Named to All-HBCUAC First Team

Rust College Baseball proudly recognizes the exceptional performances of two standout student-athletes, Malik Berrien (photo to left) and Kyrent Cole (photo to the right), who have been named to the 2025 All-HBCUAC First Team following stellar seasons under head coach John Bates.

Berrien, a senior outfielder from Tampa, Fla., in his fourth season with the Bearcats, closed out his collegiate career with a record-setting campaign. He became a member of the elite 100/100/100 club, representing career marks of 100 hits, 100 RBIs, and 100 stolen bases. This season, Berrien posted career highs in hits (65), runs scored (52), and home runs (3), while reducing his strikeouts by 50 percent from last year. He also stole 37 bases, his second-highest total in a single season.

Berrien significantly improved his offensive production, raising his batting average from .293 to .371, on-base percentage from .368 to .448, and slugging percentage from .380 to .543. He has also been selected to participate in the Minority Baseball Prospects HBCU All-Star Game on May 31 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Cole, a sophomore second baseman from Chicago, Ill., made a major leap in his second season with the program. He tallied 61 hits (doubling his total from last year), 51 runs, 50 RBIs, and his first career home run. Cole also improved his plate discipline, cutting his strikeouts by over 50 percent and stealing 33 bases, 12 more than last season. His offensive efficiency skyrocketed, with his batting average climbing from .305 to .415, OBP from .468 to .540, and slugging percentage from .371 to .537.

“These two young men are the embodiment of hard work, growth, and consistency,” said Head Coach John Bates.