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
 

ASU Baseball To Play Final Home SWAC Series, Honor Seniors Against Alcorn State

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - The Alabama State baseball team will play its final home Southwestern Athletic Conference series of the season against Alcorn State on Friday and Saturday at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex.
 
Due to significant rain in the forecast Sunday, the series was moved up a day with Friday's doubleheader and Saturday's single game both starting at 1 p.m. The games are a part of the ASU Spring Festival in which the Swarm And Sting Football Tour begins with a kickoff event at 5 p.m. just outside the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex, and ASU Softball hosting Alabama A&M at 6 p.m. at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex.
 
Alabama State (24-11 overall, 12-3 SWAC) has won nine games in a row, the last two in dramatic come-from-behind fashion. After erasing a six-run deficit in a 15-11 win at Mississippi Valley State Sunday, the Hornets erased a five-run deficit Wednesday night in defeating Jacksonville State 8-7. After falling behind 6-1 after four innings, Alabama State stormed back with three runs in the fifth and six innings, comeback, highlighted by Ray Hernandez' three-run homer that gave the Hornets the lead for good in the sixth. The defense and pitching were clutch down the stretch in sealing the win.
 
Relievers Patrick Coffin, Darren Kelley, Michael Estevez, Jorge Pantoja and Armando Ruiz limited Jacksonville State to three hits and one run with nine strikeouts over the final five innings.
 
"I was very proud of them," Alabama State head baseball coach Mervyl Melendez said. "We had to use the bullpen earlier than we wanted to. Those guys held Jacksonville State down after they kind of scored at will. I'm very proud of their effort. It takes a whole team to win games. I've told this team many times whether they play or not, pinch run, or throw to one batter, whatever the case may be, it's always a team effort."
 
Alabama State will salute its nine baseball seniors prior to Saturday's game. Pitchers Michael Estevez, Michael Montgomery, T.J. Renda, Armando Ruiz, infielders P.J. Biocic, and Einar Muniz, and outfielders Waldyvan Estrada,Cesar Rivera and Marcus Swint will be honored before the final game of the series. Estevez, Estrada, Montgomery, Muniz, Renda, Ruiz, and Swint are a part of the winningest senior class in the history of ASU baseball, currently with 113 wins, including four consecutive 20-win seasons and back-to-back 30-win seasons, including a school record 37 in 2014.  
 
"I've coached for a long  time, and it's been since 2005 (at Bethune-Cookman) that I've been able to coach that many freshman at one time," said Melendez of this class which came to Alabama State in the fall of 2011, along with Richard Amion, Richard Gonzalez, and Emmanuel Marrero who were drafted into professional baseball as juniors in the summer of 2014. 

"They hold a special place in my heart. This group of kids has been amazing, and have paved the way for what ASU baseball is now. In all the trials and tribulations of four years ago when we trying to establish our mark in college baseball to where we are now has been great to see. They play with a lot of confidence. They bleed black and gold now. The pride they have taken into this institution and this program has been amazing."
 
This is the second series meeting between the Hornets and Braves (10-29, 4-14). Alabama State won all three games in Lorman in March in a matchup that has always been highly competitive.
 
"Anytime you go into a conference weekend, you have to expect the best out of the opponent," Melendez said. "Whether they play well midweek or not, you have to throw out the stats. It doesn't really matter. They'll play tough, and we'll play tough because conference play means something. We have to be ready for it, and I think our team is. We're playing very well right now, and we have to continue doing what we do best."
                               
COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Brett Richardson Named Alcorn State Baseball Head Coach

BRET RICHARDSON
HEAD BASEBALL COACH
ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY BRAVES
COURTESY: ALCORN STATE ATHLETICS

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Alcorn State University's search for a new baseball Head Coach ended with a seasoned coach, with extensive college coaching experience, recently as the assistant baseball coach at Florida A&M.

Director of Athletics Derek Horne announced the selection of Brett Richardson, a Tallahassee, Florida native, as the new leader of the Brave's baseball program.

"We are excited to have Coach Richardson join our staff. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with our student-athletes. We have an experienced team returning and look forward to him stepping in and shaping our baseball team into a competitive program."

Brett Richardson comes to the Reservation after spending 19 years on the coaching staff of the Rattler Baseball program.

