**Top Showdown in HBCU Baseball: SWAC Championship Pits Rivalry at Historic Rickwood Field**
**Rivalry Renewed: FAMU and Bethune-Cookman Clash for SWAC Supremacy in High-Stakes Final**
Birmingham, Alabama – May 25, 2025
As the sun rises over Rickwood Field—America’s oldest ballpark—on this championship Sunday, two of HBCU baseball’s most storied programs are set to write another chapter in their fierce rivalry. The No. 1 seed Bethune-Cookman Wildcats (24–5 SWAC) and No. 2 seed Florida A&M University Rattlers (24–6 SWAC) are here, not just for a title, but to add another layer to a tradition that has defined Black college baseball for decades. The winner will claim the 2025 SWAC Championship and secure an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament, a prize that means everything to these athletes whose legacies are forged in the crucible of HBCU sports.
This is more than a game; it is a collision of history and passion. Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M have been vying for conference dominance since their days in the MEAC, and now their rivalry is reignited at the top of the SWAC. Both coaches—Johnny Hernandez of Bethune-Cookman and Jamey Shouppe of Florida A&M—know that today’s matchup is about more than just runs and outs; it is about legacy, pride, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines HBCU athletics.
The Wildcats enter the championship game riding the confidence of a thrilling extra-inning victory over Alabama State, a testament to their grit and resolve. Meanwhile, the Rattlers punched their ticket with a resounding 9–1 win over Grambling State, sending a clear signal that their bats are hot and their pitching staff is locked in. These teams are no strangers to big-game pressure, and their recent performances show why they are the class of HBCU baseball this season.
Statistically, both programs have fielded rosters that blend veteran leadership with young talent. Bethune-Cookman emerged from the regular season with the best conference record, thanks in large part to the steady pitching of Edwin Sanchez (6–1) and timely hitting from players like Martinez, whose home runs and clutch RBIs have powered the Wildcats throughout the year. Florida A&M, just one game behind in the standings, has countered with a balanced attack led by slugger W. Brown, whose power at the plate and leadership on the field have been instrumental in the Rattlers’ playoff push.
Historical context frames this matchup as a modern classic. The Wildcats and Rattlers have been locked in a rivalry that has often determined conference supremacy, with each game carrying the weight of decades of competition. The recent regular season series—swept by Bethune-Cookman with scores of 8–2, 5–2, and 9–2—only added fuel to the fire, but postseason baseball is a different animal. Both teams know that past performance is just prologue when a title is on the line.
Johnny Hernandez, head coach of Bethune-Cookman, reflected on the journey to this point. “Overall, it was a good complete series for our guys,” Hernandez said after their sweep of FAMU earlier this season. “I think this is the first series in the entire year where we had pitching, defense, and the offense executed in different ways—with the long ball, with situational hitting, and with two-out hitting. Just proud of our guys for the grit to complete the sweep over FAMU.” The Wildcats’ confidence is high, but they respect the resilience of their rivals.
Florida A&M, meanwhile, is playing with a chip on its shoulder. Coach Jamey Shouppe has emphasized the importance of execution and mental toughness. “We don’t dwell on what happened in the regular season,” Shouppe said in a pregame press conference. “We know what we’re capable of, and our guys are ready to rise to the occasion. This is why you play the game—to compete for championships and make history.”
Beyond the diamond, the impact of this rivalry extends into the heart of HBCU culture. Both schools boast legendary marching bands that set the tone for every home game and championship event. The energy and tradition of the bands, combined with the fierce loyalty of alumni and students, create an atmosphere that is unmatched in college sports. The SWAC Championship is not just a game—it is a celebration of excellence, community, and the enduring legacy of Black college athletics.
In the modern landscape of college sports, HBCU programs are navigating new challenges and opportunities. The rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal have reshaped recruitment and player retention. While some HBCUs have struggled to keep pace with larger programs, Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M have remained competitive by focusing on development, culture, and the unique value of the HBCU experience. Athletic directors and coaches have emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with alumni and fostering an environment where student-athletes can succeed both on and off the field.
As the morning unfolds at Rickwood Field, the air is thick with anticipation. For the players, this is a chance to etch their names into history. For the fans, it is a reminder of why HBCU sports matter—not just as entertainment, but as a source of pride, unity, and inspiration. The storylines are rich: the underdog mentality of the Rattlers, the championship pedigree of the Wildcats, and the shared legacy of two institutions that have shaped Black college athletics for generations.
When the final out is recorded and one team stands victorious, the SWAC will crown a champion. But the real winners are the fans, the alumni, and everyone who believes in the power of HBCU sports. This is not just a baseball game—it is a celebration of excellence, resilience, and the spirit of Black college athletics.
Looking ahead, the winner of today’s contest will carry the banner of the SWAC into the NCAA tournament, representing not just their school, but the entire HBCU community. For Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M, the path forward is clear: keep building, keep competing, and keep inspiring the next generation of student-athletes. The legacy of HBCU sports is alive and well, and today’s championship is proof that tradition never graduates.
Upcoming games will see the SWAC champion advance to NCAA regional play, where they will have the opportunity to prove themselves against the best in the country. For both programs, the future is bright, with new recruits arriving on campus and veteran leaders ready to pass the torch. The rivalry will continue, and so will the story of HBCU baseball.
This is more than a championship. This is history in the making.
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