About RPBL

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Carrying the Legacy of the Negro League into a New Era

Marcus Chandler’s name has long been synonymous with excellence in baseball, from his early playing days to his extensive coaching career. Now, as the Commissioner of the Reviving Professional Baseball League (RPBL): Da Sequel of the Negro League, Chandler is leading the charge to restore and elevate the legacy of Black baseball, ensuring that talented players have a platform to showcase their skills while honoring the rich history of the Negro Leagues.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Chandler’s love for baseball started early. A standout athlete at Willowridge High School, he continued his career at Southern University, where he won two SWAC Championships and solidified himself as a leader on and off the field. His professional journey took off after being drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 2001, followed by stints with teams such as the Baton Rouge River Bats, St. Gabriel Dodgers, and Bay Area Toros.

However, Chandler’s passion for baseball extended far beyond playing. Over the years, he has built an impressive coaching résumé, impacting countless young athletes at various levels:

• Manager & Player in the National Urban Professional Baseball League (2018)
• Head Baseball Coach at Wharton High School (2019-2021)
• Coach at Bo Porter’s Baseball Academy (2022-2023)
• Coach at KIPP Journey Collegiate (2023 - Present)
• Head Coach of the Texas Monarch 12u in Missouri City, TX (Present)

Throughout his career, Chandler has been more than just a coach—he has been a mentor, guiding young athletes toward success not just in sports but in life. His leadership in grassroots baseball development, particularly through Touch 'Em All Urban Nation, has provided underserved communities with access to training, mentorship, and opportunities to excel in baseball.

Now, in 2025, Chandler is taking on his most ambitious role yet: launching the Reviving Professional Baseball League (RPBL). This league is more than just a return to professional baseball—it’s a movement. Inspired by the history of the Negro Leagues, RPBL is dedicated to giving underrepresented players a stage to shine, just as legends like Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson did in the past. Under Chandler’s leadership, RPBL is set to redefine the future of professional baseball while preserving the essence of its historic roots.

With his deep knowledge of the game, unwavering dedication, and a lifetime of experience shaping the next generation of athletes, Marcus Chandler is not just building a league—he’s building a legacy.

Born: September 25, 1969 | Hometown: St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

Height: 6'1" | Weight: 175 lbs

Bats/Throws: Right/Right

Baseball Career

Lincoln A. Gumbs Jr. played collegiate baseball at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, where his talent earned him an opportunity at the professional level. In the 1990 MLB Draft, the Houston Astros selected him in the 27th round, just one round after Jim Dougherty and three rounds before Chris Singleton.

He began his professional journey in the New York-Penn League with the Auburn Astros, appearing in 15 games in a utility role. Despite a brief stint in organized baseball, Gumbs' passion for the game never faded.

In 1997, seven years after his initial pro experience, he returned to the field, playing 32 games in the independent Texas-Louisiana League, where he hit .250. Five years later, in 2002, he made another comeback, joining the Ozark Patriots of the Southeastern League, where he batted .226 and even pitched a shutout inning. Throughout his playing career, Gumbs showcased perseverance, grit, and an undying love for the game.

Reviving the Legacy of Black Baseball

After retiring from professional baseball, Lincoln A. Gumbs Jr. dedicated himself to reviving and preserving the legacy of Black baseball. As a professional instructor, independent hitting coach, and mentor, he has worked tirelessly to develop and support both amateur and professional players at all levels of the game. His mission is to ensure that the next generation of Black athletes has the opportunities and exposure they deserve in the sport.

Now, as the Deputy Commissioner of the Reviving Professional Baseball League (RPBL): Da Sequel of the Negro League, Gumbs plays a crucial role in rebuilding a professional league that honors the history of the Negro Leagues while creating new opportunities for Black and underrepresented players. His leadership focuses on high-level competition, community engagement, and ensuring that Black baseball talent is recognized and nurtured.

With his deep passion and lifelong dedication to the game, Gumbs continues to uplift and inspire future ballplayers, ensuring that the spirit of the Negro Leagues lives on through the RPBL.