The personable Richardson's ties to the FAMU Diamond Program began during his playing days in the early 1990s as a catcher on the Rattlers' Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title winners in 1990, 1991 and 1992.

After spending five seasons as an assistant baseball coach at Tallahassee Lincoln High School (1992 to 1997), Richardson returned to FAMU to begin his collegiate coaching career as a graduate assistant under head coach Joe Durant in August of 1998.

Richardson eventually was promoted to full-time status in 2000, combining the duties of pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, with his various responsibilities as an assistant coach.

His years of experience in all aspects of managing the Rattler Baseball program and his growth as a leader was noticed by the FAMU administration, which tabbed him Interim Head Coach in May of 2010. Richardson led the Rattlers to their first MEAC Tournament appearance.

Richardson's vast array of responsibilities included the development of the Rattler hitters and catchers; coaching third base during games; assisting in recruiting; overseeing the academic eligibility process for team members, along with vital administrative duties.

When FAMU appointed Jamey Shouppe as its new head baseball coach in June of 2013, Richardson became the logical choice as Assistant Coach with his years of service to the program.

"Brett has given so much to the program at FAMU, and he is such a special, special man, who I am so happy to have on the staff," an elated Shouppe said moments after the Rattlers clinched the 2015 MEAC title.

Richardson holds a bachelor's degree in health and physical education from FAMU (1997), and also holds a master's degree in education (sports and leisure management) from FAMU (2001)

Braves fans are encouraged to log on to alcornsports.com for the latest news, scores and updates on Alcorn State athletics. Fans can also access the latest information on Alcorn State athletics through social media by following @BRAVESSPORTS on Twitter, @alcornstatesports on Instagram or liking the Facebook page at Facebook.com/AlcornStateSports.


COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION 

Anthony Robinson Named Assistant Baseball Coach at FAMU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida –  Florida A&M Head Coach Jamey Shouppe announces the hiring of Anthony Robinson as Assistant Baseball Coach for the FAMU baseball program. Robinson returns to FAMU as an Assistant Coach where he played third base for the Rattlers from 1996-1999. Robinson will coach third base, work primarily with the outfielders and assist with the hitters.

"I'm very excited to be back apart of the program as a coach," Robinson said. “Coming back from being a player 15 years ago to be on this stage with coach (Jamey) Shouppe and coach (Bryan) Henry and this staff is an honor and an exciting opportunity. I look forward to working and communicating with the guys the importance of working hard, coming to play every day and playing the game the right way. I hope to come in and help continue making this program successful."

A native to Tallahassee, Robinson’s ties to the Rattler baseball program began in high school as he played at Florida A&M Developmental Research School where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. Robinson was a two-sport letterman at FAMUDRS and a state basketball champion in 1994 and 1995.

Robinson earned a baseball scholarship and played baseball for Florida A&M under former Head Coach Joseph Durant from 1996-1999. Robinson primarily played third base while at FAMU, and earned MEAC Freshman of the Year honors in 1996. He was also named to the MEAC All-Tournament Team in 1996 and 1997 and was voted Second-Team All-MEAC at third base his senior season in 1999.

"I'm very excited for Anthony Robinson coming over from the Florida State University School and what he brings to the program," said head coach Jamey Shouppe. “He's a former FAMU player so he knows the system and what to expect at FAMU. He's a guy everyone naturally gravitates to. It all starts with who the person is and his character is off the charts. He's a quality person first of all and, with that, has a great background in baseball."

He comes to FAMU having coached on various different levels of baseball, including Babe Ruth 13U All-Star Team (2001), Lincoln High School Freshman/Varsity (2002) and Florida High School baseball teams from 2003-2013. From 2001-2005 he also served as the Assistant Head Coach for the Varsity Boy's Basketball team at Florida High and the Head Coach for the Varsity Boy's basketball team from 2006-2011. Before arriving at FAMU, Robinson was the Head Coach for the Varsity Girl's Basketball team at Florida High from 2013-2015.

Robinson graduated from Florida A&M in 2001 with a BS degree in Health, Physical Education and Recreation. He and his wife, Anicia, are the proud parents of two boys, Anthony II and Amare.

