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Hey everybody and welcome back to Echoes of the Yard. I'm your host Kendyl Terrell, a soccer player at Jackson State University and this podcast is your source for all things HBCU. From the guests to the topics, the good and the bad, we're here to talk about it all. For the 11th episode, I'm here with one of my old classmates, Jerry Burkett II, emphasize on the second because you know you got to know that, a baseball player from Southern. So we have so much to talk about. I know a little bit about you, but they don't. Tell me about yourself, where you're from, your upbringing. Let's just hear a little bit.

Hi, my name is Jerry Burkett II. I'm from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Me and Kendall were classmates. We've been knowing each other since we were about four or five. I went to Southern, played baseball, left hander pitcher. I was there for four years, of course. While I was there, I crossed Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, best chapter ACA. I think that's about it. I was in a lot of different organizations while I was on campus. Like I said, I did go to Hattiesburg High, and that's about it. So how and why did you start playing baseball? Like, what's your why for it? Baseball? Okay, my parents put me in all sports growing up. Basketball, soccer, baseball, football. I mean, I love baseball, so I guess I had to give it to my parents. I have a little picture when I was a baby of me playing baseball.

I was playing with the little tee and plastic bat and stuff like that. So, I mean, I have to say my parents put me in the game. I just, over the years, start to enjoy it more than others, for sure. Yeah, for sure. So when did you realize you wanted to pursue it in college, though? I would say I chose my sport probably had to be 10th or 11th grade after we won the championship, state championship in baseball. I stopped playing football that 10th grade year because I got hurt this summer. And basketball, I mean, it was kind of a sport that my dad liked to play, and I just enjoyed playing it. So my 10th grade year, definitely going into that summer, I got a lot more exposure playing with different leagues and stuff.

Like the MLB, they have a partnership with the Breakthrough Series, and I was able to go see and play with those incredible guys. A lot of the guys are in the league and different things like that. So I started traveling more with baseball and enjoying the scenery and what baseball opportunities that they had. So tell me about your journey to Southern. Like, did you always want to go to HBCU? My number one school I wanted to attend was LSU. Other than that, I wanted to go to HBCU. Southern, in general, was definitely number one on my list. Growing up, I always go to the Bayou class. I've been going there every year. I missed one year. That was COVID year, but they didn't have it. I think it was in Shreveport or something like that.

So I've always been around Southern. I had a couple of cousins that went to Southern. And like I said, didn't really want to go to any. I went to PWI, other than LSU. So HBCU, I mean, just because coming from our high school, like we went to all-black high school. I mean, only time I was, I played with a lot of all-black teams. I played with a lot of predominantly white teams. And I mean, I just like the culture that us as people, I wanted to be around us, see black excellence. And also, I knew that, like, just say if I was to throw a perfect game at Southern and a perfect game at, just say, Duke or something, that perfect game would be different. Definitely more member than field at Southern.

Yeah. What was it like having a powerhouse like LSU in the same city? Like, how much did you interact with those students or athletes? Right. With the choices, like with HBCUs, like other than Southern, I consider FAMU, just because you have another big school in your state, I mean, your city. So, of course, my sophomore year, I stayed on LSU side. So, like, we, my freshman year, I stayed on LSU side. My first freshman year, I was on campus and everything, Southern side. And it's like 10 minutes away. So, I was able to interact with a lot of people that went to LSU, moving on that side, going to a lot of football games, basketball games, get student tickets all the time. So, it was definitely, Baton Rouge is definitely a perfect spot to be in.

We're having, you know, we have a lot of schools around, like Lafayette. So, a lot of people come to the city and then it's the capital. So, I'm glad that I chose Southern just because. It's some fact that LSU, like, if Southern don't have something going, LSU definitely has something going. Yeah. So, it's like, it's always busy, always something to do. So, okay. So, if I remember correctly, didn't Southern beat LSU? Were you a part of the team when that happened? Yes, I was. So, what was that experience like? What were you feeling? Because, you know, like you said, we both went to a majority black school and, like, we were definitely, like, stereotyped and not being the best. But, like, just getting that feeling of beating everybody was.

