SWAC officially moves Baseball Tournament to New Orleans

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - The Southwestern Athletic Conference has selected the New Orleans MLB Urban Youth Academy at Wesley Barrow Stadium as the site for its upcoming 2014 SWAC Baseball Tournament.

The venue, located in Pontchartrain Park in New Orleans, La., is a replacement site after the league decided to move the tournament from LaGrave Field as a result of student-athlete safety concerns. LaGrave Field was host to last year's SWAC postseason tournament in Fort Worth, Texas.

“We would like to apologize to the fans, families, coaches and administrators for the delay and inconvenience the decision of switching venues may present," said SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp. “The health and welfare of the student-athletes will always be our primary concern.”

The tournament will follow its original schedule at the New Orleans MLB Urban Youth Academy and will be held from May 14-18. The championship game on the final day is slated for broadcast on ESPNU.

“We would like to thank the New Orleans Major League Baseball Urban Youth Academy for hosting the SWAC Baseball Tournament," Commissioner Sharp added. "We believe the venue will give our fans and student-athletes a great experience. The MLB Urban Youth Academy is a state-of-the-art facility and the SWAC has been tied in with the Urban Youth Academies for several years through MLB's Urban Invitational."

At least one team from the SWAC has been featured in all seven editions of the MLB Urban Invitational, which the annual round-robin collegiate baseball tournament designed by Major League Baseball to place a spotlight on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) and their baseball programs. The 2014 Urban Invitational featured two schools from the conference (Grambling State and Southern) with the New Orleans MLB Urban Youth Academy serving as one of four sites during the round robin play.

“We are looking forward to hosting the SWAC Tournament, especially as it will give the young Academy participants the experience of witnessing collegiate baseball played at a high level of competition and serve as a source of motivation and inspiration for their future,” said Ben Baroody, Senior Director, Baseball Development, Major League Baseball. “This is a terrific opportunity to not only showcase our facility, but extend our relationship with SWAC, which has been an integral part of our annual Urban Invitational tournaments.” 

ABOUT THE NEW ORLEANS MLB URBAN YOUTH ACADEMY

The New Orleans MLB Urban Youth Academy at Wesley Barrow Stadium opened in 2012 replacing a 55-year-old facility that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The new facility has capacity for 650 fans, with a 200-square-foot climate-controlled press box, a public address system and new LED scoreboard. It also features administration facilities, including two 300-square-foot conference rooms. The baseball field also features professional-sized artificial turf with a clay pitcher's mound. Other components include a three-lane batting practice cage outdoors and a two-lane indoor batting practice building. The facility operates in partnership with the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission on a dynamic youth program that provides free, year -round baseball and softball instruction as well as educational and baseball vocation programming for young people from underserved and urban communities throughout southern Louisiana

 

ABOUT THE SWAC

The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), established in 1920, is a college athletic conference headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., which is comprised of historically black universities in the Southern United States. It participates in the NCAA's Division I for all sports and the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

 

COURTESY THE SWAC MEDIA RELATIONS

 

Florida A&M's new baseball coach has a winning plan for success

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --   It was a dream come true.  For a coach who spent 21 years as an assistant, today marked a step to the forefront for Jamey Shouppe as he was announced to the FAMU community as the next head baseball coach.  For a team coming off back-to-back 44 loss seasons and single digit wins, this was a prized catch.

Shouppe feels the benefits are mutual.  “In my presentation to the selection committee, I had three words…Why not FAMU?  That sums it all up.  When you look at Al Washington, Al Davis, Andre Dawson, Hal McRae, Vince Coleman and Marquis Grissom, there need to be more of that caliber players coming out of this university,” Shouppe said.  While Shouppe, who spent 21 years as an assistant coach at Florida State University, mostly as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, it wasn’t just about returning to familiar territory.  “ This is not all about coming home.  This is about a Division I opportunity,” he said.

Shouppe has a concentration in pitching, in which he has produced 10 ACC team ERA pitching titles, recruited and coached 63 professional drafted pitchers including six first round draftees, recruited and coached 26 first team All-Americans and coached in nine College World Series.



Shouppe will be the first permanent coach for the Rattler baseball team since the departure of Willie Brown early this year.  Kevin Clethen coached the Rattler baseball squad on an interim basis this past season, with assistance from Brett Richardson.  Shouppe credited Clethen and Richardson for being team players and holding the FAMU baseball program together in his absence.

Accompanied by his wife Karen and two sons in the audience, he holds family values close to him.  He’s no stranger to FAMU either.  His oldest son Jake is in the Pharmacy school at FAMU, where he will earn his doctorate in pharmaceutical medicine in the Spring.  Shouppe’s ties include a friendship with FAMU faculty athletic representative Dr. Ebenezer Oriaku, who works in the FAMU School of Pharmacy.

In an over-capacity crowd in the media room of the Al Lawson Center, Shouppe was greeted by well-wishers from across the city.  Leon County Commissioner Nick Maddox, City of Tallahassee Commissioner Scott Maddox and State Representative Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee), were all in attendance at the event.  FAMU National Alumni Association president Tommy Mitchell and Capital City Bank’s Bill Smith were also in attendance.  Several former players, current players, friends and fans were on hand to catch a glimpse of the future of FAMU baseball.

Michael Smith, who is interim director of athletics, felt the selection committee vetted the candidates well, resulting with the eventual hiring of Shouppe.  “Our committee represented some of the most successful eras of Rattler baseball, and we feel they were solid in their commitment to finding someone who could restore success to our program,” Smith said.  “Judging by the faces and numbers in this room, I think they’ve done just that,” he added.

Shouppe revealed his spiritual side during the press conference.  “I’ve been carrying around a note in my bible, that I’ve had for over 20 years.  The note says ‘to be the best leader of men, you must first be a follower of God,’ ” Shouppe said.  He added, “My job as a believer is to do uncommon things here at this university.”

Shouppe is currently a coach with USA baseball.  In 2012 and 2013, he was the pitching coordinator for 18-up Summer league baseball.  Professionally, he played with the Houston Astros from 1982-1985, where he was drafted in the eighth round of the 1982 draft.

Shouppe is confident that he can build the program through mental toughness.  “I believe that I am the man to lead FAMU baseball to a level of success that no one believes possible,” Shouppe said.  He added, “anything can happen with a plan for success.  I have a plan and I possess the characteristics that are necessary to lead FAMU baseball to unprecedented levels.”

