FAMU's MLB Hall of Famer Andre "The Hawk" Dawson Named Franchise Four for Washington Nationals

Washington, D.C. -- The MLB All Star Game is always going to be more about pageantry than the actual baseball game. For one three (or four, in this year's case) day stretch, the entire baseball world comes together in one city. While part of the reason that they do that is to showcase some of the most talented players in today's game, it's also an opportunity for baseball to celebrate its rich history. This season, MLB decided that their celebration of history was going to focus on each franchise's four most iconic players.... a Mount Rushmore of sorts.

At the All Star Game, the four players chosen to represent the Washington franchise were announced. Gary Carter, Andre Dawson, Vladimir Guerrero, and Tim Raines were honored. All four were Montreal Expos. While I would have liked to see Zimmerman on there to represent the current incarnation of the franchise, it's difficult to argue with any of the choices.



Andre Dawson - .279/.323/.482, 438 HR, 1373 Runs, 1591 RBI, 314 SB, 59.5 fWAR

The Hawk was the Expos second Hall of Famer, despite his stated preference to go into the Hall donning a Chicago Cubs cap. Dawson was an eight time All Star. He also won eight Gold Gloves, four Silver Slugger Awards, and the 1987 MVP as a member of the Chicago Cubs. Despite winning the MVP when he was with the Cubs, Dawson's four best seasons (by far) in terms of fWAR came when he was still a member of the Expos (1980-83). He spent his first ten full seasons in Montreal, bashing 225 HR and stealing 252 bases in that time. As a Montreal Expo, Andre Dawson averaged a 20/20 season for a decade.

*While Dawson is a product of Southwest Miami High School and Florida A&M University, Tim Raines built a potential hall of fame skill-set 250 miles north in Sanford, Florida.  Raines went straight from Seminole High School (drafted in the 5th Round of the 1977 MLB amateur draft) to the Montreal Expos.  He made his major league debut in September 1979.  Known as the "Rock," Raines was a 3-sports super-star in high school track, football and baseball.  In football, the Rock averaged 10.5 yards per carry as a running back for the Sanford Seminoles. 

*Tim also has a son (Timothy Raines, Jr.) that graduated from the same high school and played in the major leagues 2001-2004 for Baltimore, Washington, Arizona and Kansas City.  Sanford Seminole High School has produced four MLB players with the 5'-8/160 Rock at the top of the heap.  The connection to this story is the Rock, the Hawk and I share the same alma maters, and that I had the good fortune to see each play baseball long before MLB became a reality for them.  In fact, the Hawk became a legend for knocking home runs across  traffic on Wahnish Way on the FAMU campus.  What a headache he created for all SIAC pitchers.

Tim Raines - .294/.385/.425, 170 HR, 1571 Runs, 980 RBI, 808 SB, 66.4 fWAR

The Rock has a couple of shots left at the Hall of Fame, but he's not there yet. Raines was a seven time All Star, a one time Silver Slugger, the 1986 NL Batting Champ, and led the NL in Stolen Bases four times. With his ability to hit for average, his patience at the plate, and his speed, there's actually not a bad argument that Tim Raines was the second best leadoff man of all-time. Unfortunately, he played in the same era as the greatest leadoff man ever. Solely as an Expo, Raines ranks second to Gary Carter in all-time WAR by both Baseball Reference (48.9) and Fangraphs (49.3). His career WAR total (69.1 rWAR, 66.4 fWAR) by both sites ranks well ahead of former teammate and Hall of Famer Andre Dawson as well. Raines played his first ten full seasons with the Expos organization.



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*Input from beepbeep

NSU Spartans, Suffolk native to play vs. Norfolk Tides‎

Head Coach Claudell Clark and the Norfolk State Spartans will play an exhibition game against the Norfolk Tides, the triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, on Tuesday, April 6 at 7:15 pm at Harbor Park. Tickets for the event are $5.00, ($3.00 for students) with all proceeds from the contest going towards the NSU Spartans baseball program.

When Norfolk State’s baseball team gets to play the Norfolk Tides in an exhibition game at Harbor Park Tuesday night, it’ll be just one more reason why Suffolk native John Rasberry’s happy he’s worked and played his way to Norfolk State and the Spartan baseball squad. Rasberry was a standout outfielder and pitcher at Lakeland until transferring to Greenbrier Christian in Chesapeake as a junior.

With the Gators, Rasberry was a two-time all-Tidewater Conference and All-State (Virginia Independent Schools) player and on a state-championship Greenbrier club while hitting .475 in his senior season. Rasberry went to college and played ball for two years at Delaware Tech Community College before being recruited and coming to Norfolk State. Getting the chance to play Division I baseball was certainly one goal. Coming back close to home is a huge bonus.

“I’ve been away the past couple years. It’s great now playing in front of faces I know basically every home game. People who, for my whole life, have been cheering me on, are able to watch me play. It’s really fun,” Rasberry said. As the starting leftfielder and leadoff hitter for the Spartans, Rasberry’s hitting .371 (26-for-70) with 18 runs, three doubles, two homers, six stolen bases and 12 RBI.

