Alabama A&M University
Conference: SWAC
Head Coach: Elliott Jones
2021 Record: 9-20 (.310)
BCN 2021 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
Key Newcomers: Brycen Hammonds, Zach Malone, Avery Seaton, Zach Malone, C.J. Mervilus, Jared Tribbett, Damani Thomas, Chandler Stocking, Noah Whitted, Dustin Hernandez, Tyler Campbell, and Avery Seaton (Madison Academy).
Key Returning Players: Jose Figueroa, Teddy Bridges, Trevor Berkemeyer, Janmikell Bastardo, Jose Torres, Evan Crenshaw, Dustin Hernandez, Demetrice Rudolph, Jason Marono
Key Players Lost: N/A
Team Preview: The Bulldogs anticipate an athletically competitive 2022 season. The baseball staff took advantage of the transfer portal to strengthen recruiting outcomes. Coaches were also able to successfully tap into JUCOs and high schools to find the perfect mix of talent for the season. The recruiting objective as always was to acquire the best talent possible at every position to help the team improve in the win column. The Bulldog offense will look to senior Teddy Bridges to have another great year. Bridges led the Bulldogs in hitting during the 2021 season batting over .300 while also playing outfield. Recruiting efforts yielded athletic players like Zach Malone from New Diana High School in East Texas, C.J. Mervilus from Grambling State University, and Jared Tribbett from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, who can play multiple positions. Other new offensive talent will be Damani Thomas, a transfer from Edward Waters University and Chandler Stocking from Southwestern Oregon Community College. A mixture of returning players like sophomore Janmikell Bastardo, sophomore Jalen Ford, junior Trevor Berkemeyer and senior Teddy Bridges are eagerly waiting to take to the diamond. Jose Figueroa returns to pitch his last season for the Bulldogs. Figueroa has been one of the better pitchers in the SWAC during his career. The team looks for him to provide leadership, mental toughness and power pitching during the 2022 season. Other pitchers will be Noah Whitted (Wiley College), Dustin Hernandez (Coastal Alabama East), Tyler Campbell (Northeastern Community College) and Avery Seaton (Madison Academy).
Alabama State University
Conference: SWAC
Head Coach: Jose’ Vazquez
2021 Record: 23-19 (.548)
BCN 2021 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.5
Key Newcomers: Kyler McIntosh RHP and Kevin Matos RHP
Key Returning Players: Breon Pooler (SR, RHP) Jeremy Rivera (JR, LHP) Osvaldo Mendez (JR, LHP), Trenton Jamison (JR, OF) Cristopher DeGuzman (SR, SS), JaBrosnki Williams (SR, OF) Hunter May (JR, C) Christ Lewis (SR, 1B) Payton Harris (SR, RHP)
Key Players Lost: N/A
Team Preview: ASU will be a veteran ballclub built around pitching and defense. A strong core up the middle of the field with a veteran shortstop, catcher, center fielder that will help anchor a strong core of defenders. Pitching returns the weekend rotation of Pooler, Rivera, Mendez along with closer Payton Harris. Great falls from some incoming freshmen, Kyler McIntosh and Kevin Matos, have created a stable of arms that are ready to compete from day one. Offensively, the Hornets return 8 out of 9 starters from last year with the addition of several JUCO standouts that look to get into the mix. Trent Jamison leads the charge coming back after a superb sophomore year in which he batted .390 8 HR’s 43RBI and was named to the Rawlings All-Region Team. Seniors Cristopher DeGuzman and JaBronski Williams will hit in the top of the order, setting the table for junior catcher Hunter May, junior CF Ian Matos and senior 1B Chris Lewis.
Coppin State University
Conference: MEAC
Head Coach: Sherman Reed
2021 Record: 10-29 (.256)
BCN 2021 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
Key Newcomers: Transfer Brian Nicolas and Corey Miley.
Key Returning Players: Marcos Castillo, Jordan Hamburg, Tim Ruffino, Michael Dorcean, Matt Day
Key Players Lost: Connor Walker
Team Preview: This year, pitching will be the strength of Coppins State. Head coach Sherman Reed brought in Sean Repay and introduced a pro-style pitching program that has produced instant success in the areas of arm care and performance development. Repay’s impact on the pitching program, the staff dominated fall ball as returning pitchers all saw huge jumps in their performances over last year. A talented offense will return from the 2021 season. The outfield remains talented and rich with experience with all three 2021 starters returning. Two Division-1 transfer infielders (Brian Nicolas and Corey Miley) will help to stabilize the middle infield that struggled defensively for Coppin last year.
