Hall of Fame
Mervyl Melendez, like Alvin Wyatt, could have been named either as a student-athlete or coach. As a player, Melendez was a two-year letterwinner (1995-96), and finished his playing career as the all-time leader in doubles (30) and batting average (.342). He also starred as a relief pitcher for the Cats, in addition to his regular role at third base. Melendez also had a clutch double which drove in the winning run in the Wildcats first NCAA postseason baseball victory at Georgia Southern. After his playing career ended in 1996, he was named an assistant coach at B-CU under Richard Skeel, and two years later became the head coach. During the next 11 seasons, he was named MEAC Coach of the Year eight times, led the Cats to 11 MEAC Tournament Championships and NCAA regional championship appearances, three undefeated seasons in league play and 379 career wins. In 2012, he was named head baseball coach at Alabama State University, and in 2016 led the Hornets to an undefeated season in conference play and the SWAC championship and NCAA regional championship berth. After that tremendous season, Melendez accepted the head baseball coaching position at Florida International University in June 2016.
