Florida A&M Rattlers assistant coach Octavien Moyer surveys the action during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Jamey Shouppe surveys the action during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.Florida A&M Rattlers reliever Tanner Walker launches a pitch to a Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.Florida A&M Rattlers reliever Tanner Walker launches a pitch to a Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.Florida A&M Rattlers first baseman Josue Figueroa defends against Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.Florida A&M Rattlers infielder William Brown defends against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.Florida A&M Rattlers' Matthew Perez is at bat against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.Florida A&M Rattlers infielder Jay Campbell looks onto the action against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.Florida A&M Rattlers infielder Matthew Perez defends against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.Florida A&M Rattlers first baseman Josue Figueroa, left, defends against Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils runner Ty Burns during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.Florida A&M Rattlers pitching coach Jeremiah McCollum surveys the action against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.Florida A&M Rattlers head coach Jamey Shouppe surveys the action during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.Florida A&M Rattlers assistant coach Brett Richardson coaches up players against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.Florida A&M Rattlers' Ethan Miller runs the bases against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.Florida A&M Rattlers' Ethan Miller runs the bases against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.Florida A&M Rattlers' Ethan Miller runs the bases against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.Florida A&M Rattlers' William Brown prepares to bat against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.1 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers assistant coach Octavien Moyer surveys the action during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.1 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers assistant coach Octavien Moyer surveys the action during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.2 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers head coach Jamey Shouppe surveys the action during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.3 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosIn honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.4 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosIn honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.5 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosIn honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.6 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers reliever Tanner Walker launches a pitch to a Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.7 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers reliever Tanner Walker launches a pitch to a Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.8 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers first baseman Josue Figueroa defends against Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.9 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers infielder William Brown defends against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.10 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers' Matthew Perez is at bat against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.11 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers infielder Jay Campbell looks onto the action against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.12 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers infielder Matthew Perez defends against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.13 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosIn honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.14 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosIn honor of Jackie Robinson Day, the Florida A&M Rattlers debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier. FAMU hosted Mississippi Valley State for an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field on Friday, April 17, 2026.15 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers first baseman Josue Figueroa, left, defends against Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils runner Ty Burns during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.16 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers pitching coach Jeremiah McCollum surveys the action against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.17 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers head coach Jamey Shouppe surveys the action during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.18 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers assistant coach Brett Richardson coaches up players against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.19 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers' Ethan Miller runs the bases against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.20 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers' Ethan Miller runs the bases against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.21 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers' Ethan Miller runs the bases against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.22 / 22FAMU baseball debuts Jackie Robinson-themed '42' jerseys, PhotosFlorida A&M Rattlers' William Brown prepares to bat against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils during an NCAA Southwestern Athletic Conference college baseball game against the Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils on Moore-Kittles Field in Tallahassee, Florida, Friday, April 17, 2026. In honor of Jackie Robinson Day, FAMU debuted new uniforms where all players wore No. 42 on the back of their jerseys to honor the man who broke the MLB’s color barrier.May 2, 2025, is a day forever etched in Caleb Granger’s memory.

That potential career-altering Friday marked when the Florida A&M baseball team’s standout right-handed pitcher underwent season-ending elbow surgery on his throwing arm, similar to the Tommy John procedure, in Gainesville.

It was his second time needing his elbow worked on, after he had Tommy John surgery while playing for Tallahassee’s North Florida Christian.

“It’s a struggle. But you can’t take a day off,” Granger reflected on his recovery process. “You have to be full force every single day trying to get better.”

Receiving an internal brace to stabilize his elbow, Granger’s initial expected recovery timetable was eight to 10 months, playing it close to the start of FAMU’s spring 2026 baseball season.

However, the graduate student was ready to go for the Rattlers’ February opening day and is back serving as the team’s ace pitcher.

“Just his leadership,” FAMU head coach Jamey Shouppe said of Granger. “He’s still not at Caleb Granger form. Every day, hopefully, he gets a little bit closer to that. He’s just a good competitor, a great kid, and a great pitcher. He’s going to continue to get better and get back to that form that was so good two years ago and last year before he went down with the injury.”

Before being sidelined, Granger had gone toe-to-toe with the Florida Gators in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, won the 2024 Southwestern Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year, and then played in that summer’s second annual Swingman Classic, an MLB All-Star weekend showcase game for players from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Those accolades landed the hometown hero a Preseason All-American nod by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

Granger says he feels about 85% of the pitcher he was two seasons ago.

Granger has pitched a team-high 61 innings, has a 4.87 earned run average, and has struck out 55 hitters. As of Wednesday, April 22, his ERA is ninth in the SWAC, and his strikeouts are sixth in the league and tied for 150th in Division I.

“Yeah, the numbers are decent,” Granger reacted to his statline.

“I don’t feel like I did last year, two years ago when I won Pitcher of the Year ― I don’t feel that yet,” Granger admitted. “Hopefully, when I hit that 12-month mark, we’ll start turning another page.”

Granger’s road to recovery included 6 a.m. physical therapy to rehab his elbow and countless hours spent with FAMU’s trainers.

“I’ve heard with Tommy John surgery and elbow surgery in general, you’ve got 12-18 months until you’re feeling 100%,” Granger said.

“Your arm doesn’t heal the same,” he added. “You have a good day, and then the next day you’re hanging, your arm is swollen, you need medicine, and you’re relying on a bunch of stuff. That’s the hardest thing to deal with, your arm not recovering as fast as it typically did pre-surgery.”

But Granger defeated the typical recovery timeline by returning to the mound to practice pitching last December, seven months following surgery.

“If you don’t know Caleb, he’s the definition of ‘optimistic,” said Jeremiah McCollum, FAMU’s third-year pitching coach.

“Coming after surgery, it’s more of a mental game. That physical part still might be aching, but it’s the mental part that gets you over the hump and back to form. So it’s been a tough road. When the injury happened, I was devastated as a coach. But I knew that he’s Caleb Granger and he’s going to come back better.”

As he looks to recapture that former glory of his 2023 and 2024 seasons, Granger received an encouraging sign that told him he’s closing in on what made him a college baseball star for the Rattlers.