The stage is about for the 2025 Southwestern Athletic Convention Baseball Event, which can return to the legendary Rickwood Discipline, America’s oldest skilled ballpark.
Eight groups will compete for the convention crown in Birmingham, Alabama and a coveted NCAA event berth, with storylines as wealthy because the venue’s historical past.
A Setting Steeped in Baseball Historical pastÂ
Rickwood Discipline, not too long ago revitalized with $5 million in renovations, is able to host the SWAC’s finest. The ballpark, which has seen legends like Satchel Paige and Willie Mays grace its diamond, gives a singular backdrop for this 12 months’s event. The upgrades—together with a brand new enjoying floor, trendy facilities, and accessibility enhancements—promise a first-class expertise for followers and gamers alike.
Event Seeds and Opening Matchups
After a aggressive common season, Bethune-Cookman enters because the No. 1 seed, capturing its first SWAC regular-season title with a 24-5 convention file. Florida A&M, driving an 11-game successful streak and ending 24-6 in SWAC play, claims the No. 2 seed. Alabama State (21-9 SWAC) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (17-9 SWAC) spherical out the highest 4.
Right here’s how the opening day shakes out because the event begins Might 21 by way of Might 25.
Recreation 1: No. 1 Bethune-Cookman vs. No. 8 Texas Southern, 10 a.m. ET
Recreation 2: No. 2 Florida A&M vs. No. 7 Southern, 1 p.m. ET
Recreation 3: No. 3 Alabama State vs. No. 6 Jackson State, 4 p.m. ET
Recreation 4: No. 4 Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. No. 5 Grambling State, 7 p.m. ET
Gamers to Watch
The event area is stacked with expertise. Bethune-Cookman’s Andrey Martinez (Co-Hitter of the 12 months) and aid ace Jean Carlos Zambrano (Aid Pitcher of the 12 months) headline a deep Wildcats roster. Alabama State’s Juan Cruz, who shares Hitter of the 12 months honors, anchors the Hornets’ lineup, whereas freshman standout Garrett Workman (Florida A&M) and Participant of the 12 months Cardell Thibodeaux (Southern) are poised for large moments.
SWAC Event StorylinesÂ
Florida A&M’s Momentum: The Rattlers are the most popular staff coming into the event, boasting an 11-game win streak and three All-SWAC choices.
Bethune-Cookman’s Championship Pedigree: Recent off a dramatic regular-season finale win over Texas Southern, the Wildcats look to show regular-season dominance into postseason glory.
Pitching Matchups: Jackson State’s Eric Elliott (Pitcher of the 12 months) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Kenney Fabian are among the many arms to look at as pitching depth might show decisive.
With a mix of rising stars, seasoned veterans, and historic environment, the 2025 SWAC Baseball Event guarantees drama and pleasure from the primary pitch to the ultimate out.
