Benedict College
Conference: SIAC
Head Coach: Selwyn Young
2020 Record: 6-8 (.545)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.8
Key Newcomers: Ryan Chesney (Freshman, OF), Keeshawn Royal (Redshirt Freshman, Utility), Reno Brock (Redshirt Freshman, INF)
Key Returning Players: Bradon O’Connor (Junior, OF), Christopher Harper (Junior, SS), Anthony Johnson (Junior, 3B), Myqueress McGrier (Junior, OF), Jacob Lagos (Senior, LHP), Christian Moore (Junior, LHP), Murrell Martin (Senior, RHP/Utility), Jorge Baez (Sophomore, LHP), Raul Vargas (Sophomore, Pitcher), Osvaldo Aquino (Junior, Pitcher), Brian Nevils (Senior, LHP), Christopher Floyd (Junior, Utility/RHP), Fareed Mizelle (Junior, Utility/LHP), Jeremy Johnson (Senior,1B/3B)
Key Players Lost: Ahmad Ali (IF), Nicholas Weston (OF)
Team Preview: Twenty-four returners. Outfielder Bradon O’Connor returns along with shortstop Christopher Harper who are the best leadoff and second hitter in college baseball. Newcomers outfielder Ryan Chesney and utility/pitcher Keeshawn Royal are both can’t miss prospects. Bright future for this team that is loaded with speed good hitters and averaged nine runs per game before COVID19 cancelled the 2020 season. Team also returns whole experienced pitching staff. Outfielder Myqueress McGrier led the nation in on-base percentage and O’Connor led the NCAA in stolen bases and stolen bases per game. The “Amazing Base Stealing Machine” returns plenty of speed. It’s going to be exciting to watch.
Bluefield State College
Conference: USCAA (Independent)
Head Coach: Milan Rasic
2020 Record: 9-7 (.562)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.4
Key Newcomers: Ty Sizemore, (Freshman from South Charleston HS, WV 1B), David Wilson, (Freshman Independence HS WV, INF)
Key Returning Players: Kevon Moxey (Senior, 1B, COVID-19 Waiver), Tanner Brandon (Junior, RHP/OF, COVID-19 Waiver), Kenrick Mendez Junior RHP, COVID-19 Waiver), J.R. McRee, Junior OF, JR COVID-19 Waiver), Roman Moore (Sophomore C, COVID-19 Waiver)
Key Players Lost: Logan Wriston, OF, Graduation
Team Preview: The program was 9-7 when the season was postponed, then eventually cancelled due to COVID-19. Some early season momentum was realized in spite of the challenge of playing 15 of 16 games as the visiting team, or at a neutral site. Thirteen pitchers highlight the 2021 roster. Three one-run defeats during the shortened 2020 season, have provided BSC hitters an incentive to prepare to be more proficient with their execution in run scoring opportunities.
Claflin University
Conference: SIAC
Head Coach: James Randall
2020 Record: 4-16 (.200)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
Key Newcomers: Keyon Smith (Transfer From Virginia State, OF/1B), Enrique Morales Transfer From Salem University, C)
Key Returning Players: Steve Joyner (Senior, OF), Rod Dobbs (INF, Senior, INF), Makai Holloway (Senior, RHP)
Key Players Lost: Jalen Sprull
Team Preview: Not sure what to expect, we didn’t have a fall season couple with 12 transfers.