Such a thrill for me. So, how was that when you did, like, you experienced beating LSU? Man, so, like, me and my dad always talk about, okay, if I don't get to go to LSU, like, what place will I be able to go? And we played them. And so, Southern, we played them twice a year, every year. So, my first start, I mean, my first appearance in college was against LSU my freshman year. And we lost. So, we was up on them and came back and won. And so, we played them every year. I mean, just being on that field. While we was winning, we all, like, so, the previous years, we'll be ahead in the game, 4th, 5th inning, come around. Then they go up.

So, I mean, it was always, like, felt like we was there. But just experiencing it, we were never too excited. It was always, like, calm because we don't see them come back and see us this day. Yeah. Nervous. But I'm, like, if the ball get to me, I'm the closer. So, I'm, like, if the ball get to me, like, it's over with. It's done deal. Like, the only thing I need, I was, like, the whole game, I'm pacing around the dugout. Like, I just need y'all to give me the ball. Like, it's the game over. So, I was able to go in, and, like, the 7th Coastal Lane called for me to go to the pen. So, I'm, like, just, like, let's go. Like, building up, building up. Okay.

So, I know it's coming. Like, the game is in my hands. So, he told me to go get warm. I think I only threw, like, five, six pitches. Like, I was already amped up. So, going into the game, a few quick outs, and then I, like, raised my nerves and whatnot. And then one more inning up there and just, like, throwing the last pitch, getting them out. It was, like, it really didn't hit me until, like. Like, after the game, he, like, bro, you did it. Like, I'm, like, man. Like, I didn't start celebrating until we got on the bus. But seeing how excited everyone else, like, it made everyone else feel, the alumni, like, all the love that we got from it. Like, it was definitely a moment that I'll always remember for sure.

So, like, being in a predominantly white sport, because we are both in predominantly white sports, like, how was that feeling for you as an HBCU, as a black man in America to beat LSU like that? A majority, like, a PWI, like, to just experience, like, do you think that set the record straight not to, you know, underestimate HBCUs? Like, how was that in that aspect for you? Exactly. So, that's the biggest thing. Like, like I said, how I made everyone else feel, like, we did it. Like, we can do it, I should say. Yeah. Like, just because you put behind the eight ball don't mean, like, the future not as big for you. You know what I'm saying? Like, just being able to plug into people like, hey, bro, you still got it.

It don't matter if you're on the guy. Only once a day, like, bro, you still can do it. Like, you know what I'm saying? So, that was the, being on LSU definitely impacted me because I was able to impact others, I guess. Like, I definitely decided that we was able to do that just to shine a light on everyone else. Like, hey, bro, you can do it. Like, I promise you, you can. I like that. I like that. So, how would you rate your overall experience at Southern as a student? Like, one through ten as a student, how was your experience at Southern? Out the roof. Out the roof. Ten. It's not a number that can justify how much fun and how much I love Southern.

Like, just the experience with baseball and even off the field. The amount of people I learned and got to meet and the connections that I have forever. Like, even on the yards, just having fun, going to the games, like, parties. Like, the student life is great. The food, even I can't repeat the food, pretty good. So, it's just like. No, literally. And then homecoming, like. Okay, it's crazy. So, like, just being a part of that. And I just also able to leave, like, a step on Southern. Like, yeah, came in. I wasn't just a student. Like, just wasn't an athlete. Just wasn't somebody in group. Like, I got the full experience, and I definitely enjoyed it. So, do you think playing for an HBCU has made college sports easier or harder for you?

Ooh. Easier or harder? I'd definitely say a little bit of both. I mean, you got your pros and cons. I mean, as far as the facility. And so, of course, that's on the downside, but the things that you learn, like, the adversity that you face, you're not going to get that having everything. So, it's just like you have your pros and cons, and I definitely say it'll make me a better person. Also, it's opened my eyes to different things. And then when you go to see everyone else's facilities and different stuff like that, it opened your eyes in a different way as such. So, I mean, I say you have both as pros and cons, for sure. Well, first of all, congratulations, but you're officially a pro baseball player now.