Delaware State University
Conference: MEAC
Head Coach: JP Blandin
2021 Record: 15-28 (.349)
BCN 2021 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.10
Key Newcomers: Jordan Haddaway (Sophomore Transfer From Delaware Tech CC, RHP), Michael Worthington (Sophomore Transfer From Cecil County CC, Utility), Ryan Rigby Freshman Dover High School, RHP/C), Peter Carreca (Freshman Herricks High School, RHP), Brandon Hatch (Freshman Caesar Rodney High School, RHP), Ethan Edelson (Freshman Pottsgrove High School, RHP), Brady Daniels (Freshman Teaneck High School, OF), Chris Hagan Freshman Gertsell Academy, INF)
Key Returning Players: Trey Paige, UTL, Cov-FR, Cole Bates, RHP, Cov-FR, Miguel Rivera, UTL, Cov-JR, Chandler Fitzgerald, RHP, Cov-SR, John Weglarz, 2B, Cov-JR, Mark Herron, OF, RS Cov-JR, Michael Carrington, RHP, Cov-FR, Krew Bouldin, 1B/RHP, Cov-FR, Tyler Cunningham, OF, RS Cov-JR, Corey Loper, RHP, Cov-SO, Cole Garey, 1B, Cov-JR
Key Players Lost: N/A
Team Preview: N/A
Florida A&M University
Conference: MEAC
Head Coach: Jamey Shouppe
2021 Record: 22-34 (.393)
BCN 2021 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.7
Key Newcomers: Ty Hanchey, DJ Wilkinson, Hunter Viets
Key Returning Players: Jared Weber, LJ Bryant, Joseph Pierini, Kelyn Fox, Zach Morea
Key Players Lost: Josh Hancock, Kyle Coleman, Tucker Rayburn
Team Preview: The Rattlers added depth on the mound and are more athletic as a team. They hope to be very competitive. The coaching staff really like the group of guys they will run out there this spring. There are a couple key middle of the order bats returning in LJ Bryan and Jared Weber who will look to continue their great careers as Rattlers. Transfer, Ty Hanchey (Norfolk State), has fit right in and will play a big role with his versatility and athleticism. Overall, the Rattlers are more athletic and will look to play a little faster and apply more pressure than they have in the past. On the mound the Rattlers return Kelyn Fox from last year’s staff along with key bullpen pieces Jeremiah McCollum, Ben Krizen and Zach Morea. Transfers DJ Wilkinson (Troy University) and Hunter Viets (University of Auburn-Montgomery) will fill out the weekend rotation. The fall went great for the Rattlers, and they will look to build off of that momentum as they head into the spring.
Grambling State University
Conference: SWAC
Head Coach: Davin Pierre
2021 Record: 17-27 (.386)
BCN 2021 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.9
Key Newcomers: Transfers Nasir Frederick, Aries Gardner, LeAndre Turner, Julian Murphy, Jarficur Parker. Freshmen Trey Burrell INF/OF, Keshon Hall, Esteban Taveras LHP 86-88
Key Returning Players: Cameron Bufford, Keylon Mack DH/1B, Corben Peters (RHP), JC Bonilla (RHP), Emir Garrett (RHP)
Key Players Lost: N/A
Team Preview: Grambling have the pieces and some new faces that will contribute early. Some of the players need to get adjusted to the style of play in the NCAA Division I and the SWAC. Head coach Davin Pierre is extremely happy how the team worked and played this fall, and the guys are hungry and excited to get back to work. A lot of new faces include Nasir Frederick, a Coastal Carolina/ Northwest Florida transfer, Aries Gardner South Alabama transfer, LeAndre Turner, a Marshall University transfer, Julian Murphy from Mississippi Delta CC, and grad transfer Jarficur Parker from UAPB all have had good falls and they will be guys to help Grambling continue the success they’ve have had. Said Coach Pierre “we are a lot more athletic and expect to play faster and defend better. Probably a new starting rotation but guys we feel like are ready to step up and get the job done.”
Jackson State University
Conference: SWAC
Head Coach: Omar Johnson
2020 Record: 34-9 (.791)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.1 *HBCU Baseball large school National Champions
Key Newcomers: Colby Guy, Asher Akridge
Key Returning Players: Ty Hill, Chenar Brown, NiK Galatas
Key Players Lost: N/A
Team Preview: Jackson State finished the 2021 season as Black College Nines (BCN) HBCU baseball National Champions. The Tiges are looking to bounce back from a tough loss in the SWAC conference championship game. The Tigers who finished 34-9 overall and 24-0 in conference are returning Black College Nines All-Elite First-Team and freshmen Player of the Year Chenar Brown, First-Team member Ty Hill, along with Second-Team Elites Stephen Davila and Nik Galatas. Jatavious Melton who stole 23 bases a season ago. The Tigers led the nation with 133 SBs, finished Top 5 in the nation in Team BA, Scoring Margin, Runs Scored per game, and On Base percentage.
