KANNAPOLIS, N.C. | Morehouse College was well represented on and off the field during the Minority Prospects HBCU Baseball All-Star Game at Atrium Health Ballpark, as Elijah Pinckney and Robert Robinson Jr. suited up for Team Wilbert Ellis and A.D. Drew helped bring the event to viewers as part of the broadcast crew.
The event was part of a full day of Minority Prospects programming in Kannapolis. The day began with MBP Helping Hands conducting a youth baseball clinic for local children, giving young athletes a chance to learn the game, interact with college standouts and experience baseball in a professional ballpark setting. The clinic set the tone for a showcase built around exposure, service and the continued growth of HBCU baseball.
Pinckney, one of the most decorated players in Morehouse baseball history, was involved early in the showcase portion of the day. He competed in the fastest man contest and finished third, adding another moment to a weekend that highlighted his athleticism, versatility and national recognition within the HBCU baseball community. KJ Davis of Alcorn State University won the event.
The Home Run Derby followed, and Robinson gave Morehouse another spotlight moment. Robinson advanced as one of the finalists, representing NCAA Division II in a final group that also included Cameron Laffitte of Bishop State (AL) and Jackson Williams of Alabama State University. For Robinson, the derby appearance added to a strong all-star showing and placed Morehouse power on display alongside standouts from the junior college and Division I levels.
Team Wilbert Ellis 9, Team Larry Watkins 6
Once the game began, both Maroon Tigers made an immediate impact for Team Wilbert Ellis, which defeated Team Larry Watkins, 9-6.
Robinson helped spark the game's first scoring inning. In the bottom of the first, after Miguel Oropeza of Alabama State doubled home the opening run, Robinson followed with a single to move Oropeza to third. He later came around to score during a three-run opening frame that helped Team Wilbert Ellis take early control.
Pinckney delivered one of the game's signature swings in the second inning. With Team Wilbert Ellis already leading 3-0, the Morehouse standout launched a solo home run to extend the lead to 4-0. The blast gave Morehouse a run-scoring highlight in the all-star game and continued a memorable weekend for Pinckney, who also represented the Maroon Tigers in the speed competition.
Team Larry Watkins battled back throughout the night, tying the game at 6-6 in the fifth inning, but Team Wilbert Ellis responded in the seventh. Oropeza, who was later named the game's Most Valuable Player, delivered his second double of the night to drive in two runs and provide the final separation in the 9-6 victory.
For Morehouse, the night was about more than the final score. Pinckney and Robinson were selected to compete among top HBCU baseball players from across the country, and both produced moments that reflected the progress of the Maroon Tigers' program. Pinckney finished the game with a home run, while Robinson added a hit and a run scored as part of Team Wilbert Ellis' winning effort.
Morehouse also had a presence in the booth, as A.D. Drew served as part of the broadcast team for the Minority Prospects HBCU Baseball All-Star Game. Drew's role on the call gave the Maroon Tigers representation beyond the playing field and continued his connection with the Minority Prospects platform, which has helped elevate HBCU baseball and softball through showcases, broadcasts and player development opportunities.
From Pinckney's third-place finish in the fastest man contest, to Robinson's Home Run Derby finals appearance, to both players contributing in a winning all-star performance, along with Drew on the call, Morehouse left Kannapolis with a strong showing on one of HBCU baseball's growing showcase stages. For up-to-date athletic information on the Maroon Tigers, follow them on social media or online at www.morehouseathletics.com or on Instagram at morehouse_baseball.
