HBCU Legends

Grambling State Baseball Product Sets An MLB Milestone With An Record-Setting Hitting Performance

"Over 20,000 people have suited up in the Majors, but none of them have accomplished" what HBCU Baseball product did, Jesus Cano noted.

Kyle T. Mosley

C John Garcia
C John Garcia / GSU Athletics

On Wednesday night, John Garcia, a Grambling State baseball product and HBCU baseball alum, set a historical milestone by hitting five doubles in a single game. The Bronx native plays catcher for the Asheville Tourists, who soundly defeated Bowling Green, 18-8, at McCormick Field.

"I feel so amazing right now," Garcia said. "I want to be in the big leagues, so when I heard about accomplishing something that's never been done in the Majors, it felt really good."

In the victory, Garcia had six plate appearances, 5 hits, 5 doubles, 2 RBI, 2 runs, and a .279 batting average. However, he notched a .367 OBP, .429 SLG, and .796 OPS.

MLB writer Jesus Cano noted, "Fifty players in AL/NL history have delivered a four-double showing -- most recently, Jarren Duran of the Red Sox last July -- but none of them could reach that elusive fifth two-bagger. (The mark has also yet to be reached in the Minors since at least 2005, which is as far back as MiLB's single-game record-keeping.)"

After being selected by the Houston Astros in the 19th round of the 2022 MLB Draft, Garcia began his journey in the minor leagues. Since signing on July 30, 2022, he has played for various teams, including the FCL Astro Blue, Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Asheville Tourists, and Aguilas Cibaenas. His minor league statistics include 501 AB, 73 R, 114 H, 53 RBIs, and a .228 batting average, reflecting his continuous growth and development.

John Garcia - Asheville Tourists; Grambling State Tigers Product
John Garcia / GSU Athletics

Upon transferring from Monroe College to Grambling State, Garcia batted .409 with 67 RBI, 79 H, and 10 HR. He posted a.984 fielding percentage for the Tigers during his 2022 season.

Grambling State baseball has had quite a season. Coach Pierre's team won the 2024 SWAC Baseball Tournament, thus receiving an automatic bid into the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The Tigers fell to Texas A&M and Louisiana, but the team, fans, and Gram-Fam are proud of these young men's accomplishments. With Garcia hitting a historic MLB mark, the G-Men will continue to ride high in baseball.

Published |Modified
Kyle T. Mosley

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

Home/Baseball