Clark Atlanta University
Conference: SIAC
Head Coach: Kentaus “KC” Carter
2020 Record: 4-11 (.267)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
Key Newcomers: Darrin Brown (Graduate Transfer, Florida Memorial University, OF), Zach Porter, (Freshman Hampton High School, P/INF), Winston Noel, (Freshman Germantown High School, INF), Trip Freeman, (Graduate Transfer, Bethune Cookman University, C)
Key Returning Players: Lorenzo Peterson, (Junior P/1B), Daniel Gay, (Freshman ATH), Michael Fegins, (Freshman LHP/1B), Justice Page, (Freshman P/INF), Eason Bing, (Freshman P/INF), DeAndre Swift, (Junior OF/P), Khalil Manuel, (Sophomore OF/P), Josh Oliver, (Senior OF)
Key Players Lost: Carter Williams, Vinny Bailey, Shane Davis, Branden Bell
Team Preview: Panthers enter the 2021 season hungry and ready to compete for a SIAC Championship. Last year the Panthers were starting six freshmen before the season was cancelled to the pandemic. With no fall season, this young group is ready to get back on the diamond. In order for the Panther to advance to the SIAC Tournament they will need to pitch and play defense in a tough SIAC East division. In a nutshell, the panthers will have to come out the gate swinging, playing only a conference schedule all games are important in order to reach the goal of becoming SIAC Champs!!!!
Edward Waters College
Conference: GCAC
Head Coach: Reginald Johnson
2020 Record: 9-14 (.391)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Received Votes
Key Newcomers: Mark Anthony Perez (Sophomore Transfer from Lake Sumter State College, SS), Payton Shubert (Junior Transfer from Waldorf University, SS/3B), Alexander Davila (Freshman Lynman High School, RHP), Austin James(Freshman West Nassau High School, LHP)
Key Returning Players: Damani Thomas (Senior, OF), Marcus Judd (Senior, 2B), Julio Flories (Senior, RHP), Ricardo Santana (Senior, C), Alfedo Torres (Senior, OF), Leilin Washington (Senior, OF), Cayden Frankie (Senior, 1B)
Key Players Lost: Manuel Guerra, Kamau Richardson, Tyler Sessions
Team Preview: With this roster being a senior loaded roster I am excited for what the season can bring. Once again we have several games verse many nationally ranked opponents. With addressing the shortstop and third base position I feel as if our lineup is much stronger this year on both offense and defense. Our staff is young but talented; Julio will lead the staff and several key freshman arms will step up and have a great impact immediately. After the season being cut short last spring and this fall being cut short as well, we are just excited to get on the bus and open up January 29th verse nationally ranked Keiser University.
Florida Memorial University Lions
Conference: SUN
Head Coach: Tino Burgos
2020 Record: 8-12 (.400)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
Key Newcomers: Jalen Young (Transfer From Paine College, OF), Joe Lucas (Transfer From Embry Riddle, INF), Juan Raul Hernandez (Transfer From ASA Mia, RHP), Luis Velandia (Transfer From East Georgia St, CA), Zach Urso (Transfer From Broward College, INF), Reinaldo Prieto (Freshman Southridge HS, INF),
Key Returning Players: Rohandry Javier (Junior, 2B), José Santana (Junior INF/OF), Johnaikel Acosta (Junior, RHP), Yunior Sánchez (Junior, 1B-OF), Josue Sánchez (Junior, C), Manny Molliendo (Junior, SS), Malik Shinozaki (Sophomore, OF), Krystian Negron (Senior, RHP), Jacquel Perry (Junior, 1B)
Key Players Lost: Christian Rivera, RHP ; Darrin Brown OF
Team Preview: We are really excited about this season. Although we have lost one or two quality players, we have been able to bring in some guys who should be impact guys for us this season. Offensively we should be strong and defensively we should be steady. Pitching will be the question mark for us. If we get some guys to step up, we should be again a top team in the College Nines HBCU small schools division.
Lane College
Conference: SIAC
Head Coach: Patrick Barbour
2020 Record: 10-6 (.625)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.1
Key Newcomers: Javien Woods, (Freshman from Grady HS, Atlanta, GA LHP), Kalum Banks, Freshman from South Atlanta HS, Atlanta, GA INF), Zion Mathis, Freshman from Germantown HS, Memphis, TN LHP), Jordan Flannigan, Freshman from Jonesboro HS, Jonesboro, AR C)
Key Returning Players: Chris O’Neal (Red-Shirt Senior, INF), Keishaun Clark (Red-Shirt Senior, INF), Melvin Crayton (Red-Shirt Senior, INF), Treviz Brown (Red-Shirt Senior, OF/LHP), Christian Armstrong (Red-Shirt Senior, INF), Joel Ballard (Red-Shirt Senior, RHP), Zach Elias (Senior, RHP), Thomas Arias Junior OF/RHP)
Key Players Lost: Courtney Joyner
Team Preview: This season is dedicated to our teammate and brother Courtney Joyner. The same core group will be back for one last run in his honor.