With a core of returning players, the Rattlers could rebound with some additional firepower.  Shouppe is very focused on junior college players to add some immediate help for the Rattlers.  “Good recruiting makes coaching easier.  Bad recruiting or not recruiting makes coaching more difficult,” he said.  He went on to describe a mix of junior college transfers and high school players to make the team successful.

As for the MEAC, his only experience was a few games against Bethune-Cookman in the NCAA playoffs.  He feels it’s not imperitive to have in depth knowledge of the conference to be successful at this point.  “I am not that familiar with the MEAC but I am familiar with baseball.  I know what a good baseball team looks like.  If you play the game and are proficient at what you do, you will win,” he said.

Shouppe was approved by FAMU interim president Dr. Larry Robinson, who is excited about the hire.  “We look forward to Coach Shouppe establishing a winning baseball program,” said Robinson.  “We want to celebrate the success of our students athletes on the field and in the classroom for many seasons to come.”

Shouppe Press Conference   FAMU Welcomes Head Coach Jamey Shouppe COURTESY FLORIDA A&M ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS.COM

The MLB Urban Invitational Returning to New Orleans for the Second Consecutive Year

NEW ORLEANS  -- The Major League Baseball Urban Invitational is returning to New Orleans for the second consecutive year, with every game, from Friday, February 20th through Sunday, February 22nd, scheduled to be played exclusively in the city for the first time in the event's history. In 2014, Louisiana State University hosted Urban Invitational games in Baton Rouge, with other games being held at the University of New Orleans and the New Orleans MLB Urban Youth Academy.

The round-robin collegiate baseball tournament, launched by Major League Baseball in 2008 to place an annual spotlight on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their baseball programs, will feature Division-I HBCUs Grambling State University (Grambling, Louisiana), Southern University (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) and Alcorn State University (Alcorn, Mississippi), as well as the University of New Orleans. Six games will be played between the four schools, with the University of New Orleans hosting games on all three days. Special guest appearances throughout the weekend will include Hall of Famer Frank Robinson (MLB Senior Advisor and Honorary American League President) and Sharon Robinson (MLB Educational Programming Consultant, author and daughter of Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson).

Saturday's contests at the University of New Orleans will air LIVE on both MLB Network and MLB.com, with play-by-play from Matt Yallof and analysis from former MLB outfielder and Louisiana native Darryl Hamilton.

In addition to games on Friday, February 20th and Sunday, February 22nd, the New Orleans MLB Urban Youth Academy in Pontchartrain Park will host a private youth baseball clinic on Saturday morning, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (CT). Players from each of the participating Urban Invitational teams will provide instruction to Urban Youth Academy participants and kids from local Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) programs.

A college and career fair will be held at the University of New Orleans from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Ten colleges and universities will be represented to provide attendees with information about college preparation, undergraduate/graduate degree programs, financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Local businesses also will be on hand to provide career advice and discuss potential job opportunities. High school and college students from areas in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama are invited to attend at no charge.

Also at the University of New Orleans, Sharon Robinson will meet with students (in grades 4-9) on Saturday, beginning at 10:00 a.m., to talk about her father and help them craft and edit their own essays for the Breaking Barriers: In Sports, In Life essay contest. The Breaking Barriers Essay Contest is a chance for students across the U.S. and Canada, in grades 4-9, to write an essay about their personal stories of how they use Jackie Robinson's nine values to overcome their own barriers: Citizenship, Commitment, Courage, Determination, Excellence, Integrity, Justice, Persistence and Teamwork. The Breaking Barriers: In Sports, In Life program, in partnership between Major League Baseball and Scholastic, is generously supported by Church & Dwight, maker of Arm & Hammer and OxiClean products.

"The Urban Invitational is an extraordinary event that not only highlights the quality of HBCU baseball, but also the character of these young men who participate," said Sharon Robinson. "As an alumna of an HBCU [Howard University], I am excited to join in the recognition of these wonderful academic institutions in all that they do to shape the leaders of tomorrow."

HBCUs have long offered quality educational and athletic programs and have a proud tradition of attracting outstanding baseball players. Baseball Hall of Famers Lou Brock (Southern University) and Andre Dawson (Florida A&M), as well as Seattle Mariners infielder Rickie Weeks (Southern University) played in HBCU baseball programs. Since 2008, the year of the inaugural Urban Invitational, 20 HBCU athletes who have played in the tournament have been selected in the MLB First-Year Player Draft. Four tournament alumni were taken in the 2014 Draft, including Emmanuel Marrero, an Alabama State University alumnus, who was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the seventh round.

This will be Southern University's eighth Urban Invitational, making them the only school to have participated in every tournament. Grambling State will make its fourth appearance, the University of New Orleans will make its second appearance and Alcorn State University will be participating for the first time.

Local high school bands will have the opportunity to perform around Saturday's contests as the Landry-Walker High School band will perform the National Anthem prior to the first game (2:00 p.m.), while the band from St. Augustine High School will perform prior to the second game.

Complete Game Schedule (Central Time):

Friday, February 20, 3:00 p.m. @ New Orleans MLBUYA: Grambling State University vs. Southern University
Friday, February 20, 6:00 p.m. @ University of New Orleans (UNO): Alcorn State University at University of New Orleans
Saturday, February 21, 10:00 a.m. @ New Orleans MLBUYA: Private Youth Baseball Clinic for UYA and RBI participants
Saturday, February 21, 10:00 a.m. @ UNO: Sharon Robinson Breaking Barriers visit with local students
Saturday, February 21, 11:00 a.m. @ UNO: College & Career Fair
Saturday, February 21, 2:00 p.m. @ UNO: Alcorn State University vs. Grambling State University, (will air LIVE on MLB Network and MLB.com)
Saturday, February 21, TBD @ UNO: Southern University at University of New Orleans (will air LIVE on MLB Network and MLB.com)
Sunday, February 22, 1:00 p.m. @ New Orleans MLBUYA: Southern University vs. Alcorn State University
Sunday, February 22, 1:00 p.m. @ UNO: Grambling State University at University of New Orleans

Major League Baseball is dedicated to its ongoing diversity efforts, including the implementation of programs that make it easier for underserved and inner city youth to participate in baseball and softball. With four operating MLB Urban Youth Academies in Cincinnati (Ohio), Compton (California), Houston (Texas), and New Orleans (Louisiana), plus an Academy in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) that is currently under construction, MLB has continued to allot resources to bring America's pastime to young people in urban communities.