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QUOTES:

"We are really excited to welcome Norfolk State to Harbor Park for this exhibition game" said Tides President Ken Young. "This is a great opportunity for fans to catch their first glimpse of the 2010 Tides in action, and hopefully this is the start of a long-term relationship with an institution that is very important in the Hampton Roads community."

"We are pleased to have the opportunity to compete against the Norfolk Tides," Norfolk State head baseball coach Claudell Clark said. "The game will give our baseball program greater exposure in the Tidewater area as well as serving as a key fundraiser for us. We look forward to making the event a success each year."

This game supplants the annual exhibition game the Tides had played against the Old Dominion University Monarchs.

Southern University's Frazier Hall and Cody Hall get drafted by Major League Baseball

Baton Rouge, LA --When the big day began, Frazier Hall had a few phone conversations with baseball people — scouts, advisors and the like — who gave him encouraging news. They told the Southern first baseman that when the second day of the Major League Baseball draft got under way, he might go as early as the seventh round.

Then the waiting began. And continued. And continued. Frazier Hall was about to leave for an afternoon workout when the 16th round began. He took a few more phone calls, then checked his computer. The wait was over. The Los Angeles Angels took Frazier Hall in the 16th round Tuesday, giving him the shot at pro baseball he’s always dreamed of.


Videographer: MLB, SU's Frazier Hall

Less than an hour later, the San Francisco Giants took his teammate, right-hander Cody Hall, in the 19th round. The celebration began.

Frazier Hall, Cody Hall get a shot at pro ball

Frazier Hall and Cody Hall are both off the board.

Southern’s top two baseball prospects were selected within an hour of each other Tuesday during the Major League Baseball draft — first baseman Frazier Hall going in the 16th round to the Los Angeles Angels; right-hander Cody Hall going in the 19th round to the San Francisco Giants.

Frazier Hall earned his second straight Southwestern Athletic Conference Player of the Year award this season, thanks mostly to his sparkling offensive numbers.

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Incredible history of North Carolina A&T Aggie Baseball dates back to 1902. Over 100 years of baseball excellence.. you can't fake this tradition

Incredible history of Aggie Baseball dates back to 1902. Over 100 years of baseball excellence.. you can't fake this tradition!!! #AggiesDo pic.twitter.com/x6GqLz90Q0

— Aggie Baseball (@NCATSUbaseball) February 2, 2019

What a night at the @NCATSUbaseball 1st pitch banquet! 1 day after Jackie Robinson’s 100th Birthday we celebrate 117 years of Baseball on the campus of @ncatsuaggies @NCATAGGIES #SoldOut #2019season @CB_Daily @d1baseball pic.twitter.com/3y1T7QR3fz

— Ben Hall (@BenHallbsb16) February 2, 2019

Melendez makes ASU believe: New Hornets baseball coach inspires higher expectations

It's a resume that is among the best in small college baseball.

Mervyl Melendez has transformed Bethune-Cookman into a baseball powerhouse, not only making the Wildcats the envy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities programs everywhere but even those small college programs that dare to dream the impossible dream.

And when Melendez stepped to the podium on Tuesday to entertain questions as the new baseball coach at Alabama State, there were plenty of optimistic observers who believe the Hornets' baseball program has stepped into a new era as well. Daring to dream can be contagious.

"It was never about money with him," said ASU athletic director Stacy Danley. "He's all about vision and the direction of the university and the baseball program. He was sold on Alabama State University. This is a clear message to everyone that we are taking our program to the next level. He understood that, could see it and knew we were not just talking."

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NCCU Baseball Adds Two Assistant Coaches

DURHAM, North Carolina -- North Carolina Central University baseball head coach Jim Koerner has announced two additions to the coaching staff, A.J. Battisto and Neal Henry.

Koerner says he is looking forward to the impact the new assistant coaches can have on the program.

"We are very excited to have both Neal Henry and A.J. Battisto as a part of our coaching staff," Koerner said.  "Not only do they both bring great baseball experience to our program but they are both first class individuals.  In making these hires I wanted to ensure there was an emphasis on the teaching and player development aspects of coaching, and I believe we have accomplished that.

"Coach Battisto will handle the pitching coach responsibilities as well as being involved with our recruiting efforts, while Coach Henry will primarily be working with the outfielders while handling the bulk of our recruiting coordination responsibilities."

Battisto joins NCCU from the University of New Orleans where he was an assistant coach beginning in August 2014.  During his time there he worked as a pitching and catching coach responsible for coaching techniques, skills and continual arm care, and also served as the head recruiting coordinator.

Prior to coaching at New Orleans, Battisto was a professional baseball player in the Miami Marlins organization from 2007 to 2013.  He was drafted in the 30th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball draft, and was named to the 2008 Minor League All-Star game and was Team Pitcher of the Year that season in Low-A.  He progressed as high as Triple-A in the 2013 season.

Battisto is a graduate of Georgia Southern University, and is currently pursuing a master's degree in secondary education.

Henry comes to NCCU after serving as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Palm Beach State College beginning in August 2013.  Along with being the recruiting coordinator, he coached catchers and hitters and served as the third base coach.