Robinson is replacing long-time Assistant Coach Brett Richardson, who was hired as the Head Coach at Alcorn State on September 1.

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

ASU debuts new $3.9 million baseball complex

MONTGOMERY, Alabama-- For the first time in 15 years, the Alabama State University baseball team will play on Hornet territory at the ASU Baseball Complex inaugural game this Saturday.

The first pitch of Saturday's game against Alcorn State will be preceded by a special pregame ceremony beginning at 12:30 p.m. followed by an introduction of former Hornet baseball players in attendance between the first and second games of the doubleheader.

The baseball complex is the first of several athletics construction projects that will come on line at Alabama State, including a new on-campus football stadium and softball complex currently under construction.



ASU Baseball set for return to campus

MONTGOMERY, AL - For the first time since the 1996 season, Alabama State baseball has returned home to the ASU campus. This Saturday, March 26th, the Hornets will play the inaugural game at the ASU Baseball Complex at 1 p.m. vs. Alcorn St.

The splendor of what will be a grand event will commence with a special pregame ceremony beginning at 12:30 p.m. leading right up to the first pitch of Saturday's doubleheader. Other special events for the complex opening include an interactive area for kids and the introduction of former Hornet baseball players in attendance between the first and second games of the doubleheader.

The baseball complex is the first of several athletics construction projects that will come on line at Alabama State. The football team is scheduled to move into its new football complex building later this spring and the initial phases of the new on-campus football stadium and softball complex are underway.

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Atlanta Braves to host annual Ralph Garr-Bill Lucas HBCU Baseball Classic presented by Truist

The inaugural event will feature a three-game series between Grambling State University and Florida A&M University March 12 – 14 at Coolray Field

ATLANTA (February 16, 2021) – The Atlanta Braves will host an annual weekend series between two historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) baseball programs while honoring two Braves greats and HBCU graduates with the Ralph Garr-Bill Lucas HBCU Baseball Classic presented by Truist. The inaugural series will take place Friday, March 12 through Sunday, March 14, at Coolray Field, home of the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Stripers. The best-of-three series will feature Grambling State University and Florida A&M University, the alma maters of Braves Hall of Famers, Ralph Garr and Bill Lucas.

Designed to highlight baseball programs at historically black colleges and universities in the Southeast, the showcase is an extension of the organization’s efforts to foster the next generation of diverse baseball players. The classic will also serve as an opportunity to expose student-athletes, support staff, and coaches to a Major League setting.

“We are excited to introduce this annual HBCU series to honor two great men while focusing a spotlight on HBCU baseball programs,” said Derek Schiller, Atlanta Braves President and CEO. “HBCUs have been developing outstanding baseball talent and we are proud to facilitate the connection between college programs and the major leagues.”

HBCU alumni Ralph Garr and Bill Lucas both played pivotal roles within the Braves organization. Known as ‘The Road Runner’ for his speed and agility, Garr posted a career .317 batting average over eight seasons with the Braves. After his playing career, Garr joined the Braves Scouting department in 1984 under the direction of Hank Aaron, the director of player development at the time. Garr has spent more than 25 years with the organization and was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in 2006.

Lucas spent over 20 years with the Braves and in 1976 he became the first African American to oversee a player personnel department in baseball and the highest-ranking African-American in baseball at the time. He helped draft key players such as Dale Murphy and Bob Horner and hired eventual Hall of Fame manager Bobby Cox. Lucas was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in 2006 for his immeasurable impact on the Braves organization and on the game.  

First pitch is slated for 7 p.m. on Friday, March 12, with game two on Saturday, March 13 at 7 p.m. Game three will complete the series on Sunday, March 14, starting at 1 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and are available for purchase online at https://www.ticketmaster.com/coolray-field-tickets-lawrenceville/venue/115610 or at the Gwinnett Stripers Ticket Office the day of each game starting at 5:00 p.m. and at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Tickets are limited and will be socially distant.

As part of the classic, the Atlanta Braves partnered with Rapsodo, a leading technology company in sports analytics, to capture, track and deliver player statistics for the athletes participating in the series.

