A Legacy That Transcends the Diamond
Southern University and A&M College revealed detailed funeral arrangements this week for Roger Cador, the Hall of Fame coach who steered the Jaguars' baseball program for three decades. The announcement comes as the university community reflects on a career that blended on‑field triumphs with off‑field mentorship.
Cador compiled a career record of 913‑597‑1, placing him among the most victorious coaches in college baseball history. Under his guidance the team captured two HBCU National Championships and secured fourteen SWAC titles, achievements that cemented the program’s national reputation.
Mentorship and Community Impact
Beyond trophies, Cador was celebrated as a mentor to countless student‑athletes. He coached ten All‑Americans and helped 62 players reach the professional ranks through the MLB Draft, many of whom credit him with opening doors in underserved communities.
His collaboration with Major League Baseball aimed to increase access and exposure for young athletes, a mission he reinforced through the Urban Baseball Invitational, now known as the Andre Dawson Classic.
Colleagues and former players alike recalled his influence. Southern University Athletic Director Roman Banks described Cador as a visionary, mentor, and pillar of the Jaguar Nation, while former LSU coaches Skip Bertman and Paul Mainieri highlighted his role as a good friend and role model.
Roots and Recognition
Cador's journey began as a student‑athlete at Southern University from 1970 to 1973, followed by a professional stint in the Atlanta Braves organization between 1973 and 1977. He returned to campus in 1978 and assumed the head coaching role in 1984, a position he held until his passing.
His honors include inductions into the SWAC Hall of Fame, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the National College Baseball Hall of Fame, testaments to a career defined by excellence and service.
Funeral services will be held at the university's campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where friends, family, and admirers will gather to celebrate a life that shaped baseball at both the regional and national levels.