A Pioneering Career
Roger Cador, a legendary figure in college baseball, died at the age of 74. His passing was confirmed by Southern University, where he spent three decades leading the program.
From 1985 to 2017, Cador built Southern into a national contender, posting a 913‑597‑1 record and capturing 14 Southwestern Athletic Conference championships. The 1987 team made history as the first HBCU to win an NCAA Division I Tournament game, a milestone that highlighted his innovative approach.
Beyond the box score, Cador emerged as a vocal advocate for African‑American players and coaches. He served on Major League Baseball’s Diversity Committee and helped create the Andre Dawson Classic, initiatives that expanded opportunities for underrepresented talent.
His mentorship produced notable talent, including Rickie Weeks, the 2003 Golden Spikes Award winner who was drafted second overall by the Milwaukee Brewers. Overall, Cador coached 10 All‑Americans and saw 62 of his players selected in the MLB Draft.
Honors and Enduring Influence
Cador’s contributions earned him induction into multiple halls of fame, such as the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, the College Baseball Hall of Fame, the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame, and the Southern University Hall of Fame. After retiring in 2017, he remained a mentor and ambassador, guiding new coaches and promoting the growth of baseball.