**Bethune-Cookman Walks Off to SWAC Baseball Glory in Instant Classic**
A New Chapter in HBCU Baseball History: Wildcats Claim First SWAC Title on Walk-Off Drama
Birmingham, Alabama – May 25, 2025
In a fitting tribute to the spirit and resilience of HBCU athletics, Bethune-Cookman University cemented its place in Southwestern Athletic Conference lore with a heart-stopping 11-9 victory over archrival Florida A&M in the 2025 SWAC Baseball Tournament championship at historic Rickwood Field. With the game on the line and the Wildcats trailing in the bottom of the ninth, Co-Hitter of the Year Andrey Martinez delivered a moment for the ages—a walk-off three-run home run that sent the Bethune-Cookman faithful into euphoria and etched his name into SWAC history books.
The Wildcats entered the championship game as the tournament’s top seed, riding a dominant 24-5 regular season conference record and a hard-fought semifinal victory over Alabama State that required extra innings. Head coach Jonathan Hernandez, who has steadily built a reputation as one of the nation’s top HBCU baseball minds, led a squad that was both relentless and resourceful throughout the postseason. Their opponent, Florida A&M, brought a stacked lineup of their own, including All-SWAC catcher Broedy Poppell and Freshman of the Year Garrett Workman, setting the stage for a clash of titans in the league’s marquee event.
For Bethune-Cookman, the championship was the culmination of a journey marked by perseverance. The Wildcats had faced heartbreak in the 2023 SWAC title game against these same Rattlers, making the 2025 triumph all the sweeter. The game itself was a rollercoaster, with Bethune-Cookman jumping out to an early lead, only for Florida A&M to claw back into contention, tying the game in the eighth inning and briefly seizing momentum. Both teams leaned heavily on their bullpens, with Bethune-Cookman’s Jean Carlos Zambrano and company holding the line to keep the Wildcats within striking distance.
Martinez, who entered the game with a .351 batting average, 19 home runs, and 60 RBIs on the season, had already established himself as the Wildcats’ offensive engine. But it was his final at-bat that will be remembered for generations. With two outs in the bottom of the ninth, the game knotted at 9-9 after Florida A&M had led 9-8, Martinez crushed a pitch over 400 feet to center field, driving in three runs and sealing the championship. His stat line for the night—3-for-6 with a game-winning home run and four RBIs—exemplified the leadership and clutch performance that defined Bethune-Cookman’s run.
The victory was more than just a win on the diamond. It marked Bethune-Cookman’s first SWAC baseball title, a significant milestone for a program that has long been a standard-bearer in HBCU athletics but had yet to ascend the conference’s pinnacle in the post-COVID era. The Wildcats’ deep roster, anchored by Martinez, Jesus Vanegas, and Jorge Rodriguez, showcased the talent and depth that is increasingly drawing attention to HBCU baseball. As coach Hernandez reflected after the game, “This is a dream come true for our players, staff, and the Bethune-Cookman community. Andrey’s home run is a moment we’ll never forget.”
The storied rivalry between Bethune-Cookman and Florida A&M added another unforgettable chapter to its history. These two programs, with their proud traditions, legendary coaches, and fierce alumni bases, embody the passion and pageantry that make HBCU sports unique. The championship game itself was played at historic Rickwood Field, a venue steeped in baseball history, adding an extra layer of gravitas to the proceedings. The atmosphere was electric, blending the energy of HBCU bands, the excitement of alumni reunions, and the intensity of a battle for conference supremacy.
From a broader perspective, Bethune-Cookman’s championship is a testament to the continued strength and evolution of HBCU athletics. In a landscape increasingly shaped by NIL deals, the transfer portal, and shifting media rights, HBCU programs like Bethune-Cookman are proving they can compete at the highest levels while staying true to their core values. The Wildcats’ success is a beacon for other HBCUs striving to elevate their programs and attract top talent, demonstrating that historic institutions can thrive in the modern college sports ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Bethune-Cookman will represent the SWAC in the 2025 NCAA Baseball Tournament, where they will seek to make their mark on the national stage. The Wildcats’ selection and seeding will be determined by the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee, and their remarkable season ensures they will enter the regionals with momentum and confidence. For HBCU sports fans, the story of this SWAC championship is not just about one game or one swing—it is about the enduring legacy of Black college athletics, the power of community, and the promise of even greater achievements on the horizon.
As the Wildcats prepare for their next challenge, the echoes of Martinez’s walk-off home run will linger as a reminder of what makes HBCU sports so special—drama, passion, and a sense of belonging that transcends the field of play. This is more than a victory for Bethune-Cookman; it is a victory for every HBCU program, every band member, every alum, and every student who believes in the power of a shared dream.
Upcoming, the Wildcats will await NCAA Tournament placement and a chance to prove their mettle against the nation’s best. For now, the Bethune-Cookman community can savor a championship earned with heart, grit, and an unforgettable swing.
Byline: J.L. Reynolds, HBCU Sports Insider