Mississippi Valley State University
Conference: SWAC
Head Coach: Stanley Stubbs
2021 Record: 0-20 (.000)
BCN 2021 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
Key Newcomers: Transfers Darian Chapman, Dreyland Holmes and Maurey Weaver. Freshmen Jose Salazar and Narvin Booker
Key Returning Players: Ethan Charles, Hunter Stallings, Abraham Ortiz
Key Players Lost: N/A
Team Preview: New Mississippi Valley State University head coach Stanley Stubbs has started emphasizing discipline and hard work above anything else. The new-look Mississippi Valley State baseball program is one that consists of a handful of returnees from last year including pitcher Ethan Charles, Hunter Stallings, and Abraham Ortiz to name a few. Coach Stubbs has also brought in a group of young, talented transfers in the form of Darian Chapman, Dreyland Holmes, and Maurey Weaver, who are looking to make an immediate impact in the infield. One other transfer is catcher Sieas Elliot, who has shown great leadership abilities both on and off the field. Vocal leaders such as Elliott are key aspects in building a strong, cohesive unit that can put Mississippi Valley State on the map. The outfield has two fleetfooted freshmen this year. Jose Salazar and Narvin Booker have a load of athletic ability. With both Salazar and Booker in the lineup, they will look create havoc for opposing pitchers. The pitching staff will look to create contact and lean on its defense this upcoming season. Junior College transfers, Calvin McClendon and Dylan Whitfield, will look to be run stoppers within this new pitching staff.
Norfolk State University
Conference: MEAC
Head Coach: Keith Shumate
2021 Record: 25-28 (.472)
BCN 2021 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.4
Key Newcomers: Freshman Dominic Joseph, Rob Beatty
Key Returning Players: James Deloatch, Dionte Brown, Korey Singh, Jacob Council
Key Players Lost: Alsander Womack Free Agent Chicago White Sox
Team Preview: Norfolk State’s 2022 team figures to be built on pitching. The staff returns James Deloatch (2.88 ERA in 10 starts) and reliever Nolan Manzer (0.73 ERA in 14 appearances) to provide a foundation for competitiveness. Returner Justin Walton had an outstanding fall and figures to strengthen the NSU staff. Dalton Barham and Noah Wiggins both obtained valuable experience in 2021 and are project to have considerable roles. Transfers Matt Stanley (NCCU) and Zac Capps (Bryant Stratton College) had impressive falls and have earned shots at major roles. Jackson Sanchez showed strong stuff in his late fall bullpens. The defense will be spearheaded up the middle by CF Dionte Brown as well as Raphy Rodriguez who seized 28 starts at SS as a freshman in 2021. The Spartans will lean on versatile utility players such as returner Cody Donnell and transfer Brandon Cleveland (Patrick Henery CC) to solidify the Spartan defense. Offensively 2022 appears to be a rebuilding year for the hard-hitting offense that saw its two, three and four hitters from 2021 depart: Alsander Womack free agent signed by the White Sox, Danny Hosley to George Mason via transfer portal, and Ty Hanchey to FAMU via transfer portal). Returning OF/1B Jacob Council (.311 bat avg in 2021) should provide some stability along with leadoff hitter Dionte Brown (.307 bat avg in 2021). Designated Hitter Korey Singh had a strong fall, and his power will likely impact the team’s ability to score runs. NSU will look to transfers outfielder Tanner Brandon (Bluefield State grad) and third baseman Tommy Woods (John A. Logan) to contribute heavily to the Spartan offense.
North Carolina A&T University
Conference: Big South
Head Coach: Ben Hall
2021 Record: 22-32 (.407)
BCN 2021 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.8
Key Newcomers: Freshmen Jaheim Brown Canyon Brown
Key Returning Players: Peyton Winebarger, Xavier Meachem,
Key Players Lost: N/A
Team Review: The Aggies team is full of new faces this year. They graduated a large group of their 2021 team and brought 21 new players in. Many of which were recruited during the covid shutdown, so this fall was all about building cohesiveness and learning more about what each guy is capable of. They have an exciting group of young players who bring some neat upside in to the program and an injection of older players (transfer portal) who are hungry for opportunity. Head coach Ben Hall really like the work this team put in this fall and the level of play that was showed in some of fall ball game opportunities. Hall added that “also we are really excited to see the leadership core of this team be on display through this fall. It is always fun to see new players step-up into those kinds of roles and consistently be the right people for those responsibilities.” Xavier Bussey OF… Talented recruit who was hampered by injuries in the 2021 season. He had a great fall and showed middle of the order potential. Cort Maynard 3B and Chet Sikes NCCU transfers: Cort established himself quickly as a leader and frontline player this fall. Chet was Freshman of the year in MEAC and brings some immediate ability on both sides of ball. Daniel Carter struggled last year to see time but has really grown over summer and fall. He was consistently upper 80s with 3 pitches and led the team this fall in NC A&T pitching measurables. Excited to see him have a great spring for us. Xavier Meachem SO RHP: Up to 95 this fall, has a power arm, with put away stuff. As he continues to grow and mature will be an exciting arm to watch this spring.
