HBCU Baseball Preseason Overview: Savannah State Tigers

Head coach Carlton Hardy is extremely excited about the 2024 Savannah State University baseball team. The Tigers have brought in over 20 players into the program that have instilled a level of passion and enthusiasm that is the program’s culture.  It is always enjoyable as a coach to see incoming players adapt to the culture of the program and prosper. It also helps when you have a handful of talented young men who will make an impact immediately. We feel we have accomplished that with one of the largest classes in the program’s history.

The coaching staff is targeting more athleticism up the middle and adding some LHPs to the program along with more depth behind the plate. According to Hardy, “We feel we hit some home runs with this recruiting class which will help us to compete for SIAC championships now and in the future.”

Top freshmen coming into the program include utility player Farah Castillo who led the squad in hitting in the fall. He can play all over the diamond and gives the Tigers the versatility that will help him throughout his career. Castillo can handle the bat and plays with high intellect. Middle infielder/pitcher Brevin Smith is also a very intelligent player. He came in and competed from day one on the mound and in the infield. Smith has a three-pitch mix on the mound with plus command. Further, he can run and hit with power as a middle infielder. He’ll definitely push for playing time as a two-way guy. Left handed pitcher Gregory Gonzalez is a surprise signee as he had a couple of NCAA Division One offers. He has pushed to be one of the starters in the program with a three-pitch mix who runs his fastball in the mid-80s. Righty Brayden Thomas came in as another two-way guy, but has stood out on the mound. He has shown the ability to pitch in stressful situations early in his career.

Top returnees who will have an impact in 2024 include outfielder Kendal Spencer who will bat in the middle of the lineup. Others are right handed pitcher Andrew Mann (best stuff on the staff), who will be a weekend starter, outfielder Hakem Smith who will bat in the middle of the lineup and shortstop Addrian McNeal Jr., a transfer from Liberty University. Jose Santiago, a right handed pitcher will be another one of the weekend starters. Third baseman Desmore Joseph II is a two- year returning starter and one of the Tigers better defensive players. Righty Adonis Perez, who throws with plus-plus stuff, will be the closer this year. First baseman Hunter Bradshaw and outfielder Jaden Oden are expected to have good production at the plate this spring.