BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced its 2025 All-SWAC Baseball Teams and individual postseason award winners Tuesday evening, as voted on by the league’s head coaches and sports information directors.
Southern’s Cardell Thibodeaux headlined the list, earning both Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors. Jackson State’s Eric Elliott was named Pitcher of the Year. Alabama State’s Juan Cruz and Bethune-Cookman’s Andrey Martinez were named Co-Hitters of the Year.
Bethune-Cookman earned additional honors, with Jean Carlos Zambrano selected as Relief Pitcher of the Year and Garrett Workman of Florida A&M earning Freshman of the Year. Jonathan Hernandez, who led Bethune-Cookman to a 24–9 conference record and the program’s first SWAC regular season baseball title, was named Coach of the Year.
Thibodeaux was a standout for Southern, appearing in 46 games and recording 77 hits and 18 home runs—leading the Jaguars in both categories. His .438 batting average ranks third in the nation.
Elliott anchored the pitching staff for Jackson State, earning six wins with a 2.54 ERA in conference play. He leads the SWAC in strikeouts per inning and ranks second overall in total strikeouts.
Cruz powered Alabama State’s offense, topping the team with 99 hits, 66 RBIs, and a .416 batting average. He also leads the nation in total hits and ranks third nationally in hits per game.
Martinez led the SWAC in home runs (19) and ranked 19th nationally in that category. He compiled a .352 average, 63 hits, and 59 RBIs during the regular season.
Zambrano was a reliable arm out of the bullpen for Bethune-Cookman, posting a 3.38 ERA in 18 appearances. He notched six wins and two saves, helping the Wildcats lead the league in team ERA.
Workman made an immediate impact as a freshman for Florida A&M, earning eight wins in 14 appearances and posting a 2.92 ERA in conference action.
A complete list of the 2025 All-SWAC baseball teams and individual award winners is below.
2025 SWAC Baseball Postseason Awards
Coach of the Year
Jonathan Hernandez, Bethune-Cookman
Player of the Year
Cardell Thibodeaux, Southern
Co-Hitter of the Year
Juan Cruz, Alabama State
Andrey Martinez, Bethune-Cookman
Pitcher of the Year
Eric Elliott, Jackson State
Relief Pitcher of the Year
Jean Carlos Zambrano, Bethune-Cookman
Freshman of the Year
Garrett Workman, Florida A&M
Newcomer of the Year
Cardell Thibodeaux, Southern
All-SWAC First Team
C – Broedy Poppell, Florida A&M
1B – Juan Cruz, Alabama State
2B – Jesus Vanegas, Bethune-Cookman
3B – Jay Campbell, Florida A&M
SS – Bryce Hughes, Texas Southern
DH – Taj Bates, Southern
OF – Cardell Thibodeaux, Southern
OF – Andrey Martinez, Bethune-Cookman
OF – Kameron Douglas, Alabama State
SP – Eric Elliott, Jackson State
SP – Kenney Fabian, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
RP – Jean Carlos Zambrano, Bethune-Cookman
All-SWAC Second Team
C – Chris Marcellus, Grambling State
1B – Wilbert Perez, Jackson State
2B – Alex Espaillat, Alabama State
3B – KJ White, Southern
SS – Jeter Polledo, Bethune-Cookman
DH – Damian Garcia, Texas Southern
OF – Trey Rutledge, Alabama A&M
OF – Darryl Lee, Bethune-Cookman
OF – Jordan McCladdie, Jackson State
SP – Jorhan Laboy, Alabama State
SP – Edwin Sanchez, Bethune-Cookman
SP – Nick Luckett, Southern
RP – Ethan Bates, Grambling State
RP – Peyton Huff, Southern
