Countdown to Football: 86 Days -- Alabama State off probation

This season, Alabama State will finally be free from the NCAA sanctions placed on the program in 2008.

The probation included a ban on postseason play in 2009 and a reduction in recruiting activities and scholarships in addition to the elimination of victories in the 2000 and 2001 seasons, including the 2001 SWAC championship.

"You can tell the student-athletes we're free and can get on with the business at hand," said fifth-year ASU coach Reggie Barlow.

Photo Galleries:
The Week in Pictures at ASU
May 15-21, 2011

The Week in Pictures at ASU
May 22-28, 2011

The Week in Pictures at ASU
May 29-June 4, 2011



Watkins Steps Down as Baseball Coach; Hornets Make Coaching Changes

Longtime Head Baseball Coach Larry Watkins has stepped down to take an administrative position within the Athletic Department, Athletic Director Stacy Danley announced Tuesday.

In other coaching moves, Head Volleyball Coach Sonia Price and Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach Bernard Sewell were relieved of their duties.

Assistant Coach Anthony Macon has been named Interim Head Baseball Coach, and Assistant Coach Frederick Whitt has been named Interim Head Volleyball Coach.

Watkins served as head baseball coach for 30 seasons and was just the third baseball coach in the school's history. A 1974 ASU graduate who played centerfield, Watkins became assistant coach upon graduation and was named head coach in 1982. This past season, the Hornets went 14-29 overall, 6-18 in conference play and were eliminated in the first round of Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament.

"To be associated with a program for more than 40 years takes a special individual," Danley said. "Coach Watkins is truly that person, one who has been tremendously dedicated to ASU and the baseball program. In this day and time, serving as head coach for 30 consecutive years at one school speaks of Coach Watkins' devotion and is a milestone that will be difficult to match. I am looking forward to working with him in this new capacity."



Price had served as head volleyball coach for 16 seasons (1995-2010), while Sewell led the tennis programs for 14 seasons (1997-2011).

“After careful evaluation of the past history of each program, we are not receiving the needed results and will go in a different direction,” Danley said. “We will conduct a national search for whom we believe is the best candidate to lead these respective programs to a championship level.”

Last season, ASU Volleyball posted a 12-21 overall record and 3-5 in conference play as the Lady Hornets were eliminated in the second round of the SWAC Tournament. Price came to Alabama State in 1992 as an assistant coach in volleyball and women's basketball. She was named interim head volleyball coach in 1995 and became the permanent head coach one year later after relinquishing her role with women's basketball. Price also was Interim Athletic Director from August 2003-April 2004.

Sewell led the Lady Hornets to the 1999 SWAC Tennis Championship. This past season, the men's team was eliminated in the first round of the SWAC Tournament, while the women's team failed to qualify for postseason play.

By Alabama State University Sports Information

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B-CU's Rodriguez, Maldonado Named Preseason Player, Pitcher of the Year

NORFOLK, Virginia  —  Bethune-Cookman junior Danny Rodriguez was named the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Baseball Preseason Player of the Year and teammate Anthony Maldonado was named Preseason Pitcher of the Year, the conference announced today.

All awards were voted on by the conference’s head coaches and sports information directors.

Rodriguez was the Most Outstanding Player of the 2017 MEAC Baseball Championships and a First Team All-MEAC selection at first base. He led the MEAC in slugging percentage at .555, home runs with 11 and total bases with 126, while his 75 hits were second-most in the conference and his 46 RBIs ranked third. Rodriguez was also second in the MEAC last season in doubles with 18, and his .988 fielding percentage ranked eighth in the MEAC.

Maldonado was a First Team All-MEAC selection as a freshman last season, going 8-4 on the mound with a 3.02 ERA. Opponents hit just .222 off Maldonado last year, and he struck out 61 batters in 86.1 innings pitched. A Collegiate Baseball News Freshman All-American in 2017, Maldonado ranked third in the conference in wins, opponents’ batting average and innings pitched, fourth in ERA and tied for fourth in strikeouts. He was also named to the MEAC All-Tournament Team.

Joining Rodriguez and Maldonado on the Preseason All-MEAC First Team are Bethune-Cookman’s Tyler Norris (SP), Ivan Coutinho (RP), Jameel Edney (3B) and Adonis Lao (OF), Florida A&M’s Willis McDaniel (OF) and Garrett Wilkinson (UTL), North Carolina A&T State’s Adan Ordonez (C), Brandon Melendez (SS) and Myles Sowell (OF) and North Carolina Central’s Corey Joyce (2B).

