In this life, you’re lucky if you find a true comrade. I’m talking about a brother from another mother—the kind of man you go to war with in the trenches and celebrate with at the mountaintop. Today, my heart is full as I celebrate the ascension of my brother, Anthony “Happy” Macon, on his hire as the Pitching Coach for the Williamsport Crosscutters in the MLB Draft League.
The Foundation: A Living Legend & The Bama State Grit
Our story began at Alabama State University, and it was built on the rock of a living legend: Coach Larry Watkins. Long before he was the Associate AD for Facilities, Coach Watkins was molding us into men.
Happy and I didn’t just learn the game; we were mentored and developed under Watkins’ watchful eye. He taught us that the “Bama State” way is the only way—discipline, integrity, and an unshakeable work ethic. Every success Happy has today is a reflection of the standard Coach Watkins set for us.
The Dual-Threat Leader
I remember when we recruited Happy to ASU. He was the ultimate “Two-Sport” weapon—leading the huddle as a Quarterback and dominating the diamond as a two-way player. That QB1 mentality never left him. Whether he’s calling a game from the dugout or breaking down mechanics on the mound, he leads with the poise of a man who has been under center and under pressure.
A Proven Architect of Champions
Happy’s coaching journey is a masterclass in player development:
• The ASU Days: We started our coaching journey together at our alma mater, learning the ropes and paying our dues.
• The Savannah State Era: Hired by Carlton Hardy and served as Associate Head Coach/Co-Pitching Coach, Happy helped lead the program to a MEAC Championship. It was here where he had a hand in the development of Kyle McGowin (RHP), taking him from a collegiate arm to a 5th-round MLB draft pick and, eventually, a 2019 World Series Champion with the Washington Nationals.
• The Texas College Command: Happy took the mantle of Head Coach, and I had the honor of serving as his Associate Head Coach. What we accomplished there was nothing short of a miracle. We took a program from 4 wins to 30 wins in just two years. In the COVID-shortened year, we weren’t just winning—we were dominant, on pace to set national records in runs scored and stolen bases. We built a culture of aggressive, winning baseball.
• The Prairie View A&M Stretch: After the world restarted post-COVID, Happy was brought on by Auntwan Riggins to sharpen the staff at PVAMU, continuing his legacy as the premier pitching mind in the SWAC.
The Ascension:
Williamsport & The MLB Draft League
The Williamsport Crosscutters aren’t just getting a coach; they’re getting a winner. They’re getting a man who has seen the game from every angle—from the gridiron to the World Series.
“To my brother, my comrade: We’ve walked this path together from the very beginning. From being young recruits under Coach Watkins to leading our own programs, I have watched you pour your soul into this game. Seeing you ascend to the MLB Draft League isn’t just a win for you—it’s a win for all of us who know the grind. I love you, I’m proud of you, and I know Williamsport has no idea how lucky they are to have you.”
The “Happy” Era has reached the next level. Let’s work.
#Crosscutters #MLBDraftLeague #BamaStateBuilt #LarryWatkinsLegacy #HappyMacon #Brotherhood #PVAMU #TexasCollege #WorldSeriesPedigree #CarltonHardy #AuntwanRiggins
About the Author
Rod White is a veteran scout and the National Scouting Director for the National Scouting Bureau (NSB). A graduate of Scout School with the Toronto Blue Jays, Rod has served in scouting roles within the Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies organizations and is a key selection committee member and scout for the MLB HBCU Swingman Classic. Most recently, as the Head Baseball Coach at Dillard University, Rod led the program to unprecedented goals and a .660 winning percentage during his tenure.
An alumnus and former assistant coach of Alabama State University, Rod has dedicated his career to the elevation of the game at every level. As the founder of NSB, NSB ScoutWire, the ScoutsEye App, and the We Play Baseball Podcast, Rod blends a traditional scout’s ‘eye test’ with modern data-driven analytics to identify ‘fast-track’ prospects.
His mission remains clear: ensuring that all baseball talent receives the professional visibility and evaluation they deserve, with a steadfast commitment to minority and HBCU players.