With HBCU baseball a few weeks into the season, it’s time for Black College Nines (BCN) to ramp up our coverage. We’ll kick things off by breaking down our initial position-by-position top tens, starting with the catchers and work our way across the diamond before the 2022 season ends.
Top HBCU Catchers with Cannons…
Hunter May – Alabama State University May has gotten off to a scorching-hot start in 2022 and he’s easily been one of the best bats in the catcher position in the SWAC. The Slidell, Louisiana backstop is currently slashing a .333 batting average in 45 at-bats with two home runs, six doubles, and nine runs batted in. Built at a strong, sturdy 6-foot-4, 230-pounds, May is one of the more complete all-around players and is considered in the 2022 draft class. He’s has gap-to-gap power to all fields, and routinely pummels the baseball when he’s on the barrel. Defensively, May might own the strongest arm from the crouch in the nation and his athleticism is extremely evident in sticking behind the plate in the future. A plus in handling the Hornets pitching staff.
John Garcia – Grambling State University Garcia is one of the best catch and throw guys in the country. The arm is electric, and he should control the run game in a league that has a lot of good base stealers. The Grambling coaching staff states Garcia “is a professional in their opinion.” Garcia is a 6-foot, 190-pound athletic, well-proportioned athlete with one of the smoothest strokes at the plate and he gets the absolute most out of it. His ability to barrel up the baseball with relative ease into both gaps is certainly noteworthy. Off to a sizzling hot start batting .444 in 35 at bats, four doubles, one home runs, and ten runs batted in. Behind the plate Garcia has an array of athleticism and quality defensive actions, plus he has a gun for an arm.
Canyon Brown – North Carolina A&T University is slugging his way into serious consideration as a starter on a talented Aggie squad. He’s blistering the baseball early in nonconference play, showing off an all-around loud skill-set that garnered attention from the coaching staff. At 6′-1″, 185-pounds, Browns glove has been his calling card throughout his athletic career, as a true defensive standout with a rocket arm and naturally advanced actions. The offensive improvements he’s made since fall ball are here to stick. Batting .282 in 39 at bats, three doubles, and nine runs batted in.
Pierce Thomas – Albany State University is a rare athlete, the type that you don’t typically see behind the plate. He’s an above-average runner with natural, loose strides that could easily translate to the outfield should he eventually have to make that transition. For now, however, the freshman is suitable behind the plate, exploding from the crouch and showcasing calm, controlled action as one of the top catchers in the SIAC conference.
Andrew Sharp – West Virginia State University is in full control of the catching gig for the Yellow Jackets, and he’s made the most out of it early on in 2022. Offensively waiting for his bat to start popping. His calling card is behind the plate and projects to be something around an average defender with a loose, live arm and stable athleticism. If Sharp can improve on his .235 batting average, keep an eye on his name throughout the season.
Miguell Oropeza – Talladega College has shown multiple times throughout the early part of the season that he’s more than capable of driving the baseball with authority off quality competition. He’s also capable of making some serious impact-level contact on the barrel and when paired up with that swing. Currently, sitting 28th in the nation in batting average (.468) with six extra base hits and eighteen runs driven in. Oropeza has youth on his side. The freshman has a good arm from behind the plate which adds to his defensive profile. Potential four-year starter and future draft pick.
Rafael Ferrara – Florida Memorial University profiles to be a pretty safe bet to stick behind the plate with a small frame, sure-handed actions, and one of the quickest releases you’ll find in the HBCU Baseball NAIA ranks for catchers. The 5-foot-9, 170-pound backstop swings a noticeably loud bat as a freshman that routinely pummels the baseball to all gaps. Ferrara really strikes the ball with intent and there’s impact potential harnessed inside his offensive game. He’s likely going to hear his name called daily as a starter behind the plate.
Mason Collins – Stillman College does one thing really well – hit. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound hitter is one of the team’s RBI leaders. Collins is currently hitting .400 with three doubles and sixteen runs batted in. If Collins can amp up his plate appearance and do the same defensively, he will be a everyday starter behind the dish long-term. Besides his strong arm that obviously raise his overall value and emphasizes the importance of his bat and defensive skill set.
Marshall Luiz and Jefrey Rodriguez – Jackson State University are solid defensively for the Tigers. Not much is expected from them offensively at the plate but both of Luiz and Rodriguez strength and array of athleticism are their quality defensive actions behind the plate and calling games. Both own one of the strongest arms in the SWAC aiding in sticking behind the plate in the future. For that reason, top 10 ranking appropriately so in our eyes.
Honorable Mention:
Jerry Freeman – Clark Atlanta University
Roman Moore – Bluefield State College
Anthony Burgos – Lincoln University (PA)
Jared Pierce – Kentucky State University
DeShawnte Carraway – Claflin University
Dawsyn Hock – Virginia State University
Mason Heiskell – Prairie View A&M University
Andrew Bourque – Florida A&M University
Michael Dorcean – Coppin State University
Check out Rust College Catcher name Jalin Thomas. He is one of the best elite players in the game!!!