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.