Before coaching at Palm Beach State College, Henry was the head coach at Starkville Academy in Starkville, Mississippi from 2009 to 2013.  He was able to lead that team to the championship series of the Mississippi Private School AAA Division 2 conference during his time there, and was named AAA South Baseball Coach of the Year in 2012.  He began his coaching career as an assistant at Madison Ridgeland Academy in Madison, Mississippi in November 2008.

Henry is a graduate of Delta State University.

Corey Gross remains with the staff, and Troy Marrow joins as a student assistant.

"I am also pleased to announce that Troy Marrow will be staying on as part of the Eagle family as a student assistant coach," Koerner said.  "This has been something that we have talked about since I came to campus four years ago, when Troy was just a sophomore.  Troy has all the qualities and attributes that will make for a very successful coaching career.  He will be assisting me with the infielders as well as helping with the hitters and base running.

"Along with the return of Corey Gross for his fourth year, I believe we have all the pieces in place to help our student-athletes reach their personal and team goals."

For more information, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Legendary baseball coach Billy Reed (FAMU) lived a life of courage, integrity

"He was a granddaddy first, and not a baseball coach, to his grandson," said Blanc, referring to her son, Eric Blanc II (a FAMU baseball player).

TAMPA, Florida -- As a teenager in the late 1940s, when Jim Crow remained the South’s two most notorious syllables, Billy Reed had to walk past Hillsborough High’s baseball field to get to all-black Middleton.

"Those (Hillsborough) students would hurl racial slurs, throw rocks and spit at him," recalled Dori Reed Blanc, one of Mr. Reed’s two daughters. "My father could have easily been bitter and harbored ill will. Instead, he persevered and focused on his goals."

Today, that same field is named in his honor.

"So the lesson here is if something bad happens to you … learn from it," Blanc said told a congregation of roughly 350 on Saturday at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. "Find strength from it, and one day in God’s time, there will be a positive outcome."

Blanc’s story highlighted a 90-minute "Home Run Celebration" for Mr. Reed, who died in a Tampa rehabilitation facility Dec. 30 at 86. A multisport athlete at Middleton and Florida A&M, Mr. Reed returned to his hometown and evolved into one of the most revered high school baseball coaches in bay area history.

In addition to coaching at Middleton and Hillsborough, Mr. Reed co-founded Belmont Heights Little League, which produced four World Series teams from 1973-81 and a handful of future big-league players.

Saturday’s mourners included former major-leaguers Gary Sheffield, Carl Everett and Jason Romano, all of whom played for Mr. Reed at Hillsborough, where he coached for roughly a quarter-century before retiring in 1997. Tony Saladino, whose 38-year-old Hills­borough County prep baseball tournament has earned national acclaim, also attended, as did Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn.

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MLB | Buck O'Neil, former Edward Waters College standout, among Baseball Hall of Fame honorees | Clayton Freeman

A Tiger in baseball's Hall: Baseball Hall of Fame elects Buck O'Neil, whose path to Cooperstown took him through @EWU_Athletics and Jacksonville, via @jaxdotcom: https://t.co/EqRRH9ScZP

— Clayton Freeman (@CFreemanJAX) December 6, 2021

Congratulations to Edward Waters University (EWU) alumnus and Major League Baseball and Negro League Baseball legend Buck O’Neil on being posthumously elected to the Major League Baseball (MLB) Hall of Fame!! We are all TIGER PROUD!! #EWU #BuckOneil #EdwardWaters #MLBHOF 💯💯🐅🐅 pic.twitter.com/ojwT9aUNfw

— Edward Waters University (@ewctigers) December 6, 2021

FAMU baseball team looking for consistency

The offseason got even quirkier when former head coach Robert Lucas was named head coach again, replacing Joe Durant, who took over for Lucas when he initially left FAMU. Lucas, who led the Rattlers to three MEAC titles in 1987, 1988 and 1990, was associate head coach on the team last season after spending a number of years as a scout for the Atlanta Braves.

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Florida A&M University 2008 Baseball Schedule