Lincoln University (PA)
Conference: East Coast Conference
Head Coach: Anthony Pla
2020 Record: 2-6 (.250)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
Key Newcomers: Hilbert Nina de Leon, (Bloomfield HS, 3B/RHP), DeAndre Bowens, (transfer from Hudson Valley CC, C), Hilman Truss, (transfer from Delaware State University, INF)
Key Returning Players: Maximino Guadalupe (Senior, C), Rolando Alvarez Senior, RHP), Kashif Hill Senior, OF/1B), Willie Hines Senior, MIF), Trevon Sutton Junior RHP), Name, Position(s), YearAlex Jones (Sophomore, OF)
Key Players Lost: None
Team Preview: Lincoln will be coming in to the 2021 season with high hopes after ended the CoVid shortened season on a positive note. We return all but one player from last years team and have added 9 new players to the roster to give depth in all positions. With the majority of the team having had some playing time under their belts, this year the team is looking to continue the momentum from last year despite having had some time off. With some key uperclassmen returning and adding some depth in much needed positions, the Lions are looking to make something happen this year in the East Coast Conference.
Miles College
Conference: SIAC
Head Coach: Ty Roberts
2020 Record: 9-9 (.500)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.7
Key Newcomers: James Bitner 3B (Junior Transfer From Lawson State CC 3B), Peyton Caron 2B, Sophomore Transfer From Lawson State CC 2B), Andrew Poole (Freshman, Bessemer Academy HS RHP), Michael Archie II (Freshman, Minor HS OF)
Key Returning Players: Destin Davidson (Senior, SS), Dacian Caldwell (Senior, RHP), Andrew Datcher (Senior, RHP), Jacob Bisharat (Junior, C), Will Cantey (Junior, LHP/OF), Kody Long (Junior, LHP/OF)
Key Players Lost: Ryne Benson, Gage Humphries
Team Preview: I am excited to return a strong senior class from last year’s covid shortened season. We’ve added key players to go along with an experienced and accomplished senior class. We have a hard working group of young men that continue to get better each day. It’s a privilege to coach this talented group of student athletes. It’s great day to be a Golden bear, our team goal is a conference championship. Go Bears!
Savannah State University
Conference: SIAC
Head Coach: Carlton Hardy
2020 Record: 7-8 (.467)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.10
Key Newcomers: Charles Lee (Transfer from Louisburg CC, C), Joseph Smith (Transfer from Palm Beach CC, OF), Andrew Mann (Transfer from Montevallo College, RHP), Darius Hatchette-Dunn (Freshman Grovetown HS, RHP), Matthew Terrill (Transfer from ABAC CC, RHP)
Key Returning Players: Turner Davis (Senior, C), Andrai Wright (Sophomore, 1B), Champion Robbins (Red-Shirt Freshman, 2B) Luis Lamarche (Senior, SS), Cameron Diaz (Red-Shirt, OF), DJ Franklin (Junior, OF) Christian Harkey (Senior, RHP), Luis Torres-Lopez (Junior, RHP), Jackson Hickox (Junior, RHP), Rahmir Vaughn (Red-Shirt Freshman, LHP)
Key Players Lost: Joey Roberson, Darius Sewell
Team Preview: Exciting young group, should be strong on the mound with depth and experience. OF can all run sub 6.8 in the 60 and we should have pop in middle of lineup.