Jim Koerner named NCCU's Eagles head baseball coach

DURHAM, N.C. (NCCUEaglePride.com) – With more 10 years of collegiate coaching experience at both the NCAA Division I and III levels, Jim Koerner has been named as the new head baseball coach at North Carolina Central University. Koerner is coming to NCCU from the University at Buffalo, where he helped build the Division I Bulls baseball program as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator since 2005.

“First of all, I’m very excited to be the new head baseball coach here at NCCU,” said Koerner. “NCCU is the complete package for me and my family. The atmosphere and attitude I’ve experienced from the people I have met is exactly what I was looking for. There is a passion for athletics and in this case the baseball program in particular. There is a solid foundation in place with our current players, we are in a great location for college and high school baseball and we play in a gorgeous facility, the Durham Athletic Park.”

His previous stops include a stint at Marshall University from 2003-05 where he also served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the staff, and his first Division I job came at Monmouth University after a three-year head coaching stint at Medaille College in Buffalo, N.Y., where he took a relatively brand-new baseball program and turned it into a winner in a short time. In his final season at Medaille, he improved the Mavericks win total by 15 games, one of the top turnarounds in Division III, and was named the 2003 North East Conference Coach of the Year.

“I am excited about having Coach Koerner as a part of our NCCU athletics program,” said Director of Athletics Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree. “We pride ourselves on hiring qualified individuals who have shown passion and dedication to their careers. Coach Koerner has been able to make an indelible mark at each of the institutions he has been associated with in the past and we know that he will do the same here at NCCU.

“Coach Koerner’s career journey includes coach of the year recognition as an NCAA Division III head coach and success as a top recruiter at three NCAA Division I programs, which will definitely bring unique experiences to help take our baseball program to the next level,” said Wicker-McCree. “Most importantly, our students will benefit from his vast knowledge of the game and his great concern for student success.”

New Eagles Head Baseball Coach Jim Koerner
(Photo courtesy MEAC Media Relations)

Passion and enthusiasm are certainly two character traits that Koerner shares when it comes to the game of baseball.

“I love the game,” said Koerner. “I’ve been involved with this game for a long time. I absolutely have a passion for teaching. Nothing gives me more satisfaction then working with a player from the beginning of August and watching that player mature and get better as the year goes along. To me that’s what it’s all about. If every guy on the team can take those steps to improve and get better and has that desire, the whole team will get better and that’s how you achieve your goals.”

Koerner, who earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from St. John Fisher (N.Y.) and a master’s degree in athletic administration from Marshall, truly believes in emphasizing the student portion of student-athlete.

“I personally believe that there is a direct correlation between academic aptitude and a player’s ability to adjust and improve on the field,” said Koerner. “Excellence needs to be established in all parts of life. It’s not just a baseball thing. I don’t want student-athletes that treat excellence as a light switch. It needs to be a constant process in everything we do. That’s what I am going to stress here.”

Koerner has had 19 players move on to the next level and play professional baseball during his collegiate coaching career, and the 2009 and 2010 Bulls broke 27 all-time and single-season offensive records as he was directly in charge of hitting at the University at Buffalo.

Koerner wants to get this message out to the Eagle nation.

“Get excited about NCCU baseball,” said Koerner. “We’re going to do things the right way on and off the field and we’re going to be a lot of fun to watch. I’m especially looking forward to meeting everybody, so when February rolls around make sure to get out to the ballpark and see us in action.”

During his time at UB, the Bulls had four players earn All-Mid-American Conference, honors including the 2011 MAC Player of the Year in Tom Murphy.

Prior to Buffalo when Koerner held the same position with Marshall University, he coached one of his players to All-Conference USA honors and also helped the Thundering Herd to its first post-season appearance in 10 years. During the 2006 season, Marshall was consistently in the top 5 in most offensive categories and had two players finish in the top 10 in batting.

At Monmouth, where Koerner broke into Division I coaching as an assistant, he helped lead the team to its seventh consecutive conference tournament appearance.

Koerner has also been head coach of several U.S. teams that competed in international tournaments, including the Belgium Open and the Chianti (Italy) Baseball Challenge. Out of college in 1998, he was also signed by the Richmond Roosters of the Independent Frontier League.

A native of Hamburg, N.Y., which is a approximately 14 miles south of Buffalo, Koerner and his wife, Kylie, are the proud parents of a son, Sam, and five-month old daughter, Elizabeth.

By Chris Hooks, Assistant Sports Information Director/ Broadcast Media Coordinator
VISIT: NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY
VISIT: NCCUEAGLEPRIDE

Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions Well Represented in Collegiate Summer Leagues

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas  --  The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff baseball team is well represented in summer collegiate baseball leagues as 19 past, current, and future members are suited-up for various summer teams across the country.

Two current Golden Lions started their summer off with the Falmouth Commodores in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League: Isias Alcantar, the 2013 SWAC Player of the Year, and Jim Ploeger. Both have since moved on to the Far West League and Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League, respectively. Three players are competing in the Alaskan Baseball League as Andrew Buehler and Mikey Ramirez represent the Alaska Goldpanners and Mike Wieland is playing for the Peninsula Oilers.

See below as it relates to additional Golden Lions and their whereabouts this summer.

2013-2014 Golden Lions in Summer Collegiate Baseball Leagues

Alaska Baseball League
Alaska Goldpanners: Andrew Buehler and Mikey Ramirez
Peninsula Oilers: Mike Wieland

Far West League
San Francisco Seals: Isias Alcantar, Tyler Oertle, and Humberto Zavala
Top Speed: Cody De Mera

Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League
Westhampton Aviators: Jim Ploeger and Kyle Schwartz

Midwest Collegiate Baseball League
Northwest Indiana Oilmen: Rashawn Tillman

M.I.N.K. Collegiate Baseball League
St. Joseph Mustangs: Redmond Floyd, Stanten Jones, and Dixon Marble

New York Collegiate League
Geneva Twins: Kirby Campbell, Josh Cassidy, and Tommy Haas

Ohio Valley Summer Collegiate Baseball League
Dubois County Bombers: Andre Davis

Westhchester Baseball Association:
New Rochell Robins: Fabian Chirino and Vladimir Gomez

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU baseball flipped setbacks to make a triumphant run at program's first SWAC title | Highlights | Gerald Thomas III

🎟️ 𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐓 𝐏𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 🎟️

For the third time in program history and the first time since 2019, @FAMU_Baseball is heading to the NCAA tournament!