For more information on the Ralph Garr-Bill Lucas HBCU Baseball Classic, please visit www.braves.com/hbcuclassic

SWAC Baseball Opening Day

WEEKEND SCHEDULE

 

Friday - Feb 15

North Dakota State @Arkansas-Pine Bluff - 12:00 p.m.
Texas Southern @Jackson State - 12:00 p.m.
Alcorn State vs. Wake Forest - 2:00 p.m.
Texas Southern vs. Eastern Illinois - 3:00 p.m.
Alabama A&M vs. Morehead State - 4:00 p.m.
Savannah State @Jackson State - 6:00 p.m.
Stillman @Southern - 6:00 p.m.

Alabama State vs. Chicago State, Montgomery, Ala. - 6:00 p.m.

Saturday - Feb 16

Alcorn State ULM Monroe, La. - TBA

IPFW @Alabama A&M - 11:00 a.m.

Eastern Illinois @Jackson State - 12:00 p.m.

Prairie View A&M  @Mississippi Valley State - 1:00 p.m.

North Dakota State @Arkansas-Pine Bluff - 1:00 p.m.

Stillman @Southern - 1:00 p.m.

Alcorn State vs. Wake Forest - 2:00 p.m.

Texas Southern @Jackson State - 3:00 p.m.

Prairie View A&M  @Mississippi Valley State - 3:00 p.m.

IPFW @Alabama A&M - 4:30 p.m.

Chicago State @Alabama State Chicago State - 6:00 p.m.

Sunday - Feb 17

Chicago State @Alabama State Chicago State - 12:00 p.m.

Eastern Illinois @Jackson State - 1:00 p.m.

North Dakota State @Arkansas-Pine Bluff - 1:00 p.m.

Prairie View A&M  @Mississippi Valley State - 1:00 p.m.

Stillman @Southern - 1:00 p.m.

Prairie View A&M  @Mississippi Valley State - 3:00 p.m.

Alcorn State @Louisiana Monroe - 3:00 p.m.

 

News and Notes

 

Four SWAC Schools to Compete in MLB 2013 Urban Invitational

The 2013 Urban Invitational, which is returning to Houston for the second consecutive year, will exclusively feature four Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for the first time in the event's history.

The four participating collegiate baseball programs are Alabama State University (Montgomery, Alabama), Southern University (Baton Rouge, Louisiana), Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, Texas) and Texas Southern University (Houston). The Urban Invitational is the annual, round-robin collegiate baseball tournament designed by Major League Baseball to give HBCUs and their baseball programs national exposure.

 

All Urban Invitational games will be played at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros, from Friday, February 22nd through Sunday, February 24th. The games on Saturday, February 23rd will air live on MLB Network and MLB.com, beginning at 4:00 p.m. CT (5:00 p.m. ET), with play-by-play from MLB Network Analysts Joe Magrane and Paul Severino.

 

Southern University has participated in all six Urban Invitationals, while this is the second time for Alabama State University, Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University.

 

Complete Game Schedule (Central Time):

2/22 Southern vs. Texas Southern - 3:00 p.m. 

2/22 Prairie View A&M vs. Alabama State - 6:30 p.m. 

2/23 Alabama State vs. Southern - 4:00 p.m.

LIVE on MLB Network & MLB.com

2/23 Texas Southern vs. Prairie View A&M - 7:30 p.m.

LIVE on MLB Network & MLB.com

2/24 Alabama State vs. Texas Southern - 12:00 p.m. 

2/24 Southern vs. Prairie View A&M - 3:30 p.m.

Alcorn State's Rosa Named To Top Prospect List

Alcorn State junior short stop Angel Rosa is projected to be a 4-10th round prospect, coming in at No. 6 overall in the state of Mississippi. He's rated third among position players. Angel was also listed as the 2nd ranked short stop in the state. Coming off a 2012 all-conference season, Angel became the 1st player in Alcorn State history to play in the Cape Cod League for the Contuit Kettleers.

AAMU's Tompkins Set for First Season Without Interim Tag

Alabama A&M University baseball coach Michael Tompkins had his interim tag removed prior to the start of the 2013 season. Tompkins, at 24 years old, is the youngest head baseball coach in Division I.

Melendez Named One Of Top 10 Coaches Under 40

Alabama State head baseball coach Mervyl Melendez was named as one of top 10 baseball coaches in the country under 40 years old by Baseball America Magazine.

