The stage is set for the 2025 Southwestern Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament, which will return to the legendary Rickwood Field, America’s oldest professional ballpark.
Eight teams will compete for the conference crown in Birmingham, Alabama and a coveted NCAA tournament berth, with storylines as rich as the venue’s history.
A Setting Steeped in Baseball History
Rickwood Field, recently revitalized with $5 million in renovations, is ready to host the SWAC’s best. The ballpark, which has seen legends like Satchel Paige and Willie Mays grace its diamond, offers a unique backdrop for this year’s tournament. The upgrades—including a new playing surface, modern amenities, and accessibility improvements—promise a first-class experience for fans and players alike.
Tournament Seeds and Opening Matchups
After a competitive regular season, Bethune-Cookman enters as the No. 1 seed, capturing its first SWAC regular-season title with a 24-5 conference record. Florida A&M, riding an 11-game winning streak and finishing 24-6 in SWAC play, claims the No. 2 seed. Alabama State (21-9 SWAC) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff (17-9 SWAC) round out the top four.
Here’s how the opening day shakes out as the tournament begins May 21 through May 25.
Game 1: No. 1 Bethune-Cookman vs. No. 8 Texas Southern, 10 a.m. ET
Game 2: No. 2 Florida A&M vs. No. 7 Southern, 1 p.m. ET
Game 3: No. 3 Alabama State vs. No. 6 Jackson State, 4 p.m. ET
Game 4: No. 4 Arkansas-Pine Bluff vs. No. 5 Grambling State, 7 p.m. ET
Players to Watch
The tournament field is stacked with talent. Bethune-Cookman’s Andrey Martinez (Co-Hitter of the Year) and relief ace Jean Carlos Zambrano (Relief Pitcher of the Year) headline a deep Wildcats roster. Alabama State’s Juan Cruz, who shares Hitter of the Year honors, anchors the Hornets’ lineup, while freshman standout Garrett Workman (Florida A&M) and Player of the Year Cardell Thibodeaux (Southern) are poised for big moments.
SWAC Tournament Storylines
Florida A&M’s Momentum: The Rattlers are the hottest team entering the tournament, boasting an 11-game win streak and three All-SWAC selections.
Bethune-Cookman’s Championship Pedigree: Fresh off a dramatic regular-season finale win over Texas Southern, the Wildcats look to turn regular-season dominance into postseason glory.
Pitching Matchups: Jackson State’s Eric Elliott (Pitcher of the Year) and Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Kenney Fabian are among the arms to watch as pitching depth could prove decisive.
With a blend of rising stars, seasoned veterans, and historic surroundings, the 2025 SWAC Baseball Tournament promises drama and excitement from the first pitch to the final out.