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

2018 MEAC Baseball Preseason All-Conference Teams
As voted on by the league’s head coaches and sports information directors

Preseason Player of the Year: Danny Rodriguez, Bethune-Cookman
Preseason Pitcher of the Year: Anthony Maldonado, Bethune-Cookman

FIRST TEAM

Name	Pos.	Ht.	Class	School	Hometown
Anthony Maldonado	SP	6-4	So.	Bethune-Cookman	West Palm Beach, Fla.
Tyler Norris	SP	6-1	Sr.	Bethune-Cookman	Coral Springs, Fla.
Ivan Coutinho	RP	6-1	Sr.	Bethune-Cookman	Winter Park, Fla.
Adan Ordonez	C	5-7	Sr.	N.C. A&T State	Clermont, Fla.
Danny Rodriguez	1B	6-3	Jr.	Bethune-Cookman	Pembroke Pines, Fla.
Corey Joyce	2B	6-1	So.	N.C. Central	Lexington, N.C.
Jameel Edney	3B	5-8	Sr.	Bethune-Cookman	West Palm Beach, Fla.
Brandon Melendez	SS	5-9	Sr.	N.C. A&T State	Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Adonis Lao	OF	6-0	Sr.	Bethune-Cookman	Elmhurst, N.Y.
Myles Sowell	OF	6-2	Sr.	N.C. A&T State	Greensboro, N.C.
Willis McDaniel	OF	5-9	Jr.	Florida A&M	Tallahassee, Fla.
Garrett Wilkinson	UTL	5-8	Sr.	Florida A&M	Evans, Ga.

SECOND TEAM

Name	Pos.	Ht.	Class	School	Hometown
Devin Sweet	SP	5-10	Sr.	N.C. Central	Greensboro, N.C.
Chase Anderson	SP	5-9	Jr.	Norfolk State	Norfolk, Va.
Justice Sampson	RP	6-0	Sr.	N.C. Central	Lumberton, N.C.
Jacky Miles, Jr.	C	6-0	r-Sr.	Florida A&M	Graceville, Fla.
Brian Davis	1B	5-10	Sr.	Florida A&M	Pensacola, Fla.
Nate Sterijevski	2B	5-10	Jr.	Bethune-Cookman	Clermont, Fla.
Justin Burrell	3B	6-3	r-Sr.	Norfolk State	Newport News, Va.
Dominic Cuevas	SS	6-0	Sr.	N.C. Central	Gurnee, Ill.
Greg White	OF	6-1	Sr.	N.C. A&T State	Greensboro, N.C.
Kyle Corbin	OF	6-1	Sr.	Bethune-Cookman	Orlando, Fla.
Carter Williams	OF	6-3	So.	N.C. Central	Brown Summit, N.C.
Perry "AJ" Hunt	UTL	5-11	Sr.	N.C. A&T State	Chesapeake, Va.

 MID-EASTERN ATHLETIC CONFERECE MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

East Coast Conference to Add Lincoln University as Associate Member for Baseball and Women's Soccer

WEST BABYLON, New York -- The East Coast Conference announced the addition of Lincoln University as an associate member in the sports of baseball and women’s soccer on Thursday afternoon. The Lions will start conference play in the two sports beginning in the 2018-19 season.

Lincoln, located in Lincoln University, Pennsylvania (southeast Pa.), is the first degree-granting Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the United States. The Lions, Division II members since 2010, are members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). However, the CIAA does not sponsor championships in the sports of baseball and women’s soccer, allowing the Lions to join the ECC in those select sports.

“We are pleased to bring on Lincoln University as an associate member for 2018-19,” said ECC Commissioner, Dr. Robert Dranoff. “The opportunity to help provide to this historic institution and its baseball and women's soccer student-athletes a conference affiliation was important for our ECC institutions and we look forward to working alongside President Brenda A. Allen and Director of Athletics Harry Stinson to offer a great experience for all involved.”

Lincoln’s Athletic Director, Harry Stinson III, added, “We are excited to join the ECC and join a great conference with institutions who excel academically and athletically. Our goal is to always provide great opportunities for our athletic teams to compete for conference championships and joining the ECC strategically positions our women's soccer and baseball teams with a great opportunity. We look forward to working with Dr. Dranoff, his staff, and the fellow institutions of the ECC.”

The addition of Lincoln will increase the number of schools participating in the ECC to eight in baseball and 10 in women’s soccer. With both sports previously having an odd number of teams competing, the Lions will fit seamlessly into scheduled byes on e
ach team's conference schedule.

Lincoln also becomes the 10th associate member in the ECC. The Lions join Adelphi University, Chestnut Hill College, Felician University, Franklin Pierce University, Kutztown University, Lincoln Memorial University, and Wilmington University, all of whom compete in women’s bowling, as well as indoor track & field participants, Holy Family University and Georgian Court University.

EAST COAST CONFERENCE ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

The Grambling State Tigers are your 2024 SWAC Baseball Champions! 🏆

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 ⚾️🏆

The Grambling State Tigers are your 2024 SWAC Baseball Champions! 🏆#SWACBSB | #BuildingChampionsForLife pic.twitter.com/0OMwGziSN4

— Southwestern Athletic Conference (@theswac) May 26, 2024

𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐌-𝐕-𝐏 ‼️⚾

Congratulations to @gsu_tigers , Cameron Bufford for being named the 2024 SWAC Baseball MVP!#SWACBSB | #BuildingChampionsForLife pic.twitter.com/iHriiemhOU

— Southwestern Athletic Conference (@theswac) May 27, 2024

Congratulations to the 2024 SWAC Baseball All-Tournament Team.@Chevrolet
#SWACBSB | #BuildingChampionsForLife pic.twitter.com/yBXQagbgSB