Date Opponent / Event Location Time / Result
02/16/08 Alumni Game Tallahassee, FL 10:00 a.m. ET
02/22/08 at UCF Orlando, FL 6:00 p.m. ET
02/23/08 at UCF Orlando, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
02/24/08 at UCF Orlando, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
02/28/08 at Concordia Al Selma, AL 3:00 p.m. ET
03/01/08 vs. Savannah State Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
03/02/08 vs. Savannah State Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
03/04/08 at Mercer Macon, GA 4:00 p.m. ET
03/05/08 at Mercer Macon, GA 1:00 p.m. ET
03/06/08 vs. Presbyterian Tallahassee, FL 2:00 p.m. ET
03/07/08 vs. Presbyterian Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
03/12/08 at Edward Waters Jacksonville, FL 6:00 p.m. ET
03/22/08 vs. Bethune Cookman @ Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
vs. Bethune Cookman @ Tallahassee, FL TBA
03/23/08 vs. Bethune Cookman @ Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
03/25/08 vs. Alabama State Tallahassee, FL 2:00 p.m. ET
03/26/08 vs. Albany State Tallahassee, FL 3:00 p.m. ET
03/27/08 at Albany State Albany, GA 3:00 p.m. ET
03/29/08 at North Carolina A&T @ Greensboro, N.C. 1:00 p.m. ET
at North Carolina A&T @ Greensboro, N.C. TBA
03/30/08 at North Carolina A&T @ Greensboro, N.C. 1:00 p.m. ET
04/01/08 at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL 3:00 p.m. ET
04/03/08 vs. Concordia Al Tallahassee, FL 3:00 p.m. ET
04/05/08 at Savannah State Savannah, GA 1:00 p.m. ET
04/06/08 at Savannah State Savannah, GA 1:00 p.m. ET
04/08/08 vs. Mercer Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
04/09/08 vs. Mercer Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
04/10/08 at Morehouse Atlanta, GA 3:00 p.m. ET
04/12/08 at Delaware State @ Dover, DE 1:00 p.m. ET
at Delaware State @ Dover, DE TBA
04/13/08 at Delaware State @ Dover, DE 1:00 p.m. ET
04/15/08 vs. Edward Waters Tallahassee, FL 3:00 p.m. ET
04/16/08 vs. Jacksonville Tallahassee, FL 3:00 p.m. ET
04/19/08 vs. Maryland Eastern Shore @ Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
vs. Maryland Eastern Shore @ Tallahassee, FL TBA
04/20/08 vs. Maryland Eastern Shore @ Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
04/22/08 at Alabama State Montgomery, AL 3:00 p.m. ET
04/23/08 at North Florida Jacksonville, FL 3:00 p.m. ET
04/26/08 vs. Coppin State @ Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
vs. Coppin State @ Tallahassee, FL TBA
04/27/08 vs. Coppin State @ Tallahassee, FL 1:00 p.m. ET
05/03/08 at Norfolk State @ Norfolk, VA 1:00 p.m. ET
at Norfolk State @ Norfolk, VA TBA
05/04/08 at Norfolk State @ Norfolk, VA 1:00 p.m. ET
05/15/08 MEAC Baseball Tournament Norfolk, VA TBA
05/16/08 MEAC Baseball Tournament Norfolk, VA TBA
05/17/08 MEAC Baseball Tournament Norfolk, VA TBA
05/18/08 MEAC Baseball Tournament Norfolk, VA TBA

Schedule Key

@Conference Event

Inner City Classic youth baseball tournament returns to Greensboro

GREENSBORO, North Carolina — The 28th annual Inner City Classic baseball tournament begins today.

It’s the second year in a row the Metropolitan Junior Baseball League has brought its signature event to Greensboro, and the youth tournaments run through Sunday at eight sites in and around the city.

The MJBL was born in 1966 in Richmond, Va., during the segregation era in the South, when African-American children had limited access to organized baseball.

It’s grown over the years, its mission “to provide urban youth the opportunity to travel to other cities, compete in the game of baseball and to be exposed to diverse cultures.” There are now MJBL chapters in 17 states and the Caribbean.

Bottom line: The league wants to make baseball popular with inner city kids again.

One of those kids grew up to be a legend.

Ken Free of Greensboro, a newly-minted South Atlantic League Hall of Famer, serves on the board of directors for the MJBL.

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38 JSU Tigers Graduate During Spring Commencement

COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State University held its 2014 Spring Commencement exercise Saturday, May 3 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium and 38 JSU student-athletes received their degrees.

Below is the list of Tigers and Lady Tigers to receive their diplomas.

Fred Hampton (Baseball)

Desmond Russell (Baseball)

Phillip Harvey (Baeball)

Stephen Curtis (Baseball)
Aneko Knowles (Baseball)
Willie Bradford (Basebll)
Charles Tillery (Baseball)
Sergio Parra (Baseball)
Arthur Jordan (Football)
Stephen Capler (Football)
Qua Cox (Football)

EJ Drewery (Football)

Sedric Hogan (Football)

Derrick Jean (Football)

Caleb Lester (Football)

Michael Perkins (Football)

Geoffrey Brady (M-Track)

Justin Lampley (M-Track)

Jamie McIntosh (M-Track)

Samuel Rhoads (M-Track)

Dyanna Scott (Bowling)

Ashlee Ingram (Bowling)

Rashia Yero (Bowling)

Jasmine Dumas (Bowling)

Lauren Aikens (Sofrball)

Arianna Smith (Softball)

Breea Jamerson (Softball)

Patricia Cartwright (Soccer)

Harshini Reddy (W-Tennis)

Angela Condorelli (W-Tennis)

Kesica Jayapalan (W-Tennis)

Brianna Brown (W-Track)

Munirat Balagun (W-Track)

Hannah Porter (W-Track)

Angelica Kelley (Volleyball)

Paige Williams (Volleyball)

COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Delaware State, Bethune-Cookman Picked to Win MEAC Baseball Divisions

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Delaware State and Bethune-Cookman were selected to win the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Northern and Southern Divisions, respectively, in baseball this season, the conference office announced today.

The poll was voted on by the conference’s head coaches and sports information directors.

Delaware State picked up 13 first-place votes in being tabbed the preseason favorite to win the Northern Division, racking up 67 points. The Hornets finished second in the division last season and advanced to the third day of the 2017 MEAC Baseball Championship.