Prairie View A&M University
Conference: SWAC
Head Coach: Auntwan Riggins
2021 Record: 14-18 (.437)
BCN 2021 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.6
Key Newcomers: Graduate transfer from Rice Dominic Cox, Ohio State transfer Blake Redman
Key Returning Players: Demarie’ Smith, Brayden Johnson, freshman Gilbert Gonzales and Cannon Berry, JUCU transfer Zackary Turner
Key Players Lost: ?
Team Preview: After winning the SWAC Western Division for the 1st time since 2007, the 2022 Panthers expect bigger and greater things for the upcoming season. This team will have plenty of experience from last season’s conference championship run. The Panthers have bolstered key positions with great depth for Head Coach Auntwan Riggins. According to Coach Riggins, “this year’s team will give me an opportunity to use my roster to win games in many different ways”. The Panthers will have seven returning starters (position players) from last year’s team and six pitchers that will return that have much needed experience to anchor the pitching staff and rotation. Graduate student, Demarie’ Smith returns as the Panther’s centerfielder who made some outstanding plays last season and in the SWAC tournament. In right field, Brayden Johnson (COVID Sophomore) returns to play his natural position where he was an integral piece in the line-up. Left field seems to be the position that will be open but expect graduate transfer from Rice, Dominic Cox to close out the Panther’s outfield. Redshirt freshman Jayden Williams who was stellar during fall practice, who demonstrated great range and power at the plate where coaches expect him to make strong contributions to the outfield this season but do not be surprised if Christian Mendez, Jordon Ginn, Kellen Rogers and Trey Turner should see plenty of action to give Coach Riggins options to utilize this year. In the infield, the Panthers have several guys returning who played many games last year. At 3B, the Panthers have Sebastian Coria and Ben Ybarra who both played well last year. In the middle, Zachary Trevino and Keanu Maldonado return who played a lot of games at SS but expect both of them to be interchangeable in both positions in the middle because of Ohio State transfer Blake Redman who has all the tools to be a great shortstop for Prairie View. On the mound, the Panthers return some of last year’s starting rotation. Victor Mendez and Roberto Maldonado started many key games last year but expect Ty Tubbs, transfers Matthew Krall, Devin Aguado, Michael Dews, Zachary Dews and Anthony Larzabal (Grad transfer) to compete for starting rotation spots. In relief, Prairie View returns senior Derrick Curry, Lorenzo Hardit, Matthew Sandoval and Sam Denker who will provide a wealth of experience out of the bullpen to give this year team a chance to win more games this season.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Conference: MEAC
Head Coach: Brian Holloman
2021 Record: Did not Play in 2021
BCN 2021 HBCU Baseball Final Opted the 2021 season out.
Key Newcomers: Luke Myers INF, Ryan Davis INF/Pitcher, Kyle Cincinnati Catcher, Alex McCoy 1st Base/Pitcher, Caden Parker Pitcher
Key Returning Players: Pitchers Derrick Rabb, Evan Nibblett, Cameron Bratton, Noah Covington, Alec Green Blatt, and Blake Rebstock
Key Players Lost: N/A
Team Preview: The 2022 Maryland Eastern Shore baseball program has some new faces that will help the Hawks attempt to be one of the top teams in the MEAC conference. With Maryland Eastern Shore not participating in athletics last year the goal for the season is to lean on experience on the mound to win games. The team will have some quality veterans that will help in the development of the younger players. The Hawks will have solid starting pitchers with a couple relief pitchers that will help with stability on the hill. The Hawks will also have returning experience in most defensive positions. The Hawks will have a solid core of returning players with the hopes that the younger less inexperienced players will provide quality depth when their number is called.
*Southern University
Conference: SWAC
Head Coach: Chris Crenshaw
2021 Record: 20-30 (.400)
BCN 2021 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.3
*University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Conference: SWAC
Head Coach: Carlos James
2021 Record: 7-31 (.184)
BCN 2021 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
*Alcorn State University
Conference: SWAC
Head Coach: Bretton Richardson
2021 Record: 7-20 (.417)
BCN 2021 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
*Texas Southern University
Conference: SWAC
Head Coach: Michael Richardson
2021 Record: 12-35 (.255)
BCN 2021 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.5
*Baseball programs did not file a report.
**Both Bethune Cookman University and University of Maryland Eastern Shore elected to opt-out of play baseball for the 2021 season.