— Southwestern Athletic Conference (@theswac) May 27, 2024

YOUR 2024 SWAC BASEBALL CHAMPIONS‼️‼️⚾️🏆#SWACBSB | #BuildingChampionsForLife pic.twitter.com/bVHh92GDkA

— Southwestern Athletic Conference (@theswac) May 26, 2024

.@theswac Champs 🤝 Grambling State 💍#NCAABaseball #RoadToOmaha x 🎥 @GramSt_Bsb pic.twitter.com/hShhgTsizF

— NCAA Baseball (@NCAABaseball) May 26, 2024

Alabama State RHP Angel Alicea Drafted by Toronto Blue Jays

TORONTO, Canada -- Alabama State RHP Angel Alicea was selected in the 20th round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Alicea (6-1, 200; Jr., Santa Isabel, PR) played one season for the Hornets. After beginning the season as the starting shortstop, he focused on pitching full time in early March. He posted a 3-0 record with a 1.47 ERA with two saves in 17 appearances with three starts.

Alicea becomes the sixth Hornet baseball player drafted in the past three seasons and the eighth since 2014 to sign a professional contract.

Alicea, the 612th overall selection, recorded two of the biggest wins of the season in his first two career starts. He threw seven shutout innings, allowing six hits and walking one while striking out seven in a 3-0 win at Tennessee on April 25.

In the SWAC Championship game, Alicea allowed only four hits and two runs in six innings, striking out a career-high nine in a 7-5 win over Texas Southern on May 22, as the Hornets won their first ever league championship, posting their school record 38th win.

Alicea earned a no-decision in the Hornets' NCAA Tournament game against South Alabama, allowing only three runs and striking out five in seven innings.

In 2014, Alabama State baseball had four players sign professional baseball contracts, with three players selected in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft, the most in one draft in school history. SS Emmanuel Marrero (7th round, Philadelphia) became the highest drafted baseball player ever at ASU. OF Richard Amion (19th round, San Francisco) and C Richard Gonzalez (29th round, Houston) were also selected in the draft, while P/1B Dexter Price signed a free agent contract with Arizona.

In 2015, relief pitchers Armando Ruiz (29th round, Oakland) and Jorge Pantoja (30th round, Washington) were drafted, while a third pitcher, Michael Estevez (FA, Toronto) signed a contract.

COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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



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*Input from beepbeep

NSU Spartans, Suffolk native to play vs. Norfolk Tides‎

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

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

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

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

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QUOTES:

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

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

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

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

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

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


Videographer: MLB, SU's Frazier Hall

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

Frazier Hall, Cody Hall get a shot at pro ball

Frazier Hall and Cody Hall are both off the board.

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

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

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

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

— Aggie Baseball (@NCATSUbaseball) February 2, 2019

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

— Ben Hall (@BenHallbsb16) February 2, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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NCCU Baseball Adds Two Assistant Coaches

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Henry is a graduate of Delta State University.

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

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

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

For more information, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.

COURTESY NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

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

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

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

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

Today, that same field is named in his honor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Clayton Freeman (@CFreemanJAX) December 6, 2021

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

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

FAMU baseball team looking for consistency

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

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Florida A&M University 2008 Baseball Schedule

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

Schedule Key

@Conference Event

Inner City Classic youth baseball tournament returns to Greensboro

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

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

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

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

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

One of those kids grew up to be a legend.

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

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38 JSU Tigers Graduate During Spring Commencement

COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

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

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

Fred Hampton (Baseball)

Desmond Russell (Baseball)

Phillip Harvey (Baeball)

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

EJ Drewery (Football)

Sedric Hogan (Football)

Derrick Jean (Football)

Caleb Lester (Football)

Michael Perkins (Football)

Geoffrey Brady (M-Track)

Justin Lampley (M-Track)

Jamie McIntosh (M-Track)

Samuel Rhoads (M-Track)

Dyanna Scott (Bowling)

Ashlee Ingram (Bowling)

Rashia Yero (Bowling)

Jasmine Dumas (Bowling)

Lauren Aikens (Sofrball)

Arianna Smith (Softball)

Breea Jamerson (Softball)

Patricia Cartwright (Soccer)

Harshini Reddy (W-Tennis)

Angela Condorelli (W-Tennis)

Kesica Jayapalan (W-Tennis)

Brianna Brown (W-Track)

Munirat Balagun (W-Track)

Hannah Porter (W-Track)

Angelica Kelley (Volleyball)

Paige Williams (Volleyball)

COURTESY JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NORTHERN DIVISION

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

SOUTHERN DIVISION

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

MEAC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

North Carolina A&T Names Sanchez Head Baseball Coach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy: NC A&T Sports Information

Norfolk State Spartans hope transfers will fill gaps

Photo: Norfolk State University head baseball coach Claudell Clark

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

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

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

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

Norfolk State University 2008 Baseball Schedule

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

Southern Jaguars start with series against UNO

Southern University Head Baseball Coach Roger Cador

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

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

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

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Privateers, Jaguars Open 2011 Baseball Season This Weekend

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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