The baseball community is in mourning after the death of Roger Cador, the longtime mentor of Southern University's baseball team, who passed away on February 3, 2023 at the age of 74. His departure marks the end of an era defined by relentless dedication and transformative leadership.
A career that reshaped HBCU baseball
Over four decades, Cador guided the Southern Jaguars to 14 Southwestern Athletic Conference championships and pioneered a historic milestone in 1987 when the program captured its first NCAA tournament victory, a first for any HBCU. Under his tutelage, 10 players earned All‑American honors and 62 were selected in the MLB draft, including notable alumni such as Rickie Weeks, who credited Cador as the first HBCU player to win the Golden Spikes Award.
Honors that echo his impact
Cador's contributions were recognized with inductions into both the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame (2018) and the College Baseball Hall of Fame (2023). In addition, the university renamed its baseball fieldhouse in his honor, and Baton Rouge Mayor Sharon Weston Broome officially proclaimed February 3, 2023, as Coach Roger Cador Day, underscoring his profound influence on the local community.
Beyond the dugout
Beyond his collegiate successes, Cador served on Major League Baseball's Diversity Committee, where he advocated for greater inclusion and mentorship of underrepresented players. His partnership with Knox Nunally and other former athletes helped bridge gaps between collegiate talent and professional opportunities, while his collaboration with Bud Selig further amplified his commitment to diversity in the sport.
A community remembers
Colleagues, players, and fans alike have shared heartfelt tributes, recalling Cador's unwavering commitment to teaching, mentorship, and the holistic development of his athletes. His legacy endures not only in the records and trophies he amassed but also in the lives he shaped on and off the field.