius Woodson, Wilberforce

OF Kaleb Gilner, Wiley

DH Christopher Alcantara-Diaz, Wilberforce

Second Team

SP Christopher Nunez, SUNO

SP Ethan Walker, Huston-Tillotson

RP Juan Pena, Wiley

C Payton Johnson, Huston-Tillotson

1B Noah Alvarez, Huston-Tillotson

2B Josh Wilk, Huston-Tillotson

3B Trey Garza, Huston-Tillotson

SS Victor Rivera, Talladega

OF Jonathan Phillips, Stillman

OF Mike Lewis, Dillard

OF Gavin Rehorn, Stillman

DH Diego Duque, 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

This season the conference had teams only compete against schools in their division while playing home-and-home with two teams. While some schools played against the other division in non-conference play, the Hope Credit Union HBCUAC Baseball Championship marked the first time for most of  the conference. While it didn’t decide the division champions, some of the seeds were adjusted due to forfeits. Below are the 2026 qualifiers for each division.

HBCUAC EAST

1. Talladega College
2. Stillman College
3. Wilberforce University
4. Voorhees University

HBCUAC WEST

1. Huston-Tillotson
2. Southern University at New Orleans
3. Philander Smith
4. Dillard

For the third straight season, the Tornadoes dominated HBCUAC play. Their only blemishes were losing a slugfest against Rust College and a walk-off loss against Stillman College. Talladega won all seven series with five sweeps. While it lost significant pieces from its previous championship teams, the reigning HBCUAC Coach of the Year Marcos Dominguez found new players to fill in the gaps.

Freshman outfielder Eli Payne leads the team with a .392 batting average. He has 25 RBI and 21 runs. He is one of the team leaders with a .519 slugging percentage. On the mound, Luis Perdomo is 5-1 with a 4.39 ERA. He has 60 strikeouts in 53 ⅓ innings pitched. Transfer Dewinel Vazquez has helped close out games. He is 3-3 with two saves and a 3.52 ERA. Returning All-HBCUAC First Team catcher Armando Jackson leads the HBCUAC with 11 home runs and 60 RBI. Joshua Catala-Santos is hitting .340 with 55 runs and leads the conference with 38 stolen bases. The Tornadoes have four of the top five players in stolen bases.

Diego Duque is Talladega’s top returning pitcher with a 7-3 record and a 3.13 ERA. He has struck out 69 batters in 63.1 innings. The Tornadoes will face West No. 4 seed Dillard University at 3:30 p.m. They will face either the winner or loser between West No. 2 seed Southern University at New Orleans and East No. 3 seed Wilberforce University.

After dealing with the powerhouses of the Red River Athletic Conference for decades, Huston-Tillotson University quickly rose to the top of the West. It only lost series against Wiley University and Southern University at New Orleans. The Rams have been led by its 1-2 punch on the mound Ethan Walker and Weston Bailey. Walker is 7-2 with a 2.52 ERA. He has struck out 61 batters in 75 innings. Bailey is 7-2, winning his last seven starts. He has a 22-inning scoreless streak, dropping his ERA to 2.45. Bailey has struck out 59 batters in 58.2 innings.

Leading the Rams in hitting is Trey Garza with a .364 batting average. He has 33 RBI and 32 runs. Noah Alvarez leads the team with 38 RBI and is hitting .285. Jacob Perez is hitting .318 with 21 RBI. Huston-Tillotson faces East No. 4 seed Voorhees University at noon on Saturday. It will face either the winner or loser between East No. 2 seed Stillman College and West No. 3 seed Philander Smith University.

All the games of the 2026 Hope Credit Union HBCUAC Baseball Championship will stream on the Urban Edge Network Fans can visit Tournament Central and the HBCUAC social media pages for the latest updates.

SATURDAY GAMES

Noon: West No. 3 Philander Smith vs. East No. 2 Stillman (Field 4)

Noon: East No. 4 Voorhees University vs. West No. 1 Huston-Tillotson University (Field 2)

3:30 p.m.: East No. 3 Wilberforce University vs. West No. 2 Southern University at New Orleans (Field 2)

3:30 p.m. West No. 4 Dillard vs. East No. 1 Talladega (Field 4)

7 p.m.: Game 1 Loser vs. Game 2 Loser (Field 4)

7 p.m.: Game 3 Loser vs. Game 4 Loser (Field 2)

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: HBCUAC Communications Department

The two-way player is integral to college baseball, and the 15 standouts named Thursday as semifinalists for the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year Award, represent the best dual role players in the nation. The semifinalists include players who have made significant contributions to their team’s success this season, while competing in 12 different conferences.

The award is named after former Washington State University standout John Olerud, who achieved success both as a first baseman and left-handed pitcher during the late 1980s. He was inducted into the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007.

