Alabama State Baseball Turns Heads With One-of-a-Kind Hornets Nest Vibe (Exclusive)

Alabama State Baseball Turns Heads With One-of-a-Kind Hornets Nest Vibe (Exclusive) originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Welcome to Wheeler-Watkins Baseball Complex. One of the most entertaining baseball facilities in the Southwest Athletic Conference and HBCU as a whole. The Alabama State stadium was named after the two most distinguished coaches in ASU history, Herbert Wheeler and Larry Watkins.

Wheeler was a multi-sport athlete at Alabama State. He earned the nickname of “Hot Dog” for his athletic abilities. He was the head baseball coach at ASU from 1968 until 1981. He was the first coach to take the team to the NCAA Tournament during the 1974 season.

In 1982, Watkins, a former player under Wheeler, took over the program and led the team until his retirement in 2011. He earned his 500th career victory in the 2011 season opener against Tuskegee and finished with 513 wins, solidifying his status as the all-time wins leader in Hornets baseball history.

Watkins led the Hornets to 11 postseason tournaments, and was recognized as the SWAC Coach of the Year in 1991. He now acts as Special Assistant to the Athletic Director. Continuing to serve the school that he has given close to fifty years of his life to.

The $3.9 million baseball complex was completed in spring 2011, and dedicated in March of 2012, marking the return of baseball to ASU’s campus for the first time since 1996.

Since 2012, the Hornets have posted a 216-113 (.656) record at their new on-campus home, including a 136-77 (.638) mark under head coach José Vázquez, who took over the program in 2017.

The facility has a capacity of 600 spectators, but there is hope that they can increase the amount of seating and fans in the stadium. Part of that plan involves the Hornets’ Nest. An area in right field that has taken on a life of its own. 

Comedian Roy Wood Jr., traveled to multiple HBCUs prior to this year’s Swingman Classic. The event is a showcase of the top HBCU baseball players during the MLB All-Star Weekend, through a partnership with Ken Griffey Jr. and Major League Baseball.

Wood Jr. came to Alabama State and enjoyed his time at the Hornets’ Nest. Wood stated, “One of the best seats in baseball is in right field at Alabama State Univ. 'The Hornets Nest' was built as a place for the community to bond if only for a few minutes. They party long before the games and long after.”

Liquor, bbq, & freaky ass old school music. One of the best seats in baseball is in right field at Alabama State Univ. 'The Hornets Nest' was built by ASU alumni as a place for the community to bond if only for a few minutes. They party long before the games and long after. pic.twitter.com/G2kcBVjr3k

— Roy Wood Jr- Ex Jedi (@roywoodjr) July 9, 2025

The Hornets’ Nest has been the brainchild of Alabama State alum Greg Crawford, and Mississippi State alum Gavin King. The two decided to add something new and different to the experience of Alabama State baseball. They wanted to do more for the team and the community. 

In 2021, they began developing what is now known as the Hornets’ Nest, a popular area beside the Alabama State University baseball field. It has since become a vibrant gathering spot for fans and alumni, often celebrated as a community hub and favorite cookout location.

A spot in right field where, as Gavin King stated, “We hope to make that area the best place in HBCU baseball.” 

For Gavin who relocated to Montgomery after graduating from Mississippi State, has found, “real community at Alabama State.” Between he and Crawford, they decided to add something more to the experience. Coach Vázquez agrees, saying that they have, “become a family.”

Crawford noted, “We always did tailgating, but never for baseball.” They started with a grill that was setup in right field. As King mentioned, “It started fairly organic, but it has grown.” In the following years they have added music and an atmosphere that rivals any HBCU around. “Everybody has a good time,” said Crawford.

They feed the team, and sometimes the opposing teams as well. Crawford noted, that at least one unnamed former opponent had transferred to Alabama State after playing in Montgomery, and they would like to think that they might have had something to do with it. “The visiting team became part of the fan club,” said Crawford.

The two are hopeful to expand the Hornets’ Nest on towards centerfield in the coming years, and hopefully the entire outfield. Crawford mentioned that they want to model their facility after what Coastal Carolina has done with their baseball stadium, Vrooman Field, located in Conway, South Carolina.

Coastal Carolina’s facility has a similarly titled right field area called the Rooster’s Nest with grass berms along right and left field. They also have a boardwalk that circles the outfield wall. King noted, “Expansion would be on us, myself and Greg.”

Coach Vázquez talked about how the outfield has some of the best views in the ball park. He also wants to be part of the growth. “Support from the Hornets’ Nest makes me happy,” said Vázquez. “I want to help anyway I can. A goal of mine is to create a boardwalk.” The coach is hoping to get local businesses involved as well.

King and Crawford are planning a fundraiser later this summer that will hopefully raise between $30-50K for the baseball team. That money would be specifically for the team, not for expansion of the Hornets’ Nest. King hopes to do more and more to raise awareness and attendance at the stadium. “We want to make a direct impact on season ticket sales.”

Coach Vázquez feels like the two friends are already making a difference at home games. “There is always fifty to sixty people at the deck.” With these additional spectators it can only help the team. The coach was quick to point out how much the players appreciate the Hornets’ Nest. Vázquez stated, “The players want to feel supported, it gets that fire in them.”

The two Alabama State supporters want to continue to create an amazing atmosphere for years to come. Crawford noted what he wished for the Hornets’ Nest, “To grow into a great atmosphere for Alabama State.” King added to that point, saying, “I want to set the standard, that the SWAC Championship runs through Alabama State.” 

As with what they have accomplished with the Hornets’ Nest, King and Crawford have become dear friends. Although there is nearly forty years between the two, they have formed a bond that now goes much deeper than just acquaintances who hang out during baseball season.

Wood Jr. said it best, “It’s a town hall & a cookout & a family reunion all in one, nestled next to a baseball field.” 

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 14, 2025, where it first appeared.