West Virginia State University
Conference: MEC
Head Coach: Sean Loyd
2020 Record: 5-10 (.333)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Received Votes
Key Newcomers: Chase Norris (Freshman Transfer From Columbus State, RHP), Ryan Kay (Freshman, OF), Noah Cummings (Freshman St. Albans HS, 1B)
Key Returning Players: Andrew Stone OF/RHP Jr., Matt Harrison 1B Sr., Matt Kline OF Jr, Jacob Bradley RHP Sr, Nick Loftis RHP Fr., Jared Hunt OF Sr., Dane Petersen RHP Fr
Key Players Lost: WVSU returns all starters and the entire pitching staff from 2020
Team Preview: We are excited about this group. They have played together for a couple of years now. Our seniors from last year have returned with the added year of eligibility and are playing as graduate students. We feel like this is the deepest team we have had since 2015. The like each other and are committed to being excellent. They are fun kids to coach. Our objective is to get the carry over from practice to games. We have our minds set on having a year that our community and university will be proud of.
Xavier University of Louisiana
Conference: GCAC
Head Coach: Adrian Holloway
2020 Record: First Baseball Game Since 1960
Key Newcomers: Courtland Simoneaux (Junior Transfer From Southern University, CF), Blair Frederick (Transfer From LSU, P/OF), Jose Fulgencio (Freshman Transfer From Hillsboro CC, SS/2B), Antonio Rodriguez Valpais (Freshman Transfer From Hillsboro CC, SS), Jonathan Santos (Sophomore From Valley Forge, SS/2B), Courtland Posey (Sophomore Transfer From East Central Mississippi CC, OF), Tristan Rodriguez (Junior Transfer From College of Central Florida, C), Jamal Allen (Sophomore Transfer From Wallace-Selma CC, RHP), Nigel Mayfield (Sophomore Transfer from Nunez CC, RHP), Austin Anderson (Freshman Transfer From Hillsboro CC, 3B)
Key Returning Players: None
Key Players Lost: None
Team Preview: We are excited to relaunch baseball at Xavier since 1960. The university and the city of New Orleans is excited and supporting us all the way.
*Albany State University
Conference: SIAC
Head Coach: Scott Hemmings
2020 Record: 8-10 (.444)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.9
*Kentucky State University
Conference: SIAC
Head Coach: Rob Henry
2020 Record: 12-8 (.600)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.2
*LeMoyne-Owens College
Conference: SIAC
Head Coach: Pat Newman
2020 Record: 2-10 (.167)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
*Morehouse University
Conference: SIAC
Head Coach: Antonio Grissom
2020 Record: 2-8 (.200)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
*Tuskegee University
Conference: SIAC
Head Coach: Reginald Hollins
2020 Record: 5-6 (.455)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Received Votes
*Virginia State University
Conference: Independent
Head Coach: Merrill Morgan
2020 Record: 13-10 (.565)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.3
*Jarvis Christian College
Conference: RRAC
Head Coach: Michael Holochuck
2020 Record: 12-12 (.500)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No.5
*Talladega College
Conference: GCAC
Head Coach: Marcos Dominguez
2020 Record: 11-13 (.458)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Received Votes
*Tougaloo College
Conference: GCAC
Head Coach: Earl Sanders
2020 Record: 7-20 (.259)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Received Votes
*Stillman College
Conference: SSAC
Head Coach: Terrance Whittle
2020 Record: 7-10 (.412)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
*Harris Stowe State University
Conference: AMC
Head Coach: CJ Bilbrey
2020 Record: 12-18 (.400)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
*Morris College
Conference: A.I.I Independent
Head Coach: Clarence Houck
2020 Record: 0-3 (.000)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
*Rust College
Conference: A.I.I Independent
Head Coach: Stanley Stubbs
2020 Record: 2-10 (.167)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
*Voorhees College
Conference: A.I.I Independent
Head Coach: Marcus Smith
2020 Record: 0-13 (.167)
BCN 2020 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: Unranked
*Baseball programs did not file a report.
**Huston-Tillotson University, Texas College and Wiley College elected to opt-out of play baseball for the 2021 season.
***Paine College baseball program no longer fields a team as the administration shut down athletics.