 

In his first season with the Hornets, Melendez led Alabama State to 20 victories, its highest win total since 2002 and the most victories in one season against Division I opponents in the programs' history. The Hornets' 14-10 Southwestern Athletic Conference record was also the highest conference win total ASU since 2002, as Alabama State tied for second in the Eastern Division.

MVSU to Host Games in Greenville
The Mississippi Valley State University Athletic Department has announced that the Delta Devils baseball team will play eight games at Legion Field in Greenville, Miss. this season. MVSU will play Prairie View A&M (Feb. 16-17), South Dakota State (March 1-3), and Jackson State (April 14).

Southern's Home Opener Relocated

Southern University baseball's 2013 home opening weekend series against Stillman College has been relocated to Pete Goldsby Field due to ongoing renovations to the infield at Lee-Hines Field. Pete Goldsby Field, serves as the home of Baton Rouge Community College Bears. Friday's game also marks the 2013 season opener for the Jaguars as well.

 

Texas Southern's Cabral Participates in Life Saving Donation

Texas Southern catcher Manny Cabral helped save a life by donating bone marrow to a patient in need. 

He received the extraction in December at the Roger Williams Medical Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Cabral says he became a donor by chance a few weeks after high school graduation. He was with his ex-girlfriend in the mall when his opportunity appeared. Cabral had signed up for the Caitlin Raymond International Bone Marrow Registry. Two years later he received a phone call saying he was identified as a potential match and more tests were needed.

Cabral donated two units of blood in preparation for bone marrow extraction, just in case it was needed during the procedure. The procedure went well and Cabral has recovered.

 

RELATED LINKS

SWAC All Preseason Team

College Sports Madness Preseason All SWAC Team

 

 

COURTESY SWAC.org

College Baseball: ASU's schedule revamped

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - One of the first things Mervyl Melendez did when he was hired as Alabama State's baseball coach was to take the Hornets' proposed 2012 baseball schedule and tear it up.

There are 24 required Southwestern Athletic Conference games on the 56-game schedule, a home-and-home series with the other five East Division rivals.
Even that was subject to change as Melendez tried to put his signature on the ASU schedule that was released today.

"Conference games were set," said Melendez, the first-year coach." Some of the opponents were set at different venues. But we rearranged the entire schedule, one way or the other. If we had the (right) opponents on the schedule, I didn't like the site.

READ MORE


ASU welcomes their new Head Baseball Coach, Mervyl Melendez, to Montgomery and Alabama State University, June 22, 2011.

Alabama State Hornets Baseball Releases 2012 Schedule

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - The Alabama State University baseball team released its 2012 baseball schedule, a 54-game regular season slate which includes 22 home contests at the Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex as the program will play its first full season on campus since 1996.

Highlighting this year's schedule are home-and-home games with Alabama-Birmingham, Georgia State, Mercer, Kennesaw State and Jacksonville State, and a home game against Troy. Alabama State will also travel to Auburn for a two-game series and to Oklahoma for a three-game series against the Sooners in Norman, Oklahoma. The Hornets will open the season at home Saturday, Feb. 18 with a three-game series against Grambling State.

“Our schedule shows our commitment of playing the best Division I teams in the country,” first-year head baseball coach Mervyl Melendez said. “I am most proud of opening our season at home and bringing college baseball back to the ASU campus for a full season for the first time in many years.”

The three-game season opening series against Grambling State is part of a five-game homestand to open the season, as the Hornets will then host UAB and Kennesaw State. Alabama State will end the season's opening month by playing three games in the Nicholls State Tournament, followed by a pair of games at Auburn.

2012 ALABAMA STATE BASEBALL SCHEDULE (.pdf)

DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME

Sat. Feb. 18 GRAMBLING STATE (DH) MONTGOMERY, ALA. 1 P.M.

Sun. Feb. 19 GRAMBLING STATE MONTGOMERY, ALA. NOON

Tue. Feb. 21 ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM MONTGOMERY, ALA. 4 P.M.

Wed. Feb. 22 KENNESAW STATE MONTGOMERY, ALA. 4 P.M.

Fri. Feb. 24 Stony Brook Thibodaux, La. 2:30 P.M.

Sat. Feb 25 Nicholls State Thibodaux, La. 1 P.M.

