Norfolk State Baseball Surging in Morgan's First Year

Spartans off to 10-16 start, 7-5 in NEC play, and have won 6 of last 7 games

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:33am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In his first year as head coach, M.L. Morgan has turned around the Norfolk State baseball program, leading the Spartans to a 10-16 start and 7-5 record in NEC play - the most conference wins the team has ever had. After a dismal 4-38 campaign last season, the team is now in fourth place in the NEC and in position to qualify for the conference tournament.

Why it matters

Norfolk State's turnaround under first-year coach Morgan represents a remarkable resurgence for a program that struggled mightily in 2025. The team's improved play, especially on defense and pitching, has them in contention for postseason play, a major accomplishment given last year's results.

The details

The Spartans have won 6 of their last 7 games, including a series win at Mercyhurst and sweeps of Delaware State. Junior pitcher Parker Hampton credits the team's improved chemistry and attention to detail on defense as key factors in the turnaround. Sophomore outfielder and pitcher Thomas Ealey says the team is 'electric' and 'fired up' every day. Norfolk State currently sits in 4th place in the NEC, with the top 4 teams qualifying for the conference tournament.

  • The Spartans opened the season 10-16 overall and 7-5 in NEC play.
  • Norfolk State swept Delaware State the previous weekend.
  • The team posted a midweek road victory at VCU between the Delaware State and Mercyhurst series.
  • Norfolk State opens a series at home against Coppin State on Thursday at 3 p.m.

The players

M.L. Morgan

The first-year head coach who has turned around the Norfolk State baseball program after a dismal 4-38 campaign in 2025.

Thomas Ealey

A sophomore outfielder and pitcher for Norfolk State, who says the team is 'electric' and 'fired up' every day.

Parker Hampton

A junior pitcher for Norfolk State, who credits the team's improved chemistry and attention to detail on defense as key factors in the turnaround.

Justin Journette

A Norfolk State player who has hit 10 home runs this season, tying for the conference lead.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's great for the guys, just to see the excitement when we win games so they can see all the thing we're asking them to do does really factor in on the win column.”

— M.L. Morgan, Head Coach

“It's been electric. We come out every day fired up. Even at practice right now, we're just bouncing around having fun with it and it's just been paying off.”

— Thomas Ealey, Sophomore Outfielder and Pitcher

“We're starting to play a little bit better defensively, first and foremost, and pitching a little bit better is allowing us to have a chance to win games late.”

— M.L. Morgan, Head Coach

“We're consistently getting better at defense and continuing to strive for that. We're closer as a team and that helps. Chemistry is definitely a lot better this year, so I would say all those together are making us so much better.”

— Parker Hampton, Junior Pitcher

What’s next

Norfolk State opens a series at home against Coppin State on Thursday at 3 p.m., as they continue their push for a spot in the NEC tournament.

The takeaway

Norfolk State's remarkable turnaround under first-year coach M.L. Morgan demonstrates the power of strong leadership, improved team chemistry, and a focus on defense and pitching to transform a struggling program into a contender. The Spartans' success this season has energized the team and fanbase, setting the stage for continued growth and potential postseason play.