Roger Cador, a towering figure in college baseball, died on Tuesday at the age of 74 after a courageous fight against brain cancer.
Born and raised in Louisiana, Cador first made his mark as a dual‑sport athlete at Southern University, excelling in both basketball and baseball during the early 1970s.
A breakout season
During his playing days he posted a .393 batting average in 1972, a season that also saw him drafted by the Atlanta Braves the following year.
After completing his playing career, Cador returned to Southern University as an assistant coach for both baseball and basketball, honing his leadership skills before being promoted to head baseball coach in 1985.
Building a legacy
As head coach, he steered the Jaguars to 14 conference championships and guided the team to 11 NCAA tournament appearances, a remarkable feat for an HBCU program.
The 1987 squad made history by becoming the first HBCU school to win an NCAA tournament game, a milestone that paved the way for future generations.
Cador’s influence extended beyond wins; he mentored 10 All‑Americans and saw 62 of his players selected in the MLB draft, underscoring his role as a developer of talent.
His contributions earned him induction into the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2019, cementing his place among the sport’s legends.
Even as he faced illness, Cador remained a fixture at Southern University, inspiring players, colleagues, and fans with his unwavering dedication.
Tributes have poured in from across the baseball community, highlighting not only his professional achievements but also his personal mentorship and the lasting impact he had on the lives of his students.