An HBCU baseball player is getting a shot in the pros.
Former Alabama A&M standout Trey Rutledge is taking the next big step in his career after signing a professional contract with the New York Mets.
Rutledge reported to the team’s spring training facility in Port St. Lucie, Florida, this week to begin his first professional camp, according to the school’s website.
Rutledge capped an impressive collegiate career with the Bulldogs by earning postseason honors from both the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) and Black College Nines.
He was named to the SWAC Postseason Second Team and the Black College Nines Large School Division Elite Second Team, also earning an invitation to the HBCU Swingman Classic while at Alabama A&M.
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The Irondale, Ala., native who previously played at Miles College, put together one of the nation’s most complete offensive seasons in 2024.
Rutledge led the country in on-base percentage (.573) and ranked fifth nationally in stolen bases per game. He led the Bulldogs in nearly every offensive category, batting .397 with 40 hits — including seven doubles, three triples, and one home run. His 34 stolen bases in 37 attempts underscored his elite speed, and he added 37 walks and 56 runs scored.
Rutledge’s all-around performance helped anchor Alabama A&M’s offense and placed him among the top players in HBCU baseball last season.
With his sights now set on making an impression in the Mets organization, the former Bulldog will look to bring the same energy and consistency that made him a standout in the SWAC.
