Dillard University set to co-host Inaugural Battle of Divisions Baseball Invitational
NEW ORLEANS- Dillard University is thrilled to announce the Inaugural Battle of Divisions Baseball Invitational, set to ignite the 2025 baseball season with thrilling matchups from January 31-February 2, 2025, at the prestigious Wesley Barrow Stadium, home of the MLB Youth Academy in New Orleans. This historic event will feature a phenomenal gathering of eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) baseball programs, offering an inspiring showcase of talent and academic excellence.
The invitational is a visionary collaboration between Dillard University and Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO), under the guidance of Coach Rod White and Coach Olan "OP" Parker, respectively. This event is strongly backed by Athletic Directors Dr. Linda Bell (Dillard University) and James Matthews, III (SUNO) and unites 4 NAIA and 4 NCAA Division II teams, setting a commendable precedent for HBCU athletics.
Participating Teams:
- NAIA Institutions
- Dillard University (New Orleans, LA)
- Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO)
- Xavier University of Louisiana (New Orleans, LA)
- Rust College (Holly Springs, MS)
- - NCAA Division II Institutions
- Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA)
- Edward Waters University (Jacksonville, FL)
- Claflin University (Orangeburg, SC)
- Miles College (Birmingham, AL)
The initiative aims to bolster awareness and participation in HBCU baseball, while also highlighting the universities' diverse academic programs. A key objective is engaging the local community, inviting elementary, middle, and high school students to experience the excitement of college baseball firsthand at no cost, fostering an early interest in the sport and higher education. K-12 students will need to have their student ID or be accompanied by a coach or teacher to get in free. If you are not a K-12 student, you can buy a $20 day pass or a $50 weekend pass, which will allow you, the spectator, the ability to watch all of the scheduled games for the weekend.
**Game Schedule:**
Friday, January 31
- Dillard vs Claflin: 10:00 AM
- Rust vs Miles: 12:30 PM
- SUNO vs Morehouse: 3:00 PM
- Xavier vs Edward Waters: 5:30 PM
Saturday, February 1
- Rust vs Morehouse: 10:00 AM
- SUNO vs Miles: 12:30 PM
- Xavier vs Claflin: 3:00 PM
- Dillard vs Edward Waters: 5:30 PM
Sunday, February 2
- SUNO vs Claflin: 10:00 AM
- Rust vs Edward Waters: 12:30 PM - Dillard vs Morehouse: 3:00 PM
- Xavier vs Miles: 5:30 PM
(Note: Teams and times are subject to change.)
Join us for a weekend of competitive spirit, cultural pride, and community engagement. Together, let's celebrate and elevate HBCU baseball this January in New Orleans!
For any questions or further information please contact Coach Rod White at awhite2@dillard.edu or 504-816-4370
-Bleu Devils-
