New Orleans, La. – The New Orleans MLB Youth Academy, operated by Major League Baseball, and Xavier University of Louisiana(XULA), a Historically Black College & University (HBCU) in New Orleans, have partnered to help launch the university’s 2021 baseball and softball seasons in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). This season marks the first-time baseball will be offered at Xavier since 1960, and the first-ever softball program in the school’s history.

As part of the agreement, both programs will receive full access for games and practices to the facilities at the New Orleans MLB Youth Academy, including Wesley Barrow Stadium, the artificial turf softball field, indoor/outdoor bullpens and batting cages, and the 200-square-foot climate-controlled press box. The men’s baseball team began their season against Rust College on Friday, February 19^th, in Holly Springs, Miss., with softball’s schedule resuming on Sunday, February 21^st against Spring Hill College, Mobile, Ala. The teams played their first home games at the New Orleans MLB Youth Academy on Tuesday, February 23^rd (baseball) and will also play Saturday, February 27^th (softball), respectively. The baseball team will also feature 10 alums of the New Orleans MLB Youth Academy suiting up for the Gold.

“Xavier University of Louisiana is grateful for this partnership with Major League Baseball and the New Orleans MLB Youth Academy to provide our teams full access to Wesley Barrow Stadium,” said Jason Horn, Assistant Vice President for student affairs and Director of athletics & recreation at Xavier University of Louisiana. “This facility access is critical and beneficial to Xavier’s relaunch of baseball and our debut softball season. Like the New Orleans MLB Youth Academy, Xavier is committed to increased participation in baseball and softball.”       

Prior to the suspension of all sports programs at Xavier in 1960, the baseball program featured notable players, including RHP Earl McCree who became a member of the Kansas City Monarchs in the Negro American League – his manager and teammate was Negro Leagues Legend Buck O'Neil.

“Since opening in 2012, our Youth Academy in New Orleans has been a beacon for baseball and softball for the city and throughout Southern Louisiana,” said Tony Reagins, Chief Baseball Development Officer at Major League Baseball. “Our partnership with XULA is a signal of progress and indicative of how the sports have been rejuvenated in a big way within this region. The New Orleans MLB Youth Academy is proud to be the home of Xavier University baseball and softball, and we wish them well this season.”

Xavier’s athletic teams have a rich tradition, winning nearly 150 team championships at regional, conference and district levels and producing many All- American athletes.

The New Orleans MLB Youth Academy is part of a network of Youth Academies located throughout the U.S. and in Puerto Rico.  All facilities provide similar baseball, softball, educational and sports-related vocational programming. There are 11 operational MLB Youth Academies across the United States and Puerto Rico, including the Bronx (N.Y.), Chicago, Cincinnati, Compton, Dallas, Gurabo (Puerto Rico), Houston, Kansas City, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

About the New Orleans MLB Youth Academy

The New Orleans MLB Youth Academy provides free or low-cost baseball and softball instruction as well as programming to youth from New Orleans and from throughout Southern Louisiana. Programs like Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) and development experiences – such as the Breakthrough Series, DREAM Series, Hank Aaron Invitational and Elite Development Invitational – are all available to Academy members. The Youth Academy also provides vocational opportunities for its youth participants, notably a Sports Law program with Tulane University as well as a robust Jr. Broadcasting program. The Academy has hosted a number of special events over the years, including the Andre Dawson Classic, PLAY BALL events, Pitch, Hit & Run competitions, and the annual SWAC Baseball Tournament.