Our Mission

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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.