Norfolk State, which has won the Northern Division each of the last three seasons and was in last year’s championship game, was picked to finish second after tallying five first-place votes and 56 points. The Spartans are entering their first season under interim head coach Keith Shumate, and they lost the reigning MEAC Player of the Year (Alex Mauricio) and Pitcher of the Year (Devin Hemmerich).

Coppin State and Maryland Eastern Shore, entering its first season under head coach Brian Hollamon, rounded out the Northern Division.

Bethune-Cookman, with 13 first-place votes and 84 points, was picked to win the Southern Division. The Wildcats won the MEAC title last season, their 19th, before becoming the first MEAC team ever to advance to an NCAA regional final – where they faced eventual national champion Florida. Bethune-Cookman will be entering its first season under interim head coach Barrett Shaft.

North Carolina A&T State, under the direction of reigning MEAC Coach of the Year Ben Hall, was picked to finish second, edging out Florida A&M (five first-place votes) 64 points to 63.

North Carolina Central and Savannah State rounded out the Southern Division.

The 2018 MEAC baseball season begins on Friday, Feb. 16, when seven of the conference’s nine baseball schools are in action.

2018 MEAC Baseball Predicted Order of Finish
As voted on by the leagues’ head coaches and sports information directors

NORTHERN DIVISION

School (First-Place Votes)	Points
1. Delaware State (13)	67
2. Norfolk State (5)	56
3. Coppin State	32
4. Maryland Eastern Shore	25

SOUTHERN DIVISION

School (First-Place Votes)	Points
1. Bethune-Cookman (13)	84
2. North Carolina A&T State	64
3. Florida A&M (5)	63
4. North Carolina Central	37
5. Savannah State	22

MEAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

North Carolina A&T Names Sanchez Head Baseball Coach

Head Baseball Coach Joel Sanchez
(Courtesy: NC A&T Sports Information)

GREENSBORO, N.C. - North Carolina A&T Director of Athletics Earl Hilton announced the appointment of Joel Sanchez to be the new head baseball coach. Sanchez joins the Aggie family with extensive coaching and playing experience on the collegiate and professional levels.

"Coach Sanchez has what I call 'championship experience,'" said Hilton. "He spent numerous years learning what it takes to win championships on a consistent basis. We are excited about blending his winning knowhow with what we believe is already an outstanding baseball program."

Prior to joining N.C.A&T, Sanchez held the assistant baseball coaching position at Daytona State College for one season in 2011.

The bulk of Sanchez's coaching success came during his eight seasons (2001-08) at Bethune-Cookman University, where he served as the head assistant under ­Mervyl Melendez. During his stint at B-CU, the Wildcats earned seven MEAC Championships, and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Regional each time.

Sanchez's coaching experience is not limited to college baseball. He served as the minor league pitching coach for the Gulf Coast League Nationals, the rookie-level minor league affiliate of the Washington Nationals in 2010; and the Vermont Lake Monsters, the short-season level-A affiliate of the Nationals in 2009. He was responsible pitching staff of each team.

As a player, Sanchez played professionally with the Ciudad Juarez of Chihuahua, Mexico from 1997-1999. He was a two-year letterman at New Mexico State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in psychology in 1998.

Sanchez replaces Keith Shumate, who resigned in July after 15 seasons with the Aggies. Austin Love will remain as an assistant for the program.

Courtesy: NC A&T Sports Information

Norfolk State Spartans hope transfers will fill gaps

Photo: Norfolk State University head baseball coach Claudell Clark

NORFOLK, VA - Moriba George doesn't hide the fact that his early days with the Norfolk State baseball program were a struggle. "My first year was the worst year of baseball I've ever had," said George, a senior shortstop. "We were like 0-and-February."

But, later that season, things began to change as the Spartans made a surprise run to the MEAC title game. The next year, they went 11-7 in MEAC play, setting their record for regular-season MEAC wins.

Now the Spartans, who open their season Friday against Chicago State in a tournament in Savannah, Ga., are hoping to take another big step.

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http://www.nsuspartans.com/schedule.aspx?path=baseball&schedule=9&

