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.

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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

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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

FAMU Rattlers 'Hawk' Dawson finally wings his way into MLB Hall of Fame

Former Florida A&M University Rattlers baseball star and alumnus, Andre Dawson (1973-75) was the lone inductee to Major League Baseball Hall of Fame on Wednesday. A graduate of Miami's Southwest High School, Dawson will be enshrined on July 25, 2010 in Cooperstown, NY., 15 days after his 56th birthday.

OTTAWA, Canada — Baseball graduated its 2010 Hall of Fame class on Wednesday, which turned out to be a class of just one player: Andre Dawson. At last, The Hawk is in the Hall. A joyous day, not just for the elegant outfielder and his cast of supporters, but for fans of the Montreal Expos, able to reflect on another fond figure from their long-gone ball team. Dawson, in his ninth year on the ballot, received 77.9 per cent of the vote, comfortably past the 75 per cent margin. He leaped more than 10 per cent in the voting by members of the Baseball Writers Association of America after reaching 67 per cent last year.

Dawson, angular, powerful and fleet in his youth, had Hall of a Fame markings in his 21 seasons with four clubs, but was severely hampered by injury late in his career. It wasn’t character that slowed Dawson, but a pair of bad knees, preventing this “five-tool” player from posting automatic Cooperstown numbers. Dawson finished his career as a .279 career hitter with 438 home runs, 1,591 runs batted in and 314 stolen bases. He was the National League’s rookie of the year with the Expos in 1977 and the 1987 NL most valuable player with the Chicago Cubs. Eight times he was an all-star and 12 times he underwent knee surgery. In history, only Willie Mays and Barry Bonds shared Dawson’s combination of at least 400 home runs and 300 stolen bases. (Read more, click main blog title)

'Well worth the wait' for baseball hall inductee Andre Dawson

The Hawk has a new nest: the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. Andre Dawson, considered by some to be the best player ever produced by the Montreal Expos, was elected Wednesday to the baseball shrine — the only player to make the cut this year in voting by the Baseball Writers Association of America. "It was well worth the wait. I can’t really describe the elation," Dawson, who made the Hall on his ninth try, told reporters on a conference call. "If you’re a Hall of Famer, eventually you’re going to get in, no matter how long it takes."

Dawson appeared on 77.9 per cent of the ballots, after falling 44 votes short last year of 75 per cent needed for induction. A strong-armed outfielder whose speed and power on the diamond and class off it made him a fan favourite, Dawson played 21 seasons for four teams (the Expos, the Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox and Florida Marlins), hitting 438 home runs, collecting 1,591 RBIs and stealing 314 bases. He is one of only three players in MLB history to hit 400 home runs and steal 300 bases in his career. Willie Mays and Barry Bonds are the others.

Dallas Green recalls Andre Dawson 'blank check' signing

Most free-agent negotiations are conducted under clandestine circumstances, far from the prying eyes of the public and media. But in 1987, for all to witness during spring training in Mesa, Ariz., free agent Andre Dawson and agent Dick Moss demanded the immediate and undivided attention of Cubs management. Dallas Green, then the Cubs' bombastic general manager, took umbrage at the fact the future Hall of Famer and Moss showed up with a blank contract. Green huffed and puffed, then referred to Dawson and Moss as "a dog and pony show."

I was the Tribune's Cubs beat reporter at the time, and In the Wake of the News columnist Bob Verdi and I thought the entire surreal scene was made for TV, as well as newspapers. I spoke with Green on Wednesday about the scene and he provided some background. "It all started in 1984 when we won (the division) and I had to sign all of those guys to multiyear contracts, and big contracts," said Green, 75, now the senior adviser to the general manager of the Phillies.

"You know, Rick Sutcliffe and Steve Trout and Scott Sanderson and Dennis Eckersley. ... I had to re-sign all of those guys because they were on one-year deals. It took a pretty good chunk of dough. And, of course, in '85 we didn't do too well, and in '86 we struggled a little, as well. It was where Tribune Co. finally had to put (its) foot down and say, 'Hey, we're approaching the payroll we want to be at.' I said, 'Well, I love this guy (Dawson)'.

Andre Dawson receives just due with Hall of Fame election

Never one to sweat the details, Andre Dawson is happily on his way to Cooperstown. A man who generated respect along with run production throughout his 21-year career, six of his most satisfying seasons coming when he was based at Wrigley Field, Dawson will take his place in the Hall of Fame alongside Ryne Sandberg, who like "The Hawk" knew Wrigley before there were lights. There was never a real question of Dawson's Hall of Fame worthiness -- anyone who saw him dominate the National League with the Cubs and Montreal Expos knew he had earned his spot among baseball's greats. The question was how long he would have to wait, and that finally was answered Wednesday.

Dawson, whose signing with the Cubs in 1987 was one of the most amazing stories in team history, was more gracious than he needed to be on the subject of hard-to-convince voters. "The wait isn't a big factor in the scheme of things," said Dawson, 55, who was a huge fan favorite on the North Side. "You get frustrated when people say, 'When are you going to get in?' and you don't have an answer for that. As I sit here now, I think it was well worth the wait."

