Two Historically Black College and University (HBCU) baseball coaches achieved milestones since the start of the 2016 season. Alabama State University head baseball coach Mervyl Melendez earned his 500th career coaching victory and Talladega College head coach Will Ramos earned his 200th career win leading their respective programs.
Coach Melendez recorded his 500th win, a 5-4 victory over Winthrop on February 26, which was the Hornets first win of the season. It marked the 121st career win at the helm of Alabama States baseball. Melendez won 379 games as coach of Bethune-Cookman University, his alma mater. According to the NCAA, he became the second-youngest coach in NCAA history to win 500 games.
Talladega head coach Will Ramos’ 200th victory came this past February 6th, defeating Brewton-Parker College 7-4. Ramos gave credit to his current and former players, as well as his coaching staff that has been part of the Tornados baseball program during his tenure.
Coach Ramos, who started his coaching career at Talladega in 2008, also serves as the school’s athletic director. He is a graduate of Missouri Southern State University.
Both coaches are known as academic disciplinarians, many of their ball players have graduated.