When folks talk HBCU sports, it’s usually football first, and maybe basketball if they’re paying attention.
But HBCU baseball has its own legacy. A deep one that isn’t addressed enough.
And that legacy was built by coaches who didn’t just fill out lineups. They built programs from scratch, molded boys into men, and gave HBCUs a seat at the national table.
They coached through budget cuts, bus breakdowns, and overlooked talent. Still, they found a way to win. And they kept winning, year after year, class after class.
Here’s a breakdown of the most successful HBCU baseball coaches by total career wins, past and present.
Roger Cador – Southern University
Career Wins: 913
Tenure: 1984–2017
Cador is the undisputed titan of HBCU baseball. When he took over the Southern University baseball program in 1984, he inherited more struggle than stability. But by the time he retired in 2017, he had built a dynasty, winning 913 games over 33 seasons, the most of any HBCU coach in history.
He led the Jaguars to 14 SWAC championships and two HBCU national titles (2003 and 2005). He guided his teams to the NCAA Tournament 11 times—a remarkable feat considering the resource gaps compared to PWI programs. Under his leadership, Southern produced 62 MLB draft picks, including major league standout Rickie Weeks, who was drafted No. 2 overall in 2003.
Cador was known for motivating his players on and off the field. His teams were disciplined, fast, and mentally challenging—playing with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. But he was a voice for equity in college baseball beyond the wins. He pushed for increased recognition of HBCU talent, spoke out about disparities in media exposure, and helped organize showcase events to get his players noticed.
In recognition of his trailblazing career, Cador was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Hall of Fame in 2021 and the National College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2023. His name and legacy remain synonymous with Southern baseball and Black excellence in college athletics.
Bob Braddy – Jackson State
Career Wins: 824
Tenure: 1973–2000
Bob Braddy didn’t just lead Jackson State’s baseball team—he transformed it. From 1973 to 2000, Braddy amassed 824 wins, winning 12 SWAC titles and sending JSU to the NCAA Regionals three times.
His run is even more remarkable because he built his success during a time when Black college programs were largely invisible to the mainstream baseball world. But Braddy refused to be ignored. His teams were tough, well-coached, and always in the mix for a conference title. And in a league full of character-building coaches, Braddy was one of the most respected for how he carried himself and led his program.
In 2003, he became the first African American inducted into the ABCA Hall of Fame, a groundbreaking achievement that spoke volumes about the respect he commanded nationwide. After his coaching career, Braddy also served as athletic director at Jackson State, where he continued to advocate for HBCU athletics.
To this day, Braddy holds the record for the most wins by any coach in Jackson State history, and the school honored him by naming its baseball field after him. His influence lives on not just in wins but also in the culture he helped build and the opportunities he created for generations of young Black athletes.
Ralph W. E. “Prez” Jones – Grambling
Career Wins: 816
Tenure: 1928–1977
There was no blueprint when Ralph Waldo Emerson “Prez” Jones started building Grambling’s baseball program in 1928. But he didn’t need one. Over nearly five decades, Jones compiled 816 wins, all while serving simultaneously as the university president.
At a time when Black athletes were shut out of most mainstream college sports, Jones carved out a legacy with limited resources and limitless vision. His teams won seven conference championships and reached the NAIA World Series four times, finishing as national runners-up in 1963 and 1964. In 1967, he was named NAIA Coach of the Year—one of the few Black coaches in any sport to earn such recognition during that era.
Jones is widely considered one of the founding fathers of Black college baseball, and his influence extended far beyond the field. He mentored student-athletes, raised academic standards, and built the program that would later become Grambling State’s baseball powerhouse. His combination of leadership, character, and results made him an icon not just at Grambling but across the HBCU landscape.
Wilbert Ellis – Grambling
Career Wins: 740
Tenure: 1977–2003
If Prez Jones had laid the foundation at Grambling, Wilbert Ellis would have built the house. Taking over after nearly two decades as Jones’s assistant, Ellis spent 26 years as head coach, collecting 740 wins, three SWAC championships, and three NCAA Tournament appearances.
Ellis was more than a coach—he was a cultural anchor. His leadership extended into the classroom, the community, and the dugout. He had a reputation for being firm but fair, and many of his players still refer to him as a second father. Under Ellis, Grambling remained one of the most respected programs in HBCU baseball and continued to send players into the pros.
He also served on national boards and committees, advocating for increased visibility for HBCU athletics. In 2025, he was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame, affirming his long-standing contribution to the sport. His legacy is not just measured in wins, but in the lives he changed and the standard he upheld.
Willie “Rat” McGowan – Alcorn State University
Career Wins: 720
Tenure: 1972–2009
Willie “Rat” McGowan was the Alcorn State baseball coach. For 38 seasons, he led the Braves with consistency, integrity, and toughness. He finished his career with 720 wins, five SWAC titles, and 14 20-win seasons.
McGowan developed ballplayers into men and made Alcorn a program one couldn’t overlook in the SWAC. Despite often having fewer resources than larger programs, his teams were known for being well-prepared and fundamentally sound.
In 2010, the university renamed its baseball field Foster Baseball Field at McGowan Stadium, a testament to his impact on the school and community. While he may not have made headlines beyond the HBCU world, McGowan built a legacy grounded in excellence, and his win total places him firmly among the elite.
Marty Miller – Norfolk State
Career Wins: 718
Tenure: 1973–2005
Before he became an administrator, Miller was a master tactician in the dugout. For over 32 seasons at Norfolk State, he compiled 718 wins, led the Spartans to 17 CIAA championships, and guided his team to 12 postseason appearances across the NAIA, NCAA Division II, and eventually Division I ranks.
Miller’s influence in HBCU baseball stretched from the East Coast to the national stage. He coached through a period of rapid transformation, elevating NSU through multiple conference transitions while keeping the program competitive. His teams were known for discipline, execution, and taking pride in outworking opponents who may have underestimated them.
What made Miller stand out wasn’t just longevity. He could lead at every level. After coaching, he became Norfolk State’s athletic director, helping the school strengthen its sports programs while continuing to champion student-athletes. He was inducted into the ABCA Hall of Fame in 2022, a deserved recognition of a life’s work poured into baseball, Black excellence, and institutional growth.