🔗 https://t.co/CixtMyj0jI pic.twitter.com/PzCdAFNPKk

— D1Baseball (@d1baseball) May 28, 2023

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗦𝗪𝗔𝗖 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦!#FAMU | #FAMUly | #Rattlers | #FangsUp 🐍 pic.twitter.com/5yqRIe1VBz

— Florida A&M Baseball ⚾️ (@FAMU_Baseball) May 28, 2023

Are you as excited as I am about @FAMU_Baseball winning @theswac championship? If so, consider making a donation to the baseball program to help us sustain this success! Click here to donate: https://t.co/hJw6vUnXjq

— Tiffani-Dawn (@Tiffani_Sykes) May 28, 2023

FAMU baseball flipped setbacks to make a triumphant run at program's first SWAC title https://t.co/16fac74Dbn

— Tallahassee Democrat (@TDOnline) May 28, 2023

“You guys got us here, you guys take us home.”

📺 https://t.co/gfyYeQWoHY (ESPN 3)
📊 https://t.co/6oiedAAYOf#FAMU | #FAMUly | #Rattlers | #FangsUp 🐍 pic.twitter.com/xjHatrxZv9

— Florida A&M Baseball ⚾️ (@FAMU_Baseball) May 28, 2023

Your 2023 SWAC Champions! 🐍#NCAABaseball x 🎥 @FAMU_Baseball pic.twitter.com/ZHOFOTY41S

— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) May 28, 2023

THE GREICO 💣

FAMU - 7
bcu - 3
📺 https://t.co/gfyYeQWoHY (ESPN 3)
📊 https://t.co/6oiedAAYOf#FAMU | #FAMUly | #Rattlers | #FangsUp 🐍 pic.twitter.com/8Q9jvyeC5K

— Florida A&M Baseball ⚾️ (@FAMU_Baseball) May 28, 2023

HOME RUN NUMBER TEN FOR TY HANCHEY!

FAMU - 8
bcu - 3
📺 https://t.co/gfyYeQWoHY (ESPN 3)
📊 https://t.co/6oiedAAYOf#FAMU | #FAMUly | #Rattlers | #FangsUp 🐍 pic.twitter.com/1jpR6TGPxk

— Florida A&M Baseball ⚾️ (@FAMU_Baseball) May 28, 2023

The fifth run of the game. Hanchey sends in Niles.

FAMU - 5
bcu - 3
📺 https://t.co/gfyYeQWoHY (ESPN 3)
📊 https://t.co/6oiedAAYOf#FAMU | #FAMUly | #Rattlers | #FangsUp 🐍 pic.twitter.com/FUx3ZKrw0n

— Florida A&M Baseball ⚾️ (@FAMU_Baseball) May 28, 2023

Rattlers score not one, not two, but three runs in the first inning!

FAMU - 3
bcu - 0
📺 https://t.co/gfyYeQWoHY (ESPN 3)
📊 https://t.co/6oiedAAYOf#FAMU | #FAMUly | #Rattlers | #FangsUp 🐍 pic.twitter.com/SDjv6BRLNj

— Florida A&M Baseball ⚾️ (@FAMU_Baseball) May 28, 2023

𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘁𝘀, 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗦!#FAMU | #FAMUly | #Rattlers | #FangsUp 🐍 pic.twitter.com/qrlwwLFRW3

— Florida A&M Baseball ⚾️ (@FAMU_Baseball) May 28, 2023

What we’re playing for today!

⌚️ 1 PM ET
📍 Russ Chandler Stadium
📺 https://t.co/gfyYeQWoHY (ESPN 3)
📊 https://t.co/6oiedAAYOf
🎟️ https://t.co/vaoZbQ4uIW#FAMU | #FAMUly | #Rattlers | #FangsUp 🐍 pic.twitter.com/8YXVqSnWTJ

— Florida A&M Baseball ⚾️ (@FAMU_Baseball) May 28, 2023

HBCU Baseball Classic Today At PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA at 6:15 p.m. ET on @HBCU_Plus

Hey #LetsGoBucs fans…We know you’d like one more game at PNC Park.

Come watch @GoStillmanBSB vs @WileyAthletics on Monday night, Oct. 10 at 6:30. FREE Admissionhttps://t.co/UQwl13IuId#HBCU #CollegeBaseball #NAIABaseball pic.twitter.com/cdxKcoR5gp

— Stillman Tigers Athletics (@gostillman) October 6, 2022

After a full night and day of travel, @StillmanCollege Baseball arrived in @Pittsburgh Sunday evening ahead of Monday night’s Inaugural Pittsburgh HBCU Baseball Classic at @Pirates’ @PNCParkEvents.

Follow the action Monday beginning at 6:15 p.m. ET on @HBCU_Plus.#NAIAbaseball pic.twitter.com/sA9nrF9HZL

— Stillman Tigers Baseball (@GoStillmanBSB) October 10, 2022

Playing at @PNCParkEvents is 2️⃣ days away. Hear from pitcher Isidro Jimenez Rosario on the opportunity to play #NAIABaseball and represent @StillmanCollege in a @MLB stadium 1600 miles away from his Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 home.@Pirates @BucsCommunity @SSACsports. #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/ZaXdz3uGql

— Stillman Tigers Baseball (@GoStillmanBSB) October 8, 2022

4️⃣ Nights from tonight, 2x HBCU All-Star @KelvinReese7 will play in his second @MLB stadium in the last 4 months when @StillmanCollege takes the field at @Pirates’ @PNCParkEvents - Monday, Oct. 10 at 6:30 p.m. ET#NAIABaseball @BucsCommunity pic.twitter.com/Wdb028Emgk

— Stillman Tigers Baseball (@GoStillmanBSB) October 6, 2022

In 5️⃣ days, we will be playing #NAIABaseball at @Pirates’ @PNCParkEvents. Our @StillmanCollege players are excited and we hope the @BucsCommunity is also. Come see us in the @Pittsburgh HBCU Classic Oct. 10 at 6:30 ET. Admission is FREE.

Hear from Bryant Rhooms, OF, Atlanta, Ga. pic.twitter.com/U8On4dfKB9

— Stillman Tigers Baseball (@GoStillmanBSB) October 5, 2022

Next Monday, Oct. 10, @StillmanCollege will play an #NAIABaseball exhibition at @PNCParkEvents in the Pittsburgh HBCU Baseball Classic

"It's been a big dream of mine for a minute ... to get a chance to play on a big field like that."
- Bobby Woodard, So., OF, Westpoint, Miss. pic.twitter.com/KBOt2NVUnQ

— Stillman Tigers Baseball (@GoStillmanBSB) October 4, 2022

Playing at @Pirates' @PNCParkEvents on Oct. 10 means ...