Norfolk State University 2008 Baseball Schedule

HBCU Baseball Classic
2/22/2008 Chicago State Savannah, Ga. 1:30 p.m. Details
2/23/2008 North Carolina Central Savannah, Ga. 10:30 a.m. Details
2/24/2008 Savannah State Savannah, Ga. 1:30 p.m. Details
2/26/2008 Liberty Norfolk, Va. 2 p.m. Details
3/1/2008 Lafayette (DH) Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m. Details
3/2/2008 Lafayette Norfolk, Va. Noon Details
3/5/2008 Longwood Norfolk, Va. 3 p.m. Details
3/8/2008 North Carolina Central (DH) Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m. Details
3/9/2008 North Carolina Central (DH) Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m. Details
3/12/2008 Old Dominion Norfolk, Va. 3 p.m. Details
3/16/2008 Longwood (DH) Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m. Details
3/19/2008 Virginia Military Institute Norfolk, Va. 3 p.m. Details
3/22/2008 * North Carolina A&T (DH) Greensboro, N.C. 1 p.m. Details
3/23/2008 * North Carolina A&T Greensboro, N.C. Noon Details
3/26/2008 Old Dominion Norfolk, Va. 6 p.m. Details
3/29/2008 * Coppin State (DH) Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m. Details
3/30/2008 * Coppin State Norfolk, Va. Noon Details
4/2/2008 Liberty Lynchburg, Va. 3 p.m. Details
4/3/2008 Virginia State Norfolk, Va. 3 p.m. Details
4/5/2008 * Maryland Eastern Shore (DH) Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m. Details
4/6/2008 * Maryland Eastern Shore Norfolk, Va. Noon Details
4/8/2008 William & Mary Norfolk, Va. 6 p.m. Details
4/12/2008 * Bethune-Cookman (DH) Daytona Beach, Fla. 1 p.m.
4/13/2008 Bethune-Cookman Daytona Beach, Fla. Noon Details
4/16/2008 Virginia Military Institute Lexington, Va. 5 p.m. Details
4/19/2008 * Delaware State (DH) Dover, Del. 1 p.m. Details
4/20/2008 * Delaware State Dover, Del. Noon Details
4/23/2008 Longwood Farmville, Va. 3 p.m. Details
4/26/2008 Savannah State (DH) Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m. Details
4/27/2008 Savannah State (DH) Norfolk, Va. Noon Details
4/30/2008 Virginia Commonwealth Richmond, Va. 6 p.m. Details
5/3/2008 * Florida A&M (DH) Norfolk, Va. 1 p.m. Details
5/4/2008 * Florida A&M Norfolk, Va. Noon Details
5/6/2008 Richmond Norfolk, Va. 6 p.m. Details
5/10/2008 Gardner-Webb Boiling Springs, N.C. 1 p.m. Details
5/11/2008 Gardner-Webb (DH) Boiling Springs, N.C. Noon Details
2008 MEAC Baseball Championship
5/15/2008 MEAC Championship Norfolk, Va. TBA Details
5/16/2008 MEAC Championship Norfolk, Va. TBA Details
5/17/2008 MEAC Championship Norfolk, Va. TBA Details
5/18/2008 MEAC Championship Norfolk, Va. TBA Details

Southern Jaguars start with series against UNO

Southern University Head Baseball Coach Roger Cador

That loud, bold belly-laugh could’ve only come from one place. That wide, toothy grin could’ve only come from one face. Thursday afternoon at Lee-Hines Field, members of the Southern University baseball team took turns at the plate, pounding line drives and ground balls in final their batting practice before the season opener.

Suddenly, a sound came from one end of the third-base dugout — that loud, distinct laugh. It belonged, of course, to Roger Cador. From the look (and sound) of it, he was in his element. The winter weather had given way to a sunny, mild day, and another baseball season neared. What could be better?

“I was very concerned with the way things were going,” a smiling Cador said. “But the weather we have now — oh, it feels like spring. Life is good. It’s a beautiful day. ... Of course, when you get to be my age, everything is beautiful.”

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Privateers, Jaguars Open 2011 Baseball Season This Weekend

BATON ROUGE, La. - The University of New Orleans baseball program will open its 2011 campaign on Friday when it travels to face in-state rival Southern in the first game of a split three-game series at Lee Hines Field.

First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 6 p.m. with the series moving to Maestri Field on Saturday for a 4 p.m. start before turning to Baton Rouge for the series finale at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

There will be no live audio or video over the weekend, with live stats and Twitter updates planned for Saturday's home contest.

UNO posted a 13-39 mark last year and will compete as an NCAA Division I Independent in 2011 as part of the school's intended reclassification to NCAA Division II competition.

The Privateer baseball program previously participated as an NCAA Division I Independent from 1980 through 1987 under coaches Ron Maestri and Tom Schwaner, qualifying for the NCAA tournament on six separate occasions during the eight-year span of time, including a 1984 College World Series appearance, the first by a Division I program in the state of Louisiana.

This year's squad under head coach Bruce Peddie will have a different task laid before them.

With just three scholarship players on the roster, the team will proceed to play a schedule full of Division I opponents and just 11 contests on the Lakefront.

Of the three weekend starters against Southern (25-22 in 2010), just Friday starter Cory Myers (0-2, 10.24 ERA in 2010) has pitched for the Privateers.

Saturday starter Zach Kelt and Sunday starter Robert Ormbsee are making their first appearance for UNO after transferring in from Hinds Community College and LSU-Alexandria, respectively.

Nolan Church is the top returning bat for the Privateers after leading the team with a .328 batting average last year. JUCO transfers Cameron Wheeless at third base and Andrew Garcia in the outfield could also factor in offensively for UNO.

SU has two former Privateer players on the roster in Clint Ourso and Roddarick Jones.

Ourso made 13 appearances as the third-string catcher for the Privateers last season, while Jones who is sitting out this season, was the regular left fielder for UNO in 2009 and 2010.

Jaguars' head coach Roger Cador will send RHP Daniel Garcia to the mound on Friday and LHP Jesse Holiday on Saturday with a starter. Garcia will be making his first appearance since posting a 4-1 record with a 3.08 ERA in 2009 with Holiday going 5-0 with a 4.17 ERA in 2010 with four starts amongst 13 appearances. A Sunday starter has not been named.

