Bio

Roosevelt Barnes comes to Wilberforce with several years of experience in working with collegiate athletics and the business community throughout the region. Barnes, an ambassador for the game of baseball was the procuring agent that brought baseball to Wilberforce University after an 80 year hiatus in 2022. Barnes has been recognized for his commitment to the national baseball community through advancements made at the MLB Cincinnati Reds Youth Baseball Academy. He led a senior team to over 10 tournament titles, regional championships, and multiple appearances in Major League Baseball's RBI World Series, winning the World Series in 2021 for the first time in the MLB Academy’s History.

Barnes, in his capacity as the RBI Coordinator and Recommending Scout for the Cincinnati Reds has worked with colleges and universities across the country to progress the game of baseball through various MLB inclusion initiatives. The restart of baseball at Wilberforce to Roosevelt is perhaps the most treasured of these initiatives as it creates an additional outlet to place student athletes that are desirous to compete collegiately at the nation’s oldest privately ran HBCU. He has helped many young athletes matriculate to their desired level of play through his relationships and representation. A former Division 1 college baseball player and Wilberforce Alum, Barnes will continue to make positive and holistic impacts on the lives of young people.