"I get a chance to travel, see something different and play the game that I love....It's a great opportunity for all of us here at HBCU @StillmanCollege."
- Steven Oates (@sao33101), Sr., RHP, Mobile, Ala.#NAIABaseball pic.twitter.com/1Qehw8IAmE

— Stillman Tigers Baseball (@GoStillmanBSB) October 3, 2022

One week from tonight, we load the bus for Pittsburgh ... @MasonCollins40 says the bus trip is one thing he is looking forward to the most on the Road to @Pirates' @PNCParkEvents

You can donate toward the trip via https://t.co/bKcUXyIeZT pic.twitter.com/iIogp5RuvI

— Stillman Tigers Baseball (@GoStillmanBSB) October 2, 2022

“It’s a really big experience, especially for someone like me from a small island … a little dot on the map.”
- Tre’en Dorsett, Jr., RHP/OF, Nassau, Bahamas 🇧🇸 on playing Oct. 10 at Pittsburgh @PNCParkEvents

Donate: https://t.co/8P9YkM3w3V#NAIABaseball #HBCU @StillmanCollege pic.twitter.com/Scl37oSeTV

— Stillman Tigers Baseball (@GoStillmanBSB) September 30, 2022

HorneTVision To Webcast Saturday Basketball, Baseball Doubleheaders

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State University fans will be able to watch and listen live to key Hornet basketball and baseball doubleheaders this Saturday live online at no charge.

It's the first basketball/baseball doubleheader webcasts on the same day on HorneTVision, the online channel of bamastatesports.com. The home Alabama State basketball doubleheaders against Alcorn State will be video streamed beginning with the women's game at 3 p.m., with the men's game to follow at 5 p.m.

Also starting at 3 p.m., Hornets' baseball will play the first of two Saturday games at the University of the Pacific. Game two of the doubleheader begins at 8 p.m. Fans can listen live online to both baseball games as well.

Since the Fall of 2011, more than 140 Hornet athletics contests and events have been video or audio streamed live on bamastatesports.com in a collaboration between the Athletics Department, the University's media center, the communications department, WVAS 90.7 FM, and University Administration. The combination of experienced professionals and talented, aspiring students work to produce and direct live athletics events, all while giving students real world, on-the-job training and preparation for exciting communications careers.

HorneTVision allows Alabama State alumni, parents, families, friends, and supporters to watch and/or listen to Hornet athletic contests and events – free on your computer or mobile devices.

Saturday's 'double-double' is just one of a full weekend of live events produced and directed by Alabama State University.

Date Sport Time (CT) Audio/Video

Friday, Feb. 21 Baseball at Pacific 8 p.m. Audio

Saturday, Feb. 22 Basketball DH vs. Alcorn 3 and 5 p.m. Audio and Video

Baseball DH at Pacific 3 and 8 p.m. Audio

Sunday, Feb. 23 Baseball at Pacific 3 p.m. Audio

Monday, Feb. 24 Basketball vs. Southern 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Audio and Video

Big games. Big moments. HorneTVision brings it right to you. Over the past three seasons, fans have been able to watch or listen to important games played by the ASU football, soccer, volleyball, women's and men's basketball, softball and baseball teams. Already in 2014, HorneTVision has video webcast the home basketball doubleheader sweep of Alabama A&M, as well as present an audio broadcast of baseball's historic win at Auburn.

This weekend, women's basketball looks to continue to strengthen its seeding for the upcoming SWAC Tournament, men's hoops is in second place and in the hunt for the regular season tournament title and postseason berth, and baseball looks to ride the momentum of its winning streak into an important road series on the West Coast.

The best way to support your ASU is in person, making your voice make a difference. However, if you just can't make it to the game in person, HorneTVision will take you there!

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Sixty-Three Student-Athletes Among 210 Saint Augustine's University Graduates

Football Player Javarous Faulk (Left) and Clarence Ganus (Right) Are Among
63 SAU Student-Athletes.

RALEIGH, North Carolina – Sixty-three student-athletes and cheerleaders were among the 210 Saint Augustine's University graduates this past weekend (May 4) at the school's 2014 Commencement, held on the lawn of the campus Quadrangle.

Thirty percent (30%) of the graduating class were student-athletes and cheerleaders. The percentage surpasses last year's percent number (25%) of student-athletes in the 2013 graduating class.

The ceremony capped another successful season for the university's athletic program. Saint Augustine's University won CIAA championships in five sports this season including men's cross country, women's cross country, men's indoor track and field, women's indoor track and field and men's outdoor track and field. The men's track & field team won the NCAA Division II indoor championship for the second consecutive year and are currently ranked No. 1 in Division II in outdoor track & field.

The softball team reached the CIAA Championship Game, and the women's basketball team won the CIAA Team Highest Grade Point Average Award in its sport for the fifth straight season.

Below is a list of the 2014 student-athletes who graduated from Saint Augustine's University and their respective sports:

Bachelor of Science (School of Applied Health and Medical Sciences)

Summa Cum Laude (3.80-4.00 GPA)
Dwayne Hyman – Men's Track & Field/Cross Country
Christopher Octetree – Men's Tennis

Javarous Faulk – Football
Clarence Ganus – Baseball
Jonathan Hailey – Baseball
Jermaine Jones – Football/Men's Track & Field
Jjshaun Pinkston – Football
Brian Richards – Football
Kelly Shaw – Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
Amber Simrel - Volleyball
Anthony Todd – Men's Track & Field
Jameel Walcott – Men's Track & Field/Cross Country

Bachelor of Science (School of Business, Technology and Sport Management)

Summa Cum Laude (3.80-4.00 GPA)
Joshua Easter – Baseball
Byron Munro – Football
Autumn Smith – Women's Basketball/Softball

Cum Laude (3.40-3.59 GPA)
Victoria Davis – Women's Basketball/Volleyball

Audarius Blackwood – Football
Kirsten Bowens – Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
Unique Connor – Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
Alex Edwards – Baseball
Jamie Goff – Volleyball
Stephen Hamilton – Baseball
Javon Harley – Football
Joel Kindred – Men's Basketball
James Quarles – Men's Track & Field
Herman Reaves – Football
Joseph Reed – Football
Chaz Robinson – Football
Jonathan Stallworth – Football
Marcel Streeter – Football
Shawn Sutton – Men's Track & Field
Luther Witherspoon – Football

Bachelor of Arts (School of Liberal Arts and Education)

