By TIMOTHY DASHIELL

PUBLISHED: May 17, 2024 at 5:00 a.m. | UPDATED: May 26, 2024 at 10:03 p.m.

While high school seniors all across the country put pen to paper on national signing day, four Baltimore-area seniors made a big decision with more than just location or school in mind.

Ready to commit to four years together, Poly trio Isaiah Jones, Collin McLain and Rashid McLeod and Randallstown’s Jahsha Stevens each accepted academic and athletic scholarships to Tuskegee University, a historically Black university in Alabama. For the boys, their families and a Baltimore area stocked with talented players with college aspirations, the decision was more than just a baseball commitment — it was a message.

“No matter your situation or where you’re from, you can make it,” McLeod said. “And you don’t have to do it all by yourself.”

The four committed to the school, the program and most importantly to each other as they each stood ready to embark on a journey together, paving the way and hoping to inspire others who look like them to not only put in the work and follow their dreams but to follow them with their friends.

“What stood out when I met them was their character. They respected each other and valued each other’s opinion,” Tuskegee coach Chad Hall said. “These four have the talent to be impact players for us as soon as they step on campus.”

Their decision came after a summer visit and workout with Hall in Alabama. There, Stevens’ and Jones’ chemistry was on display as the two showed how impactful they could be together for the Golden Tigers for years as a pitcher-catcher duo.

“He just makes things easier,” Jones said of working with Stevens. “The four of us all really bring out the best in each other and it’s exciting that we’re all going to be at Tuskegee together.”

McLeod, the most physically imposing of the four with his 6-foot-2 frame and strong arm, and McLain, who can cover just about every inch of the outfield with his athleticism, also impressed after showcasing what they could bring to the table at the next level.

“Rashid probably has the most upside with his size and natural ability. If he continues to improve he has a chance to go pro one day,” Poly coach Corey Goodwin said. “Collin may not be 6-3, but he’s as athletic as they come. He’s got tremendous bat speed and he has the tools to play any position on the field.”

The four honed their skills through the years playing together for Visions Select Baseball, founded to rejuvenate interest in baseball for Black kids in the Baltimore area, all while preparing the players for success on the field and in life.

“My childhood memories all really come from playing baseball with my friends and brothers,” Stevens said. “Battling with them, winning championships and traveling the world playing the game I love.”

From their time at Visions together, the boys grew closer, encouraging each other and working hard every day to make each other better.

“They’re some of my best friends,” McLain said. “Playing with them has been great. It’s made me better and to be able to play and go to college with them is really a dream come true.”

With Stevens leaving the trio and joining other VSB players during the school year, the four have impacted the baseball programs at their schools, each earning All-City and All-County recognition while winning regional championships and helping establish Randallstown and Poly as successful programs in the Baltimore area.

“All four of them are winning baseball players, culture creators,” Randallstown coach Marc Stevens said. “They know how to win, they know what it takes to win, and soon as they get to Alabama, they will immediately help establish a culture of winning on and off the field at that school.”

While VSB provided the players with on-field opportunities, it might have been the life lessons and inspiration from their coaches that had the most impact on the decision.

Goodwin and Stevens, who each coach the program in the summer, both attended and played baseball at HBCUs the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Delaware State University, respectively. Coaches Raoul Edwards (Coppin State) and Kellen Wallace (Alabama A&M) also provided the boys with guidance and an example of the heights they can reach.

“So many people have showed me the benefits of the HBCU environment,” said Stevens, whose two older brothers also play baseball at an HBCU. “You can go to a school where the people look like you, talk like you, are invested in you and challenge you, so that when you’re done, you’re ready for the real world.”

Fortunate enough to have the opportunity to make a decision, the four student-athletes’ academic track record is equally impressive. Stevens will finish in the top 50 of his graduating class at Randallstown, while Jones, McLeod and McLain have excelled for years immersed in the rigorous academic environment at Poly.

“These aren’t just four good baseball players, they are four high-character young men,” Goodwin said. “They all earned academic scholarships. They’ve stayed out of trouble and grown into respectable young men and leaders. I’m more proud of them for that than anything.”

Now, as the four finish off their time as high school students, a chapter will close and tears will be shed when they graduate in June. But anticipation will be at an all-time high as they begin their future, inspiring many to follow in their footsteps.

“We want to create a legacy together,” Stevens said. “Hopefully we can lead the way for the people under us and show them they can do it too.”