A Deep Dive into Alcorn State University Baseball History

Alcorn State University's baseball program boasts a rich history, marked by periods of struggle and moments of triumph. This article explores the Braves' journey, from their inaugural season to their current standing in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), while also highlighting the broader context of baseball in Mississippi and the contributions of Black Mississippians to the sport.

Early Beginnings and SWAC Membership

The Alcorn State Braves baseball program officially began in 1959. Four years later, in 1963, the program joined the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). This move solidified their place in collegiate athletics and set the stage for decades of competition within the conference.

Home Field Advantage: Foster Baseball Field at McGowan Stadium

The Braves play their home games at Foster Baseball Field at McGowan Stadium, located on the Alcorn State campus. This venue holds special significance due to its namesake, Willie "Rat" McGowan, who served as the team's head coach for an impressive 38 years (1972-2009). Under McGowan's leadership, the Braves achieved over 700 victories. The official dedication of the field and stadium occurred on September 4, 2010, honoring McGowan's contributions to the program.

Coaching Legacy: Willie McGowan

Willie McGowan's impact on Alcorn State baseball is undeniable. His lengthy tenure and numerous wins established him as a legendary figure within the program. The dedication of the stadium in his name serves as a lasting tribute to his commitment and success.

The Carlton Hardy Era

Carlton Hardy took the helm as the head coach of the Alcorn State baseball team in 2025. Hardy came to the Braves from NCAA Division II Savannah State, where he had a fairly successful 18-year run, leading the Tigers to a 31-17 record in 2024.

Read also: Alcorn State Fees Explained

Reflections on the 2024 Season

The 2024 season was a challenging one for the Alcorn State Braves, with a final record of 6-43. Preseason polls predicted a tough road ahead. The team was picked to finish 11th in the 12-team SWAC in a preseason poll of coaches and SIDs.

Despite the struggles, there were individual bright spots. Jermel Ford, a senior from Hattiesburg, had a standout performance in back-to-back games against Alabama A&M, racking up six hits, nine RBIs, six runs, and eight steals. In one game, he went 2-for-5 with four RBIs, two runs, and four steals, contributing significantly to the Braves' 15-12 victory.

A Glimpse of Success: Beating Jackson State

Alcorn State rallied from a big deficit to beat Jackson State 8-7 in 10 innings Sunday night in the HBCU Power Series finale at Trustmark Park. Down 6-0 early, the Braves (1-2) battled back behind the bat of Keaten Hawk, who drove in four runs, including the game-winner in the bottom of the 10th. Hawk is a transfer from Alvin (Texas) CC. JSU fell to 1-2.

Statistical Standouts in Mississippi Baseball

The landscape of Mississippi baseball extends beyond Alcorn State, with numerous talented players making their mark across different levels of competition. Here's a snapshot of some statistical leaders:

Top Hitters: Trey Davidson of Copiah-Lincoln led the state in hitting with a .633 average (19-for-30), followed closely by Hinds’ Fairley at .600 and Itawamba’s Cannon Graham at .577 (15-for-26).

Read also: Alcorn State University Admissions
Power Hitters: Several players showcased their power, with Caiden Bullard of East Mississippi and Houston Green of ICC among those with four home runs apiece.
Run Producers: Colin Flurry of Northeast emerged as the RBI leader, with 19 RBIs while hitting .385 with three home runs.
Run Scorers: Mason Hickman of East Central Community College led the state in runs scored with 20.
Speed Demons: Tanner Moore of Southwest led the state in steals with 12 in eight games.

Collegiate Standouts

Several players at Mississippi universities garnered attention for their outstanding performances:

Davis Gillespie (Southern Miss): Batted .318 with eight homers, 44 RBIs, and 46 runs in 57 games as a redshirt freshman in 2024.
Sawyer Reeves (Mississippi State): A portal pickup who played three years at The Citadel, hit .304 with five homers and 31 RBIs last year.
Owen Paino (Ole Miss): Rated a Top 100 draft prospect last year by Baseball America.
Jordan McCladdie (Jackson State): Named the SWAC preseason player of the year, hit .364 with four homers, six triples, 42 RBIs, 71 runs and 40 steals in 55 games.

The HBCU Power Series: Celebrating Black History

The HBCU Power Series is a three-day, nine-game event that celebrates Black History Month. This inaugural series is a cool way to celebrate Black History Month.

Mississippi's Rich Baseball Heritage

Mississippi boasts a rich baseball history, particularly concerning the contributions of Black players. Bill Foster, an Alcorn alum and former school administrator, was a Negro Leagues star (1923-37) and is in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Starkville native Cool Papa Bell is also enshrined in Cooperstown, as is Grenada native Dave Parker. The history of black Mississippians in pro baseball is quite rich indeed.

The 1945 Cleveland Buckeyes, a Negro Leagues team that suited up three Mississippi natives, are the subject of a recently released documentary: “I Forgot to Tell You About … The Story of the Cleveland Buckeyes’ Forgotten Championship.” Columbus native Sam Jethroe, a future big league rookie of the year, and Jackson’s Buddy Armour played center and left field, respectively, for the ’45 Buckeyes, and Lauderdale native Lovell Harden pitched out of the bullpen.

Former JSU standout Earl Sanders, now the coach at Tougaloo College, will be formally inducted today into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in Overland Park, Kan., joining his former JSU, coach Bob Braddy, in that HOF.

tags: #Alcorn #State #University #baseball #history