BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- As gloves flew through the air and teammates rushed the field following the final out of the SWAC Baseball Championship, celebration erupted at historic Rickwood Field.
Beyond the dogpile and championship emotions, players throughout the week reflected on something deeper. As the SWAC wrapped up its second consecutive year at historic Rickwood Field, student-athletes described seasons shaped by sacrifice, brotherhood and the daily demands of balancing life beyond the diamond. Through adversity, long hours and shared experiences, one message stuck — the week represented more than baseball.
For many players, the tournament represented the payoff of months of unseen work. Texas Southern outfielder Christopher Chavez described the season as “hours of grinding,” while balancing school, baseball and communication with coaches throughout the year. Arkansas-Pine Bluff outfielder Zyon Hamilton shared a similar experience, describing the student-athlete experience as “a grind” while emphasizing the responsibility that came with showing up for his teammates and navigating the demands of being a student-athlete.
While the hours and demands of life as a student-athlete shaped the season, players said that brotherhood carried them through it. Many athletes emphasized that trust and camaraderie were built through months of competing together.
“We’re all brothers,” Florida A&M pitcher Jesus Campa said. “We got a close brotherhood.”
At Alabama State, brotherhood became part of the foundation behind the Hornets’ championship season. Catcher Trey Calloway pointed to the team’s unity as a key reason behind the Hornets’ championship run, describing the group as “all united as one.” Alabama State head coach José Vázquez shared a similar viewpoint, saying the team’s camaraderie is what made this group special and kept them together through injuries and challenges throughout the season.
For some players, perseverance was rooted in faith. Bethune-Cookman pitcher Harbersting Abreu described turning to God while staying mentally focused in pressure-filled moments.
“It was all mental,” Abreu said. “I’m going to God. I knew I had a job to do for my boys and for this team.”
Alabama State catcher Trey Calloway expressed gratitude to his “Lord and Savior” following the Hornets’ championship win.
Although the tournament centered around competition, Rickwood Field itself became part of the experience. For players across the conference, stepping onto one of baseball’s most historic stages carried meaning deeper than the game itself.
Bethune-Cookman pitcher Harbersting Abreu described the experience as inspiring, recalling a visit to the Rickwood Museum before taking the field.
“Honestly, it felt really special,” Abreu said. “Yesterday I went to the museum. I talked to the people there and it really inspired me.”
Arkansas-Pine Bluff outfielder Zyon Hamilton spoke on the atmosphere at Rickwood, describing the field as a place filled with “great vibes” and history.
“I love it,” Hamilton said. “It’s a beautiful field. A lot of great vibes around here. It’s just a beautiful view. Love to be out here.”
Alabama State’s Miguel Oropeza described the historic park as an experience unlike any other, saying Rickwood Field was more than just a venue.
“You feel the difference, you feel the presence,” Oropeza said. “It’s been amazing playing here this week.”
Although only one team left Birmingham with a championship trophy, players throughout the tournament described something larger than the final score. From sacrifice and faith to brotherhood and history, the SWAC’s second year at Rickwood Field served as a reminder that behind every celebration lies a journey often unseen.
About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.
Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field and Tennis.
Women’s competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.
Follow the SWAC
For complete coverage of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, please follow the SWAC on social media at @TheSWAC (Twitter), @TheSWAC (Facebook), and @TheSWAC (Instagram) or visit the official home of the Southwestern Athletic Conference at www.swac.org.