As a graduate of Grambling State University, Simeon high school head baseball coach Leroy Franklin knows all about the advantages of attending a Historically Black College. So, Franklin was beaming with pride when he learned that three of his former Wolve
Second baseman Brandon Williams of Grambling, Alcorn State catcher David Reed and Arkansas-Pine Bluff shortstop Reggie Barker all were named to the All-SWAC second team. “To have our former players go on and perform well in college is something that we as coaches and educators strive for,” Franklin said.
“We are so proud of all of them.” Just a junior, Williams hit .344 with six doubles, four triples and 34 RBIs this season for Grambling. Reed, only in his sophomore year at Alcorn State, hit .298 with eight doubles and two homers while Barker, a senior at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, hit .338 with seven doubles for the Golden Lions.
Williams and Reed were both members of the Simeon city championship team in 2004. Barker meanwhile was named the SWAC Player of the Week recently. In a 15-9 victory over Texas Southern, Barker went five for five. It was the second five-hit game of the season for Barker. “Reggie is just an outstanding baseball player,” Franklin added. “I’m not at all surprised that he has had an excellent career in college.”
Williams returned home to watch Simeon play in the Public League semi-finals last week. “Going to Grambling was the best choice I ever made,” Williams told the Defender. I’m getting a great education and also play in a great baseball conference.”
With current Simeon stars Steve Florence and Troy Williams signing letters of intent to attend Grambling in the fall, Franklin feels his players are learning more of the advantages of attending Historically Black Colleges. “At the Black schools, our kids really get a more personal relationship with the school and the coaches,” Franklin said.
“All our kids want is a chance to show what they can do and at the Black schools they have more of a an opportunity to show how good they can be.”
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