Spartans Lean on Proven Power Hitters Ahead of 2025 Campaign

The Norfolk State baseball team enters the 2025 season with unlimited potential. The Spartans saw flashes of brilliance throughout the roster last year but now look to channel that talent into a breakthrough campaign this time around. 

Norfolk State boasted an explosive offense last spring, hitting a school-record 51 home runs in 53 games. That production came in large part to a spectacular season from HBCU National Player of the Year Justin Journette.

Journette broke Norfolk State’s Division I record with 15 homers in 2024, establishing himself as one of the most powerful batters in the Northeast Conference (NEC). He received All-NEC accolades at the conclusion of the season, becoming the first Spartan to earn all-conference honors since the program’s move to the NEC in 2022.

But like his teammates, the outfielder sees room for growth after a spectacular sophomore showing.

“This season, my main focus is cutting down on strikeouts,” Journette said. “I have to become a tougher out at the plate.”

Norfolk State also returns one of the nation’s most dangerous players on the basepaths. Jamal Ritter ranked 10th in the country 33 stolen bases last year, averaging 0.7 steals per contest. He tacked on versatility with his bat, hitting .275 with nine home runs and 31 RBIs.

“I’ve been focusing this offseason on constancy at the plate and taking leadership in centerfield,” Ritter said. “I feel like that experience will help me take another step forward this year. To keep the momentum going, it’s about staying disciplined, refining the details, and setting the tone early for 2025.”

Both Journette and Ritter have displayed pro potential, appearing in the second annual HBCU Swingman Classic. D1baseball.com has placed the outfield pair in the top six of its MLB Draft prospects ranking for the NEC.

Rounding out the outfield, Jalan Jones returns to the Spartans after a spectacular freshman campaign. The Sanford, N.C. native posted a .318 batting average with a .390 on-base percentage and 15 doubles.

“The outfield will be the strength of this ballclub,” head coach Keith Shumate said. “We will lean on them for leadership and discipline this spring.”

Another freshman standout, Kydese Queen looks to take his game to new heights as a sophomore in 2025. Junior Terrence Rhodes will start at second base, while Mesa Community College transfer Jayden Israel will anchor the infield at the shortstop position.

“We’ve got a few new guys who can make an impact, but I’d say keep an eye on Jayden Israel,” Ritter said. “He’s got the skillset and mentality to step in right away and contribute. Switch-hitting shortstop that can really pick it.”

Brendan Burke, who threw out 52% of base stealers in 2024, will remain Norfolk State’s steady presence behind the plate. The Spartans have depth at the position this year, with senior Robert Beatty, junior Brayden Daulton, and freshman Ryan Hoeft providing boosts off the bench.

The Spartans have plenty of options to work with at the first base and designated hitter slots. Fifth-year senior Emmett Jefferson showed strong moments last year, while Collin Curry and Cam Mazell provide veteran leadership as well. The Spartans added several key freshmen as well, including Myles Crocker and Christian Velez.

Norfolk State will lean on multiple promising young arms to lead a talented pitching staff. While the Spartans struck out a school-record 418 batters during the 2024 season, the new group hopes to see improved efficiency on the mound with lower hits and earned runs allowed.

Two freshmen made significant strides on the mound last spring, propelling themselves into the 2025 season with more responsibility on their shoulders. Ethan Blakeney totaled 50 strikeouts in 44.1 innings of work during his first college campaign, while Parker Hampton logged 21 strikeouts in 19 appearances.

The Spartans open the 2025 slate with a doubleheader against Mount St. Mary’s at 12 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14 at Marty L. Miller Field. Admission to all Norfolk State baseball games is free of charge.

The weekend will mark the beginning of what Ritter hopes to become a historic season.

“We have the talent, the chemistry, and the work ethic to make a serious run,” Ritter said. “Beyond that, we want to elevate the standard for the Norfolk State baseball program.”