Following this weekend's series, UNO will face nationally-ranked LSU on Tuesday at Alex Box Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

Courtesy: UNOPrivateers.com             Release: 02/17/2011

Alabama State announces early signing class

@BamaStateBB announces early signing class #StateOfMind #myasu

📖: https://t.co/snF8hILATd pic.twitter.com/5X8PP09RxF

— Alabama State Baseball (@BamaStateBB) December 3, 2018

Welcome to the @BamaStateBB family Ryan Melendez #StateOfMind #myasu pic.twitter.com/ybnnOiOaz2

— Alabama State Baseball (@BamaStateBB) December 3, 2018

Welcome to the @BamaStateBB family Dilan Espinal #StateOfMind #myasu pic.twitter.com/cgIk4FfRmy

— Alabama State Baseball (@BamaStateBB) December 3, 2018

Welcome to the @BamaStateBB family JaBronski Williams #StateOfMind #myasu pic.twitter.com/syCF24RVWJ

— Alabama State Baseball (@BamaStateBB) December 3, 2018

Welcome to the @BamaStateBB family Christian Muniz #StateOfMind #myasu pic.twitter.com/7vZkGn4mNx

— Alabama State Baseball (@BamaStateBB) December 3, 2018

Welcome to the @BamaStateBB family Austin King #StateOfMind #myasu pic.twitter.com/cCFnJTy3i3

— Alabama State Baseball (@BamaStateBB) December 3, 2018

FAMU Baseball enjoying the start of their Regional run by taking in a @Braves game at @SunTrustPark

FAMU Baseball enjoying the start of their Regional run by taking in a @Braves game at @SunTrustPark pic.twitter.com/64OV8tP16S

— FAMU Baseball (@BaseballFamu) May 29, 2019

Thanks to our great hosts the Atlanta @Braves at @SunTrustPark and getting to see baseball greats Phil Niekro & @RealCJ10 pic.twitter.com/z2NAjJIN89

— FAMU Baseball (@BaseballFamu) May 29, 2019

It’s official: 2021 MLB All-Star game is at SunTrust Park
https://t.co/1AJ6d5EU01

— Wilton Jackson II (@WiltonReports) May 29, 2019

Thanks to FAMU Alum Elliott Kiadii for the @Braves tour at @SunTrustPark pic.twitter.com/UOR5FkN0eJ

— FAMU Baseball (@BaseballFamu) May 30, 2019 

FAMU Baseball Picked to Win MEAC Southern Division

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

NORFOLK, Virginia – The Norfolk State Spartans and Florida A&M Rattlers were predicted to win the 2016 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) baseball northern and southern divisions, respectively, the conference announced today. All preseason honors were voted on by the conference’s head baseball coaches and sports information directors.

Savannah State’s Charles Sikes was selected as the conference’s Preseason Player of the Year, while Matt Outman of Norfolk State earned Preseason Pitcher of the Year accolades.

Sikes, the 2015 MEAC Player of the Year, led the conference in doubles (16). Also, he finished second in total bases (94), tied for second in home runs (7) and third in RBIs (37). Nationally, Sikes ranked 55th with five sacrifice flies. This is his second consecutive Preseason Player of the Year honor.

Outman earned Pitcher of the Year honors last season after appearing in 12 games and registering eight wins, including one shutout, in 68.1 innings pitched. He ranked first in the MEAC in wins (8) and strikeouts (78), second in strikeouts per nine innings (10.27), and third in ERA (2.77). Outman ranked 18th nationally in wins, 45th in strikeouts and 48th in strikeouts per nine innings.

Norfolk State was the 2015 MEAC northern division champions. The Spartans finished the season with a 27-16 overall record and 19-5 MEAC mark.

Delaware State was picked to finish second, followed by Maryland Eastern Shore and Coppin State to round out the northern division.

Defending MEAC Baseball Tournament Champion, the Florida A&M Rattlers, posted a 23-25 record and a 15-9 MEAC mark last season to secure the southern divisional title.

Bethune-Cookman was chosen second, followed by Savannah State, North Carolina Central and North Carolina A&T State.

Sikes (SSU) and Outman (NSU) are joined by Devin Sweet (NCCU), Clint Clymer (B-CU), Adan Ordonez (NCAT), Mike Escanilla (UMES), Cameron Onderko (DSU), Demetrius Sims (B-CU), Marlon Gibbs (FAMU), Carlos Ortiz (NCCU), Nathan Bond (B-CU), Darien Percell (CSU) and Brian Davis (FAMU) on the 2016 Preseason All-MEAC team.

The 2016 MEAC Baseball Championship tournament is scheduled for May 19-22, 2016 at Purdue Stadium in Salisbury, Md.

Listed below is the 2016 MEAC Preseason Predicted Order of Finish and Preseason All-MEAC teams.