Summa Cum Laude (3.80-4.00 GPA)
Brittany Brown – Women's Track & Field/Cross Country

Ramaan Ansley – Men's Track & Field
Jaivairia Bacote – Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
Dario Barnes – Football
Devon Burroughs – Men's Track & Field
Calvin Butcher – Baseball
Joshua Edmonds – Men's Track & Field/Cross Country
Brittni Finch – Women's Track & Field
Aru Kok – Men's Basketball
Newton Miller – Football
John Newman – Men's Basketball
Rodricaus Peters – Football
Ashley Ross – Cheerleading

Bachelor of Science (School of Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering)

Cum Laude (3.40-3.59 GPA)
Jennifer Plair – Softball
Justin Williams – Football

Kenishea Donaldson – Women's Tennis
Unique Gupton – Bowling
Bryan Jones – Football
Minyan Murphy – Women's Tennis
Shonquez Nelson – Football
Michelle Shackelford - Softball

Bachelor of Arts and Science (School of Social and Behaviorial Sciences)

Cum Laude (3.40-3.59 GPA)
LaKeisha Ford – Softball
Temperance Jacobs – Women's Basketball/Volleyball

Latricia Bennett – Track & Field
Darien Hardaway – Baseball
Brock Holmes – Baseball
Dane Hyatt – Men's Track & Field
Clarence Peace – Baseball
Ebony Spencer – Women's Basketball/Volleyball/Softball/Tennis
Dahveed Todd – Baseball
Anthony Wright – Football

NOTE: Volunteer men's assistant basketball coach B.J. Williams and baseball student manager Gennetha Williams graduated at Commencement.

COURTESY SAINT AUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

NCCU's Koerner Named to USA Baseball Coaching Staff

CARY, North Carolina – North Carolina Central University baseball head coach Jim Koerner has been named technical advisor for the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team during the 18th USA vs. Chinese Taipei International Friendship Series from June 28 to July 2, USA Baseball has announced.

"I want to thank Eric Campbell of USA Baseball for this opportunity," Koerner said. "It's an honor to be a part of the premier amateur baseball organization in the country. I'm excited to be able to represent NC Central and to be involved with some of college baseball's best athletes and coaches."

Koerner has spent six seasons coaching at NCCU and has amassed 131 wins during his time, including a school record 28 victories during the 2018 season. The Eagles got off to its best start in program history in 2018 by going 9-3, and also captured votes in the NCBWA Top-30 Poll for the first time.



Koerner will work with the Collegiate National Team during the International Friendship Series with Chinese Taipei, which will be a five-day, five-game series. The first two games will be played at Coleman Field in Cary, North Carolina, on June 28 and 29, before heading to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park on June 30. The series will then return to Coleman Field for the final two games on July 1 and 2.

Koerner will be responsible for coordinating with the umpires and making sure that they are aware of all rules and ground rules for the series. He will also insure the quality of game baseballs and settle any game disputes immediately.

The USA Baseball Collegiate National Team (CNT) is comprised of the top collegiate baseball players in the country. The team competes each summer in a schedule of exhibition games across the U.S. and overseas against the world's top baseball talent. As part of this schedule, the U.S. takes on the Japan Collegiate All-Stars nearly every summer, and squares off in international friendship series against the likes of Canada, Chinese Taipei, Cuba and the Netherlands.

NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Vazquez Named Alabama State Head Baseball Coach

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Jose' Vazquez has been named Alabama State head baseball coach, Athletic Director Melvin Hines announced today.
 
Vazquez will be formally introduced at a 1 p.m. press conference Thursday at the ASU Stadium Club Lounge.
 
Vazquez has spent 14 seasons as an assistant baseball coach, the last six as Associate Head Coach. In addition to the day-to-day duties of the Alabama State baseball program, Vazquez has coached Hornet hitters and outfielders and is widely regarded as one of the top recruiters in the nation.
 
Vazquez, named the 2013 Assistant Coach of the Year by the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association, has helped Alabama State post a Top 60 recruiting class each year, as rated by Perfect Game, the largest amateur baseball scouting service in the nation.
 
He has played in an integral role in the rise of Alabama State baseball into a championship program. Vazquez helped the Hornets land C Richard Gonzalez and OF Richard Amion in the 2011 signing class, both of whom would go on to earn Freshman All-America accolades in 2012. Those two players, along with another 2011 signee in SS Emmanuel Marrero, would prove to be cornerstone pieces of the ASU program, leading the team to 89 wins from 2012-14. All three players were selected in the 2014 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft.

In 2015, two other freshmen from the initial signing class, RHPs Armando Ruiz and Michael Estevez, along with 2012 signing class pitcher Jorge Pantoja, were drafted for signed to pro contracts.
 
This past season, RHP Angel Alicea was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays, and three-time SWAC Pitcher of the Year Joseph Camacho signed a free agent contract with the Oakland A's. Alabama State has had nine players earn a chance to play professional baseball, with six players drafted, all in the last three seasons.

In 2016, the Hornets set a school record with 64 home runs as Alabama State baseball won a school record 38 games, including an unprecedented 24-0 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play, in winning the first SWAC Championship in program history and earning ASU first berth to the Division I NCAA Baseball Tournament.
 
Prior to Alabama State, Vazquez spent the previous nine seasons as assistant coach at Bethune-Cookman, with 2011 his first as Associate Head Coach. Vazquez played a prominent role in the programs' success, bringing in players that posted a staggering 100-4 MEAC record over the final six seasons, all ending in conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances.

Playing under former ASU head coach Mervyl Melendez at B-CU, Vazquez earned all-conference honors as a catcher in his only season with the Wildcats, transferring there for his senior season in 2002. As a starter, Vazquez helped post the best record in school history (39-22), including the programs' only NCAA Regional victory over Florida International. Vazquez then joined the coaching ranks, first as a student in 2003 and, upon graduating, a full-time assistant.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS 

UMES Hires Former Assistant Brian Hollamon to Lead Hawks Baseball Program

PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore on Monday (August 21), appointed alumnus, one-time Hawks assistant and long-time Parkside High School coach Brian Hollamon to be its head baseball coach following the termination of former coach Charlie Goens.

“We feel strongly that this is a move that will take our team in the right direction to both compete in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and to have a strong and reliable recruiting footprint on Delmarva and throughout the region,” Davidson said. “Brian is someone who puts his all into everything that he does and he has always shown a genuine desire to see this program be successful.”

