Oxford, AL — Gadsden State Community College’s baseball team is heading into the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) Division I Regional Tournament with high momentum and a No. 2 seed, following a stunning turnaround season.
The Cardinals will begin tournament play at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 9, at Choccolocco Park in Oxford. Their first opponent will be the winner of the opening round matchup between Coastal Alabama-South and Chattahoochee Valley.
Currently holding an impressive 38-13 record, Gadsden State is tied with Shelton State for the best overall conference record from the regular season. The success comes just one year after the team wrapped its 2024 season with a 13-37 record in its first season back after a 13-year hiatus. The program was reinstated in 2023 after being disbanded in 2011.
Head Coach Blake Lewis attributes the dramatic improvement to the growth and unity of his players.
“To go from losing 37 games last year to winning 38 this year is a testament to how hard these guys have worked,” Lewis said. “We have more players with college experience now and it shows. They’ve grown close together with one another and have been extremely coachable all year. Working together as a team is our key strength as we go into the tournament.”
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The Cardinals’ remarkable performance has drawn national attention, as they are now receiving votes in the NJCAA Division I Top 25 national rankings—a notable milestone for a rebuilding program.
“Team chemistry has been huge this season,” Lewis added. “They play for each other and support each other like no other time this year. They are truly bonded together and are ready for the conference tournament.”
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Leading the charge offensively are two standout sophomores. Outfielder Jayden Roberts of Tuscaloosa is tied for the conference lead with 15 home runs, while infielder Aaron Wallace of Hueytown tops the ACCC with a .432 batting average.
“Jayden’s power at the plate has been a difference-maker in tight games, and Aaron’s consistency and leadership have anchored our lineup all year,” said Lewis. “Both of them embody the competitive spirit and work ethic we strive for in our baseball program.”
The ACCC Tournament winner will move on to a best-of-three series against the Louisiana Region XXIII champion, also hosted at Choccolocco Park, from May 16-18. The victor from that matchup will advance to the NJCAA Division I World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Tournament admission is $15 per day, with full-tournament passes available for $50. Parking is $5 per day. All games will be streamed live via the ACCC Sports Network at www.jockjive.com.
With a unified team, a strong regular season, and key players delivering game-changing performances, the Cardinals are poised to make a deep postseason run.