2016 MEAC Baseball Predicted Order of Finish (First Place Votes in Parenthesis)

Southern Division Points

Florida A&M (14) 86

Bethune-Cookman (3) 70

Savannah State 46

North Carolina Central (1) 45

North Carolina A&T 23


Northern Division Points

Norfolk State (14) 68

Delaware State (2) 48

Maryland Eastern Shore 38

Coppin State (2) 26


2016 Preseason All-MEAC Teams

Preseason Player of the Year: Charles Sikes, Savannah State

Preseason Pitcher of the Year: Matt Outman, Norfolk State

First Team

SP Devin Sweet North Carolina Central

SP Matt Outman Norfolk State

RF Clint Clymer Bethune-Cookman

C Adan Ordonez North Carolina A&T

1B Charles Sikes Savannah State

2B Mike Escanilla Maryland Eastern Shore

3B Cameron Onderko Delaware State

SS Demetrius Sims Bethune-Cookman

OF Marlon Gibbs Florida A&M

OF Carlos Ortiz North Carolina Central

OF Nathan Bond Bethune-Cookman

UTL Brian Davis Florida A&M

UTL Darien Percell Coppin State

Second Team

SP Alex Seibold Bethune-Cookman

SP Alex Dandridge North Carolina Central

RP Brandon Fleming Florida A&M

C Ismael Herrera Norfolk State

1B Christian Triplett North Carolina Central

2B Tim Ravare North Carolina A&T

3B Jameel Edney Bethune-Cookman

SS Roger Hall Norfolk State

OF Denathan Dukes Norfolk State

OF Mendez Elder Savannah State

*OF Angel Rosario Norfolk State

*OF Myles Sowell North Carolina A&T

* Denotes tie

The Rattlers open the 2016 season on Friday, February 19 against Marshall for a three-game series at Moore-Kittles Field.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Benedict Baseball Coach Selwyn Young Buys Ellensburg Bulls Minor League Team

BENEDICT COLLEGE HEAD COACH SELWYN YOUNG

ELLENSBURG, Washington  SLYSPORTS LLC, headed by MLB veteran and current Benedict College head baseball coach Selwyn Young have purchased the franchise. Selwyn's brother, Delwyn, will be the hitting coach and Jim Hayes will manage the club.
-- The Ellensburg Bulls have announced new ownership for the 2015 season.

SLYSPORTS LLC will be the financial backing for the Ellensburg club this season. "You can put the Young Professional Baseball Family name on this club and a part of the league" said Selwyn in a recent communication with League Commissioner Mike Greene.

Mr. Young will also enlist the help of his family, including his sister Cynthia Young who worked in the front office for the Lancaster Jet hawks for many years.

Young hails from Los Angeles, California. He is a graduate of Belmont High School, where he was a three-sport varsity letterman. He was named "All City" shortstop his senior season as well as being an All-League defensive back in football. School honors included being named Belmont's "Athlete of the Year" in 1976. After high school, Young played for the 1977 Los Angeles City College Cubs at shortstop. A 30-game hitting streak that year helped him earn a full scholarship to Pepperdine University in Malibu. In 1980, he set the single season record for stolen base percentage at .952 with 20 out of 21 stolen bases. That team was inducted into Pepperdine's prestigious Hall of Fame in 1999. The 1979 Waves were the first Pepperdine team to win a berth in the NCAA College World Series.

Young played professional baseball 10 years beginning with the Oakland A's organization in 1981, where he was a part of three consecutive Minor League Championships. He also played with the Baltimore Orioles, the Mexican Major Leagues, and several independent leagues before hanging up his glove in 1995 while under a MLB contract with the Seattle Mariners. He was also a part-time scout for the Cincinnati Reds, and the Seattle Mariners.

To complete the family picture, the Skagit Valley Lumberjacks have agreed to trade Selwyn's son, Brandon Young, to Ellensburg for a player to be named later. Brandon played last year for the Trinidad Triggers and also played at Benedict College. Young said he hopes to bring in other former Benedict College baseball players to play for the Bulls.

The Ellensburg Bulls are a member of the Mount Rainier Professional Baseball League, an independent minor league with six teams located in Washington, Oregon and Montana. The league plays a 68-game schedule from May to August.

COURTESY BENEDICT COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

Southern's Roger Cador named to MLB diversity committee

HEAD COACH ROGER CADOR
SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AND A&M COLLEGE

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball has created a task force that will study how to increase diversity in the game, especially among black players.

Commissioner Bud Selig announced the committee Wednesday (April 10th).

In less than a week, baseball will celebrate the 66th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier. A new movie titled “42” focuses on the Hall of Famer.

The 18-member committee includes representatives from club ownership, the players’ union, minor league and college baseball, the MLB scouting bureau and other areas.

Hall of Famer Frank Robinson and former major league manager Jerry Manuel are among the members.

MLB says about 8.5 percent of players on this year’s opening day rosters identified themselves as African-American or black.

That’s around half the number from the mid-1970s through the mid-1990s.

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Roger Cador calls his role on MLB committee ‘a huge honor’

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana  --  As the Southern baseball team took its shot at top-ranked LSU on back-to-back nights this week, coach Roger Cador joined a committee of high-ranking baseball officials who together will study ways to make black players more prominent in America’s pastime.

Cador is part of a task force appointed by Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig to create ideas on how to diversity a sport that has struggled more and more to attract black athletes.

The committee had its first meeting Wednesday in Milwaukee.

Although disappointed that he was not in the dugout for Southern’s games this week, Cador said he believes the initiative of the task force could be a game-changer.

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