Hollamon was a graduate assistant with the Hawks from 1996-99 when he earned a Masters of Education in Guidance and Counseling from the university.

“I am very excited for the opportunity,” Hollamon said of his return to the Maroon and Gray. “When I coached here, I enjoyed my time and I’m looking forward to getting back to what we were building. From the moment I had to tell the players in 1999 that I wouldn’t be returning, I have had a desire to one day come back.

“I’m glad to not only be back at the university, but also excited to be with some quality players who make up the current roster.”

Over the last 14 seasons at Parkside, where he was also a guidance counselor, Hollamon has built a perennial power in the Bayside Conference, while consistently producing players who go on to play baseball at all levels including Division I.

Former Ram Hunter Parsons will be a junior on the University of Maryland pitching staff next season, while left handed pitcher Grant Burleson and fellow lefty Sean Fisher will be freshmen at College Park. Matt Smith, a 2016 graduate of Parkside will be entering his sophomore season at Towson University.

He has coached a number of players who went on to be Hawks including Zach Townsend, Dylan Bell, Cody Cauffman and Jamar Cadejuste.

Brian Hollamon coached for the Hawks as an assistant from 1996 to 1999
Hollamon coached the Hawks as an
assistant from 1996 to 1999
“Our team at Parkside High School was always first and foremost about the kids: Watching them grow, watching them develop and watching them move on and do bigger and better things,” Hollamon said. “Now the opportunity for me is to continue that growth and watch these young men develop and go on to whatever they want to do after the graduate from college. Our goal is going to be to not only give them an opportunity to play baseball, but also get their education and be successful human beings.”

Hollamon led the Rams to 14 straight winning seasons from 2003-2017. Parkside won three Bayside South Titles, one Bayside crown, two Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association 2A East Region Sectional Championships, four Maryland 2A East Regional Championships, and most notably made two MPSSAA 2A State Finalist Appearances (2009, 2014).

“My time away from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore has changed me as a coach,” Hollamon said. “I had the experience of 18 years at the high school level. That makes you learn and grow and understand what players need and what they want including what they want from the college level. I had the experience of knowing and developing those kids and getting them ready for college and now that is what I’ll be looking for from the high school coaches who I will have relationships with in recruiting.”

He was named Bayside South Coach of the Year three times (2006, 2008, 2011) and District 8 coach of the Year twice (2009, 2014). In 2015, he coached in the prestigious Brooks Robinson High School All-Star Game and that same year he was recognized by the Maryland State Association of Baseball Coaches as the Amateur Coach of the Year for his work in high school and American Legion Baseball.

“I think the quality of baseball on the Eastern Shore is pretty solid,” Hollamon said. “Obviously we don’t have the number of players in a small area you would find in a more highly populated area, but within just the state of Maryland you have some really good baseball players and you can put a good product on the field, not to mention Virginia, Delaware and the players that are available throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region that may want to come to Maryland Eastern Shore and play baseball.”

The graduate of Sussex Central High School in Georgetown, Delaware, played four years of baseball at Division III Salisbury University where he was team captain from 1992-1995 and earned a bachelor’s in Marketing and Management. He was named team MVP and earned All-Conference honors at shortstop.

Following his stint with the Hawks, Hollamon moved on to become the head coach at Mardela High School from 1999-2003.

Hollamon also coached with American Legion Post 64 in Salisbury as an assistant before taking over the team in 2015, and played 22 seasons for the Semi-Pro Perdue Chicks of the Eastern Shore Baseball League.

Hollamon lives in Delmar, Delaware with his wife Jodi and daughters Josie and Jordyn.

Goens spent one season with The Shore where the team went 12-40 and lost its first two games as the host team in the MEAC Baseball Tournament, played at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.

“We thank Charlie for his work with the program, but it became clear to us during the season that we needed someone at the helm that is invested in this institution, in baseball in the region, in our student athletes and in the Eastern Shore community at large,” Davidson said. “We feel that Brian gives us exactly that along with the stability to lead the program into the future.”

Goens came to the Hawks from Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia. He replaced John O’Neil who won 32 games in two years as acting head coach from 2014-2016.

O’Neil stayed on as an associate head coach for the 2016-17 season, but will not return to the program.

Hollamon will put his own coaching staff in place in the coming weeks.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE SPORTS INFORMATION

Head Baseball Coach Jason Beverlin Departing from Bethune-Cookman Championship Program

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- After spending just over six years at the helm of the Bethune-Cookman Baseball program, Jason Beverlin has decided to step down as head coach of the Wildcats program in Daytona Beach. An acting head coach for the program will be announced in the coming days by Lynn W. Thompson, BCU Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics.

Beverlin, the 2014 recipient of the National Consortium for Academics and Sports (NCAS) Giant Steps Award, compiled a record of 179-176 in six seasons with the Maroon and Gold. He leaves as the only coach in school history to compete for an NCAA Regional title – facing eventual national champion University of Florida in the final game of the NCAA Gainesville [Fla.] Regional in 2017 at McKethan Stadium.

The Royal Oaks, Michigan native is set for a new challenge as he departs BCU to become a regional scout for the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball (MLB). In his new job, Beverlin will scout the areas of North Carolina and South Carolina, respectfully.



MEAC CHAMPION COACH BEVERLIN TAKES POSITION WITH MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TORONTO BLUE JAYS

"I want to thank Bethune-Cookman University, Lynn Thompson, Interim President Grimes and the baseball staff and student-athletes for everything," said Beverlin. "For just around seven years, I didn't just come to work each day. I had a family at my job each day. Everyone is family here at Bethune-Cookman, and they will always be a part of my life.

"This was certainly not an easy decision to make. It was one that I prayed on and spoke with my family about a lot about over the past few days. In the end, it was ultimately, the best choice for me right now, even though there's never a 'perfect' time for any change in collegiate coaching."

Beverlin helped the Wildcats win the 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Tournament titles in his stint with the BCU program. He was also responsible for the development of 2014 ABCA All-Atlantic and MEAC Pitcher of the Year – Montana Durapau. Additionally, in 2016 and '17, respectively, Beverlin was instrumental in coaching first baseman Danny Rodriguez (2016) to being named as a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American, as well as pitcher Anthony Maldonado (2017) being selected to the Collegiate Baseball News Freshman All-American Team.

In 2017, Beverlin won his second, third and fourth NCAA Regional contests with the Wildcats, after becoming just the second coach in school history to win an NCAA Regional game when the Cats defeated Columbia in the NCAA Coral Gables [Fla.] Regional in an elimination game back in 2014. Last year, he helped the Cats defeat the Gainesville [Fla.] Regional host Florida Gators for the first time in school history.