What is that like to be able to say that? I'm definitely trying to get on my journey to get there, but I'm going to take my last fifth year from my college career. But how does it finally feel to be able to say that? Because I know how hard you worked. I've seen it from a young age. Like, just getting that experience, how do you feel? So, it's just, I mean, it's like not satisfied yet. Like, enjoying the moment, but I understand I'm not satisfied. Yeah. It's like a different feeling. Like, okay, like you said, we go to the HBCUs. We're already behind the eight ball. So, it's like being able to come and I'm on the team with kids that went to Texas State, kids that went to these power five schools, and we're sitting at the same spot.

So, it's like we still can do it. Like, to anybody, like, bro, we came from all black school. That's not an excuse no more. Like, I went to HBCU, bro, that's not an excuse no more. Literally, yeah. It's just, like, opening eyes and doors for everybody else. Like, paving the way, showing people that you can do it, like, facts. So, how do you feel Southern prepared you? Southern prepared me in a lot of different ways. Are you talking about as far as life or towards the game? Okay, we can attack life first. Like, how do you think Southern has prepared you for life? I would definitely say high school prepared me for Southern first. A lot of stuff that I knew in high school.

Like, as far as going to, like, the different programs and college stuff in high school definitely prepared me to understand what college was faster than others. So, I already understood that, like, I wouldn't say shortcuts that you could take, but just, like, as far as, like, understanding how to get a relationship with, like, your faculty and different things like that, how to talk to your teachers and different stuff like that, which at the end help you out. As far as being an athlete, like, it's a lot of days. It's a lot of days. You're not in class. But communicating with your teachers and different things like that. I would say Southern has definitely granted me more opportunities as far as more than and helped me understand, like, the business side of things more than anything for sure.

Like, I was able to be, I'm a part of this program. I mean, this thing is SAAC, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, right? So, then you go, I'm on the one at the school, hold two positions there. And then able to be in the conference SAAAC, holding a position there. And I was then presented an opportunity to go to NCAA SAC meeting, which is at the NCAA headquarters. So, I'll definitely say, like, that was an opportunity at Southern. Like, I was able to get from going to Southern. And just different things like that. I'll definitely say the opportunity and the connections that I was able to make were definitely more than, like, things that I would, per se, learn. So, we have to go into more detail.

Like, the people want to know. So, you mentioned that you were part of the Divine Nine organization. So, can you repeat, like, which one and why did you pledge? Kappa Alpha Psi Incorporated, the Alpha Sigma chapter. And you said, why did I pledge? I feel, okay, so, the reason why, okay, I was in Kappa League in high school. I remember. The big goal within that was, you know, making it to college and pledging and whatnot. So, I already had that. Inspiration. But getting to Southern and wanting to be a part of AC, it was just the way that it held itself as a man. Like, what I was already being taught, I was able to, you know, join that fraternity. See it firsthand first. That's, like, what I was always looking up to.

So, it was always on my mind to cross. Like I said, I wanted to go to Southern. If I was going to attend school, I was going to get the full experience, just not focus on baseball. So, that was one of the things that I wanted to accomplish. But, I would definitely say it started in high school. Like, it started seeing, like, seeing videos and seeing the people around in my community. Like, my dad's friends. Like, the people at our high school. You know, our principal was a new, two of our principals were new. So, it's just, like, seeing those guys, that's encouraged me. Those are people that I talk to whenever I need something. If I need a letter. Anything business-related. Anything business-related was coming through them when I was in high school.

So, I definitely say that inspiration came from high school, going into college. So, do you think you, like, fit the stereotype? Um, a couple of them. Not all of them, for sure. What stereotypes do you think you fit more? What stereotypes are we talking about? You ask me. I like stereotypes, and I say yes or no. When I think of Cavs, I think of prestige. Very, like, they hold themselves to, like, a higher level. They, like. I'm not saying they're inferior to people, but I feel as though they walk with a different, you know, a little, like, swag. You know what I'm saying? I definitely take that one, for sure, walk around with a different set of confidence. Because it's like, you're competing against yourself. So, why should I be a little timid?

