Prairie View A&M University Panthers
Conference: Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
Head Coach: Auntwan Riggins 8th Season
2023 Record: 20-37 (.351)
Black College Nines (BCN) 2023 HBCU Baseball Final Poll: No. 9
Top Returning Players:
Marshal Jonas, (1B)
Ahmar Donatto, (SS)
Ben Ybarra, (2B/DH)
Isaac Davila, (SS/2B),
Cameron Franklin, (UT)
Top Freshman Recruits:
Corey Lockett, (UTL)
Garland Parker, (1B)
Michael Smith, OF
Julian Scott, (RHP)
Demarques Thompson, (RHP)
Corey Battey, (LHP)
Top JUCO Transfer:
Trenton Bush, (3B)
Lee Allen Jr., (2B)
Preseason Overview:
The Panthers seem poised to have a productive year. During fall ball, progress was made to strengthen the roster with returning and new players.
In the infield, Returnees-Marshal Jonas (1B), Ahmar Donatto (SS), Ben Ybarra(2B/DH), Isaac Davila (SS/2B), and Cameron Franklin (UT) showed continued growth as hitters as they competed extremely well at the plate. Sophomore shortstop Donatto made some outstanding plays in the infield during the fall scrimmages.
Newcomer transfers Trenton Bush(3B) and Lee Allen Jr.(2B) demonstrated flashes of good things to come with their play and leadership on the team. Freshmen, Corey Lockett (UT) and Garland Parker(1B) showed flashes of potential, but must continue to work hard to provide opportunities for playing time.
In the outfield, Prairie View A&M has a competitive group that returns several players from last year. This group features athletes who played extremely well during the fall. Returnees Garrison Weiss, Jayden Williams, Michael Burroughs and Tyran Norris made great defensive plays and all improved tremendously at the plate this fall. Freshman Michael Smith has shown signs of a high ceiling with his potential at the plate.
On the mound, the Panthers return several arms who have pitched well this fall. Returnees Matt Krall, Ty Tubbs, Michael Dews, Victor Mendoza, Eli Breeden and Devin Aguado showed some dominance in scrimmages this fall. Freshmen pitchers Julian Scott (RHP), Demarques Thompson (RHP) and Corey Battey (LHP) looked good at times and as they continue to develop, the future looks good for the Prairie View A&M pitching staff.
Overall, the Panthers baseball program is preparing to win the SWAC championship this spring.