About Us

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.

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 Assistant 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.

A proud product of Galveston and Houston, Texas, Torik brings a legacy of athletic excellence, leadership, and dedication to player development. A graduate of Ross Shaw Sterling High School and Southern University, he boasts an impressive collegiate baseball career highlighted by multiple All-Conference honors, SWAC Tournament MVP, and a 2001 MLB Draft selection by the Florida Marlins.

As Director of Baseball Operations, Mr. Harrison will oversee the RPBL's competitive structure, player development systems, and strategic baseball operations across the league. His vast experience—from leading his college team to championship success, to coaching at the University of Houston Downtown—makes him the ideal steward to uphold the spirit of the Negro Leagues while pushing the game forward.

Mr. Harrison's deep ties to Houston’s baseball culture and his lifelong commitment to uplifting athletes from underrepresented communities reflect the very soul of the RPBL’s mission: "Remembering the Past While Embracing the Future."

We are honored to have him on board and look forward to the legacy he will build through the RPBL.

Cedric D. Hobdy was born on November 8, 1978, in Houston, Texas. From an early age, he displayed a passion for sports, discipline, and leadership—qualities that would define his future. He attended Willowridge High School, where he excelled at baseball, demonstrating not only natural athletic ability but also a strong work ethic that set him apart from his peers. His outstanding performance on the field earned him a baseball scholarship to Grambling State University, where he continued to thrive. During his time at Grambling State, Cedric quickly made a name for himself. In 1998, he was honored as the SWAC Freshman Newcomer of the Year, a testament to his skill, dedication, and impact on the game. His collegiate career was marked by perseverance, teamwork, and an unrelenting drive to succeed. However, his journey in athletics didn’t stop there.

Cedric went on to play minor league football with the Houston/Texas Wolverines, a team where he solidified his reputation as a fierce competitor and leader. Over the course of a decade (2000–2010), he was instrumental in leading the Wolverines to five championships, proving his ability to perform under pressure and contribute to a winning culture.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Cedric has always placed a high value on education. In 2022, after a 22-year hiatus, he made the bold decision to return to Grambling State University to complete his degree. This decision was not just about personal accomplishment but about setting an example for his children and the students he mentors. His dedication to academic excellence was evident, as he achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA and was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success, an honor reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and scholastic achievement. Cedric is now a proud graduate of Grambling State University Fall class of 2024 and is now set to obtain his master's degree in Developmental Education from Grambling State University.

His passion for sports and education seamlessly transitioned into a career in coaching and mentorship. Over the years, Cedric has dedicated himself to shaping young athletes, instilling in them the same values that guided his own journey: discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. His impact was officially recognized in 2024 when he was named Danbury High School Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, teams have secured district championships in baseball and basketball, further proving his ability to inspire and develop winning programs.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cedric is a devoted family man who takes pride in his role as a husband, father, and mentor. 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 love for his family is evident in everything he does, as he strives to set an example of integrity, perseverance, and faith.

Cedric D. Hobdy’s journey is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment—not only to his own personal growth but also to the success of those around him. Whether on the field, in the classroom, or at home, he continues to inspire future generations with his story, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible and through God ALL things are possible.

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.