"We want to thank Jason Beverlin, his wife Heather, and his two boys, for being a part of our family for just over six years," said Vice President Thompson. "I have been blessed to have a wonderful coach take our program to another level, and it was left in a great state by former head coach Mervyl Melendez, who is also family at BCU. Jason took what Mervyl established and continued to push forward.

"I am happy for the chance he has to be a father and husband more so than ever. He has been a father figure and raised so many kids in his time at BCU as a baseball coach. Now, he gets to see his oldest son finish high school, and watch his youngest son start high school – and be a dad first and foremost. We wish him well. But we know he will always be a part of our family."

Beverlin is a father to Cole (18) and Lucas (13). Less than a month ago, oldest son Cole signed a National Letter of Intent to play collegiate baseball at Florida State University.

Beverlin spent time in Major League Baseball with organizations such as the New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Oakland A's, Anaheim Angels (now Los Angeles Angeles) and his hometown Detroit Tigers. After eight long seasons in the minors, Beverlin cracked the major leagues with the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians in 2002. Adding more diversity to his experience, Beverlin played three years professionally in Japan for the Yakult Swallows and Yokohama Baystars of the Nippon Professional Baseball League. He was selected as an All-Star in 2004.

"The true measure of the job I've done building the program will be in the professionalism that our coaches and players show throughout the upcoming season," added Beverlin. "I know they will continue to give everything they have on a daily basis to become champions."

Follow Bethune-Cookman Baseball on Twitter (@BCUDiamondCats) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCUathletics), Snapchat (@BCUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics).

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

ECSU to suspend Baseball Program for next three seasons

ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina -- Elizabeth City State University has announced the temporary suspension of its baseball program effective immediately.

During the next few years, ECSU will strengthen its fundraising efforts in support of all its athletic programs, including scholarships and facilities. ECSU anticipates a return to the baseball diamond beginning with the 2017-18 academic year. Head baseball coach Terrance Whittle will be reassigned within the Department, working on behalf of the program with a focus on the completion of a baseball field and other fundraising ventures for baseball scholarships.

Beginning with the 2014-15 academic year, the Athletic Department's sports sponsorship will be 10 sports, the minimum for NCAA Division II membership.

This decision may monetarily affect four baseball student-athletes who will be seniors this upcoming year. Student-athletes that continue their undergraduate education at ECSU will receive their athletic aid for 2014-15.Those who desire to transfer to another institution will be granted releases so that they may continue their playing careers.

"Suspending or eliminating a varsity sport should always be the last option for an athletic department because many people are impacted by such a decision", says J. Lin Dawson, Interim Athletic Director. "At the center of every decision and course of action are the student-athletes who trust Elizabeth City State University with their academic and athletic careers. Therefore, the decision to suspend baseball for three years is regretful and unfortunate. The Department of Athletics commits to (1) providing sound and well organized athletically-related experiences that lead to high achievement and lends to the overall satisfaction of student life and alumni pride, (2) graduating student-athletes, and (3) developing them as leaders to impact the community at large now and beyond their playing days. "

Due to financial restraints, the Athletic Department, like other entities at the University, must make significant changes to address the recent decline in enrollment. The temporary suspension of baseball is part of the University's intensive right-sizing plan to achieve financial stability.

While baseball is on hiatus, the University will use the time to raise the necessary resources to sponsor a competitive team and revive the efforts for proper facilities for our future home games.

COURTESY ELIZABETH CITY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Podcast: Southern baseball preview with coach Roger Cador; Baseball set to host MLB Urban Invitational Friday

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  -- Southern baseball coach Roger Cador previews the upcoming season with Advocate sportswriter Les East. Click here to listen to the podcast.

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Baseball set to host MLB Urban Invitational Friday

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana --  The seventh edition of the Major League Baseball Urban Invitational will shift from Houston to southern Louisiana.

This year's Invitational will feature four teams from the state of Louisiana to include Southwestern Athletic Conference and rivals Southern and Grambling State.

The Urban Invitational, played in Houston the past two years, will be held Feb. 14-16 and will be played in the cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Four venues -- Southern University, Louisiana State University, Zephyr Field and the New Orleans UYA -- will host games.

In 2013, the Urban Invitational exclusively featured HBCUs with all four teams coming out of the SWAC. Alabama State, Southern, Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M played in the round-robin at Minute Maid Park.

Southern will become the only school to have played in all seven editions of the Urban Invitational. Grambling State makes its third appearance with LSU and UNO participating for the first time.

The Urban Invitational has been held since 2008 in which 16 players among HBCU ranks that have played in the tourney were selected in the First-Year Player Draft.

The tournament will begin with games at two venues in Baton Rouge. GSU and SU will play at Lee Hines Field on the campus of Southern University on Feb. 14, and UNO and LSU will face off at Alex Box Stadium.

First pitch for Friday's season opener at Lee-Hines Field is set for 6 p.m. Live stats and live video will be available on GoJagSports.com.

Saturday's game will take place at the New Orleans UYA (UNO vs. LSU) and another at Zephyr Field (GSU vs. SU). LSU will host the final two games on Sunday. The final two tourney games on Sunday, Feb. 16, will be broadcast live on MLB Network and simulcast live on MLB.com.

The Urban Invitational not only promotes baseball, it helps Major League Baseball showcase Historically Black Colleges and Universities and unveils one of the newest Urban Youth Academies. It also seeks to underline the value of education. The New Orleans Urban Youth Academy, which opened in November 2012, will host a baseball clinic for kids and a college and career fair on Saturday, Feb. 15, as part of the Urban Invitational.

"Collegiate baseball represents a significant element of the game's future, so it is important to give these programs the opportunity for exposure to a larger audience," MLB executive vice president of baseball development Frank Robinson said in a news release. "We are thrilled to host this year's Urban Invitational in Southern Louisiana, and thank all of our participating schools."

The New Orleans Urban Youth Academy will get a chance to take center stage and to highlight the growth of the league's initiative around the country. There are already Urban Youth Academies up and running in Compton, Calif., Houston and New Orleans. New facilities are currently under construction in Cincinnati and Philadelphia, with another planned for South Florida.

Information for the Urban Invitational can be found at MLB.com/community/uya.jsp, and parking at the New Orleans UYA will be free for all events throughout the weekend. High school students from New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama are all invited to attend the college fair free of charge.

COURTESY SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS