Definition Roger Cador is an American former collegiate baseball player and coach, primarily recognized for his long and successful tenure as the head coach of the Southern University Jaguars baseball team in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Overview Born on August 27, 1957, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Roger Cador played collegiate baseball at Southern University before being drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1979. He played professionally in the minor leagues for four seasons. After his playing career, Cador returned to Southern University, serving as an assistant coach before taking over as head coach in 1985. He held this position for 33 seasons until his retirement in 2017.
Under Cador's leadership, Southern University's baseball program achieved significant success. His teams compiled an overall record of 828-527-1, securing 14 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championships and making 11 appearances in the NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament. He is credited with developing over 60 players who went on to sign professional baseball contracts, including several who reached Major League Baseball. Cador's impact extended beyond wins and losses, as he was noted for providing opportunities and mentorship to numerous African American student-athletes in collegiate baseball.
Etymology/Origin The name "Roger Cador" is of American usage. Roger Cador himself was born and raised in Louisiana, United States.
Characteristics Cador's coaching characteristics were defined by his ability to develop talent, particularly within a historically Black college and university (HBCU) setting. He was known for instilling discipline and a strong work ethic in his players, often preparing them for professional careers despite operating with fewer resources than many larger collegiate programs. His legacy includes consistently fielding competitive teams and fostering an environment that emphasized both athletic and academic development. For his contributions to the sport, Cador was inducted into the Southwestern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.
Related Topics
- Southern University
- Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
- NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament
- Minor League Baseball
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)