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Grambling's Jones and Southern's Goodwin heads to College Baseball Hall of Fame

The late GSU Coach 'Prez' Jones
(Courtesy Grambling State Athletics)

GRAMBLING, LA -- Grambling State’s former president Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones along with six others will be inducted as members of the 2011 College Baseball Hall of Fame class and will be honored during the induction ceremony on July 3 in Lubbock, Texas, as part of the College Baseball Foundation’s annual celebration of the greatest players in the past and present of college baseball.

President Jones coached at Grambling State from 1926-77. During his tenure, he won six titles in the now-defunct Midwest Athletic League from 1952 to 1958 and five titles in the Southwestern Athletic Conference from 1961 to 1967. He was named NAIA Coach of the Year in 1967. Jones coached 11 NAIA All-Americans including Tommie Agee and Ralph Garr, while compiling a career record of 816-218.

Jones, who served as the university’s president from 1936-77 was inducted into the SWAC Hall of Fame in 1992 and in May of this year, had the distinction of having GSU’s baseball stadium named in his honor.

Grambling Fight Song
Fight for dear old grambling
Fight we're gonna win
Light the torch of victory
We will win this game...RAH RAH RAH
Fight for dear old grambling
Fight we're gonna win
There's no doubt that we are
The pride of the USA



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Goodwin and Jones becomes first inductees from HBCU's

The two HBCU inductees will be former Southern University standout Danny Goodwin (1972-75), who had a .394 career batting average with 20 home runs and 166 RBIs and was the 1975 Sporting News Player of the Year while Southern transitioned from NAIA to NCAA status.

He is joined by former Grambling State head coach Ralph Waldo Emerson “Prez” Jones, who coached the Tigers from 1926 to 1977 and was the school’s president from 1936 to 1977. Jones led Grambling to six Midwest Athletic League and five Southwestern Athletic Conference titles.

“This really means a lot because I didn’t come from a well-known baseball school, at least nationally,” Goodwin said.

“This gives schools like Southern an opportunity to let the nation know there are some quality young men playing baseball. I don’t know if many people understand the real history of baseball or how revered baseball is in the black community at large.”

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The legend of Danny Goodwin

Danny Goodwin, a catcher at Southern University from 1972 to 1975, still has the distinction of being the only player to twice be the overall No. 1 pick in the Major League Baseball draft. He was a three-time All-American — twice at the NAIA level and once at the NCAA level — and was The Sporting News’ 1975 College Player of the Year. He had a .394 career batting average and compiled 20 home runs and 166 RBIs.

Danny Glover
(Courtesy SU Athletics)

Danny Goodwin is hardly a household name, but he remains the only ballplayer to be taken with the first overall pick on two different occasions. In spite of being the most heavily desired amateur player in two separate and distinct drafts, Goodwin never became the star that most talent evaluators had anticipated. Such is the crapshoot that comes with any player who is drafted, no matter how high he is taken and no matter the accompanying level of hype.

In the late 1960s, Goodwin began developing a legendary reputation as a high school ballplayer in Peoria, Illinois. An athletic but powerfully built, left-handed hitting catcher who carried 195 pounds on a 6-foot-1 frame, Goodwin flashed the kind of strength that left fans—and teammates—in awe.

Playing in a game for Central High School in late April of 1971, Goodwin delivered the signature moment of his amateur career. Leading off the game, he blasted a gargantuan home run to right-center field, the ball clearing a hill and a driveway before it hit the second deck of a swimming pool that lay well beyond the ballpark’s boundaries. To observers of the blast, the home run not only had stunning length, but remarkable height and hang time. By the time the ball touched down against the pool structure, it had traveled over 400 feet, an unfathomable distance for a high school player swinging a wood bat.

No one happened to film or videotape the Goodwin monstrosity, but the epic home run was not missed by major league eyes. About 20 big league scouts had gathered in Peoria to watch Goodwin that day. The home run, one of nine that he would hit in his senior season, confirmed what most scouts had already suspected: Goodwin, who would hit .488 in 25 games as a senior, would be taken with the first pick of the upcoming June draft.

Southern University Fight Song
Southern University defenders of the Gold and Blue
We will always loyal be and sing a cheer for you
All for one and one for all we've got the will to win for thee
So we'll fight, fight, fight, fight, til we win the victory."
Go Jags!!!!!



The Chicago White Sox owned that pick. They already had a decent left-handed hitting catcher of their own in 24-year-old Ed Herrmann, but he was no star. The White Sox had not enjoyed a standout season from a catcher since their pennant-winning campaign of 1959, when Sherm Lollar hit 24 home runs for the famed “Go Go” Sox. More importantly, the Sox considered Goodwin the best available player in the draft, someone they simply could not bypass. Even in off-the-field areas, the likeable Goodwin graded out highly; he did well in school and owned a good attitude. On all counts, the draft direction pointed toward Goodwin.

After drafting him at No. 1, the White Sox offered Goodwin a contract paying him an estimated $60,000. He turned down the less-than-impressive offer, which he believed to be worth less than a college scholarship from Southern University in Louisiana. Goodwin opted to continue his education. A highly intelligent young man who possessed interests in science and math, he enrolled at Southern, eventually becoming a zoology major. As part of his four-year tenure at Southern, Goodwin earned collegiate baseball player of the year honors.

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