Sat. Feb 25 Stony Brook Thibodaux, La. 5 P.M.

Tue. Feb. 28 Auburn Auburn, Ala. 5 P.M.

Wed. Feb. 29 Auburn Auburn, Ala. 5 P.M.

Sat. March 3 ALABAMA A&M (DH)* MONTGOMERY, ALA. 1 P.M.

Sun. March 4 ALABAMA A&M* MONTGOMERY, ALA. NOON

Wed. March 7 Alabama-Birmingham Birmingham, Ala. 6 P.M.

Fri. March 9 Jackson State* Jackson, Miss. 6 P.M.

Sat. March 10 Jackson State (DH)* Jackson, Miss. 2:35 P.M.

Tue. March 13 Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla. 4 P.M.

Wed. March 14 Florida A&M Tallahassee, Fla. 4 P.M.

Fri. March 16 Gardner-Webb Boiling Springs, N.C. 5 P.M.

Sat. March 17 Gardner-Webb (DH) Boiling Springs, N.C. Noon

Sun. March 18 Gardner-Webb Boiling Springs, N.C. Noon

Tue. March 20 GEORGIA STATE MONTGOMERY, ALA. 4:30 P.M.

Sat. March 24 Mississippi Valley State (DH)* Itta Bena, Miss. 1 P.M.

Sun. March 25 Mississippi Valley State* Itta Bena, Miss. 1 P.M.

Wed. March 28 TROY MONTGOMERY, ALA. 6 P.M

Sat. March 31 ALCORN STATE (DH)* MONTGOMERY, ALA. 1 P.M.

Sun. April 1 ALCORN STATE* MONTGOMERY, ALA. 1 P.M.

Wed. April 4 Georgia State Atlanta, Ga. 4 P.M.

Sat. April 7 Alabama A&M(DH)* Huntsville, Ala. 1 P.M.

Sun. April 8 Alabama A&M* Huntsville, Ala. 1 P.M.

Wed. April 11 Kennesaw State Kennesaw, Ga. 4 P.M.

Sat. April 14 JACKSON STATE(DH)* MONTGOMERY, ALA. 1 P.M.

Sun. April 15 JACKSON STATE* MONTGOMERY, ALA. NOON

Fri. April 20 Oklahoma Norman, Okla. 6 P.M.

Sat. April 21 Oklahoma Norman, Okla. 1 P.M.

Sun. April 22 Oklahoma Norman, Okla. 1 P.M.

Tue. April 24 MERCER MONTGOMERY, ALA. 6 P.M.

Wed. April 25 MERCER MONTGOMERY, ALA. 6 P.M.

Sat. April 28 MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE (DH)* MONTGOMERY, ALA. 1 P.M.

Sun. April 29 MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE* MONTGOMERY, ALA. 1 P.M.

Tue. May 1 Jacksonville State Jacksonville, Ala. 6:30 P.M.

Wed. May 2 JACKSONVILLE STATE MONTGOMERY, ALA. 6 P.M.

Sat. May 5 Alcorn State (DH)* Alcorn State, Miss. 4:35 P.M

Sun. May 6 Alcorn State* Alcorn State, Miss. 1:35 P.M.

Tue. May 8 Mercer Macon, Ga. 5 P.M.

Wed. May 9 Mercer Macon, Ga. 5 P.M.

Wed. May 16 SWAC Tournament Baton Rouge, La. TBD

Thur. May 17 SWAC Tournament Baton Rouge, La. TBD

Fri. May 18 SWAC Tournament Baton Rouge, La. TBD

Sat. May 19 SWAC Tournament Baton Rouge, La. TBD

Sun. May 20 SWAC Tournament Baton Rouge, La. TBD

Schedule subject to change; Home Games in CAPS; All Times Central

READ MORE AT BAMASTATESPORTS.COM

Delaware State Announces 2013 Athletics Hall of Fame Class

DOVER, Delaware  -- Delaware State University’s all-time leading baseball and softball home run hitters, along with the Hornets’ career-best pass catcher, top the list of new inductees into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame.