Or why should I be this or that? Or should I be another? So, yeah, I definitely say the confidence is there, for sure. So, what does being in a fraternity mean to you? It means brotherhood. I mean. I mean, the things that are objectives to unite college men and culture patients are under a bunch of achievements. So, the big achievement part is what I really look into and try to take stride in as far as achievement at every field of human endeavor. Right? So, that's in every category of my life. So, that's baseball, school, and different stuff that we do in the community. With Catholic Alpha Psi, like, going to schools and reading kids. Like, that's mentoring kids. Like, that's something that I really appreciate. I mean, we also inspire service and public interest.

So, that's like I'm saying, that volunteer stuff that I feel like I fit into. And then we also assist in aims and purposes in college and university. So, that's my, the different organizations I'm in or whatnot. How would you describe the experience? Of being a Divine Nine member? Like, just being able to say you're part of an organization like that. Like, how would you describe that experience? So, Divine Nine, the whole, I mean, the experience, I guess I'm starting to step into and being able to learn more about. But just over the last year or so that I've been in, it's just the greatness of Blacks that we have. Like, Kamala, she's not running for the presidency. Like, that's big. I'm a part of her though because I'm in Divine Nine.

You know, it's like. It's just like more connections and different stuff like that. Like, it's a lot of great people out there that's doing great work that's a part of the same, I say, organization or group of people, which we all are Black individuals, or most of us at least. So, it's just understanding the greatness of different stuff. So, what are the misconceptions, do you think? A lot. A lot. Just a party. We just did a party. We just showed up and shamed me. Like, it's just. Like, bro, we don't. We do a lot of other things. Like, like I said, a lot of achievements in every field of human endeavor. So, it's just like, bro, we just don't shame you. We just don't talk to girls. We just don't do this.

Bro, like, that come with it. But it's just like understanding what all the other stuff that we do. The things that. Yeah, like the bigger picture. Yeah, like, we passed a lot of different laws and different stuff, different things that we did on campus, Impact.Campus. Like. We host events that make our college experience better. Yeah, I love that. I love that. So, what advice do you have for people, like, wanting to get the full HBCU experience? Okay, once you get to school, get active. So, join different clubs that's around, different organizations. It's not just, like, Greek life. I say get in the SGA programs, Student Government Association programs, or men program. You're female. Female empowerment programs. Like, the more people you meet, the more.

I say, okay, so, like, when you go to college, you plant seeds. So, the seed that you plant, if you don't talk to nobody, you have no branches to grow off of. So, the more people you talk to, the more people you plant seeds with, you have more plants and more limbs to, you know, use later on in life. That's what I would say. Learn and meet as many people as possible. It's just basically building your network. Yeah, so, the knowledge that other people have. You could definitely gain from them, so. Yeah. So, before I get to the last question, is there anything else you want to share about your story that you think listeners should know, or your experience as a student athlete at Southern?

Honestly, I don't have none on my mind right now. And you know what? That's so, that's completely fine. That's completely fine. But our last question is presented by our sponsor, Cricket Wireless. So, shout out to Cricket, a proud supporter of HBCU culture and community. We love Cricket over here. But how has going to an HBCU influenced the person you are today? It definitely is a part of making who I am as a person, building me up, and also allowing me to learn from my mistakes and downfalls. Also, bringing me in when I do have those hard problems and different things that I need to talk about to help grow as a person. So, I definitely say it's put people in my life that pour into me. And I'm able to sprout out. And the goodness of the things that they poured in me are starting to come out. And they'll continue to come out over these next couple of years, just off the, like I said, the water that they're pouring into me as a seed. That's good.

So, thank you so much for joining us and sharing your experiences with us, Jerry. Like, I think people will benefit from your side of the story, your side of things, experience the full experience, and not just only being a student athlete. So, I thank you so much for coming on. Thank you for having me, for sure. Of course. Listeners, thanks for tuning in. We've got tons more great guests, and we'll continue to talk about ace species from all angles. So, make sure you rate, review, subscribe, so you don't miss out on more Echoes of the Yard.

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