Black College Nines takes a look at all the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) “large school” division baseball programs as we summarize each team’s 2021 year-to-date mid-season performance.
Alabama A&M University
2021 Mid-Season Record: 2-12
The Bulldogs did themselves some injustice when they took months to hire a head coach which would have aided recruiting coming into the 2021 season. Elliot Jones was brought in on October 23, 2020, seven months after the firing of former coach Manny Lora. Hitting has slowed the team, struggling to produce runs. They can use the 2021 season to build momentum for a SWAC Conference run in 2022.
Alabama State University
2021 Mid-Season Record: 11-13
A slow start surprised many. The Hornets are just starting to crank it up under head coach Jose Vazquez as they are now playing as one of the dominant teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The pitching and hitting will again lead ASU to contend in the conference. Offensively the bats are coming alive and driving in runs.
Alcorn State University
2021 Mid-Season Record: 5-8
Good ballclub in spite of its 5-8 record, which includes a three game losing streak where the pitching has allowed unearned runs to cross the plate. Alcorn can win the one run games, but relief pitching needs to improve.
University of Arkansas Pine at Bluff
2021 Mid-Season Record: 2-17
The Golden Lions’ team earned run average sits at 11.13 which translates to a suspect pitching staff and has become a liability. After playing through its non-conference schedule, competition from within the SWAC won’t be easy.
Coppin State University
2021 Mid-Season Record: 5-13
The Eagles have shown a lack of solid pitching in the early part of this season. The program has been in a rebuilding mode for the last five years. Lack of solid pitching talent, short on steady at-bats and defense have been shortcomings in 2021.
Delaware State University
2021 Mid-Season Record: 6-12
The Hornets have yet to play their best baseball. Pitching staff needs to improve. Getting men in scoring positions has been an overwhelming task. The entire team is making a great effort but the team is struggling at the plate. April is crucial if they don’t start winning ball games.
Florida A&M University
2021 Mid-Season Record: 10-16
After starting the season 0-10, the Rattlers are now playing as one of the dominant teams in the Mideastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and like a title contender. Pitching has propelled FAMU into contention. After being swept by in-state non conference rival NCAA DI No. 6 Florida Gators, the Ratters are a different ball club. Since then, they have swept Grambling State in a three-game series March 12-14, have won 7 of their last 10 games and are currently on a five game winning streak.
Grambling State University
2021 Mid-Season Record: 9-14
The Tigers are starting to put the pieces together. Lately, they have become an explosive offensive ball club. They have played through a tough non conference schedule and are now playing like they are hungry for a SWAC Championship game.
Jackson State University
2021 Mid-Season Record: 18-7
The Tigers will rely on speed, athleticism and defense to continue its success. Pitching has been shutting down opponents so far this early in the season and in my opinion will continue. As the season progresses, Jackson State is in a good position to win the SWAC.
Mississippi Valley State University
2021 Mid-Season Record: 0-12
MVSU has underperformed at all facets of the game with no mound or plate presence contributing to losses. The program is in desperate mode for changes. The team has lost 31 straight ball games dating back to the 2019 season including 15 from the shortened 2020 season (0-15).
North Carolina A&T University
2021 Mid-Season Record: 9-12
What is shocking, NCA&T is an experienced team but plate inconsistency, getting men on base and scoring has been an issue. Pitching has given up a ton of runs. When the Aggies do swing the bats, they swing well. Nine wins so far in 2021. Preseason picks to click in the MEAC not living up to expectation.
Norfolk State University
2021 Mid-Season Record: 7-17
The Spartans are off to a slow start but figure to finish atop the MEAC Northern Division according to some national preseason polls. If NSU expects to win the conference outright, they must get over inconsistency in fielding, pitching and hitting.
North Carolina Central University
2021 Mid-Season Record: 10-8
The institution has decided to shut down the baseball program at the end of the season. This team is playing with a chip on its collective shoulders since the announcement was made this past February. The Eagles are rallying to finish the season with a winning record. As the season progresses, the Eagles will contend and should be at the top of the MEAC standings.
Prairie View A&M University
2021 Mid-Season Record: 3-11
Prairie View baseball needs to improve in the area of pitching. The Panthers have one of the highest earned run averages in the SWAC which accounts for the 11 losses. Three of its ten wins have come against Southern and Arkansas – Pine Bluff. The mound staff has not maintained a consistency to get outs.
Southern University
2021 Mid-Season Record: 10-14
The 2021 season is supposed to be a rebuilding year for Southern baseball under new head coach Chris Crenshaw. The prospects of a good offense, coming into the season, has started to gel. The Jaguars started winning close ball games like they did in the past. Tough non conference slate, those early season games will aid Southern in its run towards a SWAC title.
Texas Southern University
2021 Mid-Season Record: 7-17
Traditionally, the Tigers finish strong in conference play. They are another team that is one winning streak away from making a strong conference run. I definitely think so.
The schools below are not competing in 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns:
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Bethune-Cookman University