Headlining the watch list this year are the 2025 John Olerud Award winner Evan Dempsey from Florida Gulf Coast and Max Knight, a 2025 finalist from Missouri State. Dempsey, Knight, Josiah Overbeek, Ryan Kroepel, Jeremy Cheeseman, Jayce Dobie, TP Wentworth, Drew Nelson and Curry Sutherland have all won Olerud Award weekly honors during the 2026 season.

Previous winners of the award are Mike McGee, RHP/OF, Florida State, 2010; Danny Hultzen, LHP/1B/OF, Virginia, 2011; Brian Johnson, LHP/DH, Florida, 2012; Marco Gonzales, LHP/1B, Gonzaga, 2013; A.J. Reed, 1B/LHP, Kentucky, 2014; Brendan McKay, 1B/LHP, Louisville; 2015-17; Brooks Wilson, RHP/DH/1B, Stetson; 2018; Aaron Schunk, 3B/RHP, Georgia, 2019; Not Awarded (Season Suspended), 2020; Spencer Schwellenbach, RHP/SS, Nebraska, 2021; Paul Skenes, RHP/C, Air Force, 2022; Caden Grice, LHP/1B/DH, Clemson, 2023; Jac Caglianone, LHP/1B, Florida, 2024; and Evan Dempsey, OF/RHP, Florida Gulf Coast, 2025.

The CBF annually 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.

The fifteen semifinalists include:

• Kyle Alivo, IF/RHP, Sophomore, Iowa, Big Ten

• Jeremy Cheeseman, IF/RHP, Junior, Farleigh Dickinson, NEC

• Gio Colasante, IF/RHP, Senior, Harvard, Ivy League

• Evan Dempsey, OF/RHP, Junior, Florida Gulf Coast, ASUN

• Jayce Dobie, RHP/Util., Senior, Nevada, MW

• Caylon Dygert, RHP/Util., Junior, UTA, WAC

• Max Knight, LHP/Util., Junior, Missouri State, CUSA

• Ryan Kroepel, RHP/3B, Junior, Utah Tech, WAC

• Jackson McKenzie, 1B/LHP, Junior, Florida A&M, SWAC

• Drew Nelson, LHP/Util., Senior, Troy, SBC

• Josiah Overbeek, RHP/1B, Freshman, Army, Patriot

• Jesse Rusinek, OF/LHP, Freshman, Texas Tech, Big 12

• Curry Sutherland, 3B/RHP, Junior, Missouri State, CUSA

• Trey Swygart, RHP/IF, Sophomore, Portland, WCC

• T.P. Wentworth, OF/LHP, Sophomore, Oklahoma State, Big 12

Jackson McKenzie is in his first year at Florida A&M having transferred from Gulf Coast State College where he hit .303 in 2025 and pitched in 12 games with 44 strikeouts in 34 innings.  So far in 2026, going into this weekend’s series with Bethune-Cookman University, McKenzie is hitting .413 and has a 3-0 record as a pitcher.

Alcantra-Diaz went 7-for-14 in four games, scored nine runs with nine RBI. Four of his hits came in a three-game HBCUAC series against Rust College, which included two doubles and a home run. He drove in five runs and scored five to help the Bulldogs clinch an HBCUAC Championship berth for the second straight season. For the week, he posted a 1.429 slugging percentage.

Nunez threw a two-hit shutout in the series opener against Wiley University. He struck out 10 batters and only needed 95 pitches to get through 7 innings, earning his fifth win of the season. Nunez ranks in the top five in the conference in ERA, wins and strikeouts.

Francis went 4-for-8 in the three-game series against Wilberforce. Three of his four hits went for extra bases with two doubles and a home run. He drove in seven runs and scored three. Francis posted a 1.125 slugging percentage.

Bailey won his seventh consecutive start and posted his second straight shutout. He increased his consecutive scoreless innings streak to 23. He held Tougaloo to four hits and struck out seven batters. He is tied for the conference lead with seven wins.

Additional baseball weekly nominees: Noah Alvarez (Huston-Tillotson), Andres Anez (Wilberforce), Camden Armon (Tougaloo), Tyron Brickhill (Philander Smith), Christopher Brock (Rust), Addison Brown (Philander Smith), Jayden Clay (Voorhees), Darriel Cole (Philander Smith), Ivan Del Villar (Wiley), Diego Duque (Talladega), Manuel Duran (Voorhees), Ethan Farrell (Voorhees), Reginald Faison (Voorhees), Devin Gladney (Wiley), Mekha Hicks (Stillman), Jordan Jennings (Oakwood), Arvis Latting (Rust), Manuel Martinez (Talladega), Eli Payne (Talladega), Nick Rodriguez (Wiley), Kane Shellhouse (Stillman), Kyler Shepherd (SUNO), Aaditya Sur (Philander Smith), Chace Varnado (Tougaloo)

2026 HBCUAC Baseball Players of the Week

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: HBCUAC Communications Department

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)
Week 4 (April 22, 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.

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.