Cedric D. Hobdy
Director of Player Relations
Reviving Professional Baseball League (RPBL): Da Sequel of the Negro League

The Reviving Professional Baseball League (RPBL) is proud to welcome Cedric D. Hobdy as our Director of Player Relations—a role perfectly suited for a man whose life embodies resilience, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Born on November 8, 1978, in Houston, Texas, Cedric Hobdy has spent a lifetime immersed in sports, education, and mentorship. His athletic journey began at Willowridge High School, where his standout performance in baseball earned him a scholarship to Grambling State University. There, Cedric quickly made his mark, being named SWAC Freshman Newcomer of the Year in 1998, a recognition of his discipline, talent, and competitive spirit.

Following his collegiate baseball career, Cedric’s athletic prowess led him to the Houston/Texas Wolverines, a minor league football team where he competed from 2000 to 2010. As a driving force behind the team’s success, he helped secure five championships during his tenure, cementing his status as a fierce competitor and respected leader.

But Cedric’s story reaches far beyond the field. In 2022, after more than two decades away from the classroom, he returned to Grambling State University to complete his degree—demonstrating the same dedication in academics that he once showed in athletics. He graduated in the Fall Class of 2024 with a 4.0 GPA, was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success, and is now pursuing a master’s degree in Developmental Education from Grambling.

Cedric’s passion for sports naturally evolved into coaching and mentorship. He has devoted years to developing young athletes, instilling the values of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. His leadership was recognized in 2024, when he was named Danbury High School Coach of the Year, having guided his teams to multiple district championships in both baseball and basketball.

Beyond his professional accolades, Cedric is a devoted husband and father. He has been married to Brandi Hobdy for three years, and together they are raising four children: Kylah (20), Dean (10), Duke (8), and Dash (5). His dedication to family, faith, and personal growth continues to inspire those around him.

As Director of Player Relations, Cedric brings unmatched experience, character, and a heart for mentorship to RPBL. His journey is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, faith, and a passion for uplifting others. His motto echoes the foundation of RPBL’s mission:
"With hard work and determination, anything is possible—and through God, all things are possible."

Please join us in celebrating and welcoming Cedric D. Hobdy to the Reviving Professional Baseball League (RPBL): Da Sequel of the Negro League.

 We are proud to welcome Tramell Moore to the Reviving Professional Baseball League (RPBL) as our Director of Player Relations. Tramell brings a wealth of experience, both on and off the field, and has proven to be an exceptional mentor and leader in the lives of countless young men navigating the challenges of the game and life.

A proud native of Houston, Texas, Tramell played high school baseball at both Madison and Westbury High School, where he earned First-Team All-District honors as a dominant pitcher. His outstanding high school performance earned him a baseball scholarship to Southern University, where he became a cornerstone of their pitching staff.

During his collegiate career at Southern, Tramell was a three-year starter, helping lead the team to two SWAC Championships. Most notably, he pitched a complete game to clinch the '99 and was a major contributor in '01 SWAC Championship, solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer under pressure. Known for his fierce competitiveness, leadership, and heart, Tramell was one of the top pitchers in the program, not just in wins, but also in resilience and determination.

Growing up in some of Houston’s toughest neighborhoods, Tramell defied the odds and built a legacy of perseverance, discipline, and leadership. He became known not just for his performance on the mound but for his ability to confront challenges head-on, whether in practice or in the heat of competition. His unmatched work ethic and refusal to shy away from adversity have made him a role model for the next generation.

Tramell has been deeply influential in mentoring players, especially those facing personal and professional struggles. His gift lies in his ability to connect with athletes on a human level, guiding them in developing emotional intelligence, composure, and a strong sense of purpose—both on and off the field.

This summer, Tramell Moore will play an integral role in the RPBL’s mission by helping our players navigate the pressures of the game, cultivate leadership, and evolve into not only better athletes but better men.

We are honored to have Tramell Moore as part of the RPBL family, and we look forward to the impact he will continue to make in reviving the spirit and excellence of the Negro Leagues.