A total of seven former athletes and a coach will be enshrined during a ceremony on Fri., Nov. 1 at the Martin Luther King Student Center on the DSU campus. In addition, Delaware State’s 1956 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association co-champion football team and the school’s 1962 CIAA co-champion baseball team will be honored during the ceremony. The honorees will also be recognized at halftime of the Hornets’ football contest against Howard University the following day (Nov. 2).

The latest DSU Hall-of-Fame class includes baseball standout Scott Martin (2000-03), the Hornets’ all-time leader with 55 home runs and 221 runs batted in. A three-time All-MEAC First Team selection, Martin captured the conference “triple crown” in 2001, topping all league players in home runs (18), RBI (77) and batting average (.432). He was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 2003 Major League Baseball draft. Prior to enrolling at Delaware State, Martin was a star player at Middletown (Del.) High School.

The Hornets’ Hall of Fame will also welcome its third softball player. Catrina Ansbach (2004-07), the MEAC’s all-time leader with 44 home runs, is also tops in school history in hits (224), runs batted in (164) and doubles (45). Ansbach was an All-MEAC First Team selection in 2005 and 06, a second-team pick in 2007 and was the league’s Rookie-of-the-Year in 2004. The former Caesar Rodney High School (Del.) star led the Hornets to two MEAC North softball titles and two MEAC Tournament championship game appearances.

The star receiver and head coach of the Hornets’ 2007 MEAC champion football team have also been selected to the school’s hall of fame.

Shaheer McBride (2004-07) is Delaware State’s career leader with 201 receptions and 3,007 receiving yards. McBride also shares the Hornets’ career record with 33 touchdown catches. He’s tied for second in MEAC history in touchdown receptions, fourth in receiving yards and fifth in receptions. McBride was a two-time All-MEAC First Team selection and was the league’s Rookie-of-the-Year in 2004. He was signed by NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles in 2008.

The head coach of Hornets’ 2007 MEAC championship team, Al Lavan, will join McBride in the 2013 DSU Hall of Fame class. Lavan was recognized as the Football Championship Subdivision Region II Coach of the Year and was runner-up for the Eddie Robinson Award for top FCS coach after leading Delaware State to the ’07 MEAC crown, the school’s first in 16 years. That season, the Hornets became the second team in MEAC to post an 8-0 league mark; and set a school record with 10 wins.

The 2013 DSU Hall of Fame class also includes football greats Dwight Williams and Stanley Burris, two-sport star Pedro Swann, Sr.; and basketball standout Paul Newman.

Williams (1967-70) was the top defensive back on the Hornets’ 1970 squad that led all NCAA Division II teams in total defense (103.5 ypg) and rushing defense (-4.9 ypg), which still stands as a national D-II record. He also ranks among the school leaders with 12 career interceptions.

Burris was a two-time All-MEAC and Black College All-America Third Team offensive lineman. A Division I-AA Academic All-America, he was a member of the Hornets’ 1991 MEAC championship team; and helped pave the way to a school-record 730 total yards vs. Morgan State in 1993.

Swann, a baseball and football standout, was Delaware State’s 1970 Male Athlete-of-the-Year. In baseball, he was tops in the CIAA and among the national Division II leaders with a .471 average to help lead the Hornets to a share of the conference championship in 1970. That same year, he was top receiver and punter on the Hornets’ football team.

Newman (1987-91) ranked fifth in DSU men’s basketball history with 1,485 points when he graduated in 1991. He averaged 17 points per game to help lead the Hornets to their first MEAC Tournament championship game appearance in 1991.

The 1956 Delaware State football team was the first in school history to share the CIAA title. That year, the Hornets were 7-1-1 overall and 5-0-1 in the CIAA, outscoring league opponents 208-39. The ’56 Hornets posted five shutouts, including three in a row.

The 1962 Hornet baseball team captured a share of the CIAA championship for the first time in school history. Led by eight .300 hitters, Delaware State was 10-3 overall and 7-2 in the CIAA that year.

2013 Delaware State University Athletic Hall of Fame Class: Catrina Ansbach – Softball Stanley Burris – Football Al Lavan – Coach (Football) Scott Martin – Baseball Shaheer McBride - Football Paul Newman – Basketball Pedro Swann, Sr. – Football, Baseball Dwight Williams – Football

Special Honors

1956 football team

1962 baseball team

 

COURTESY DELAWARE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS