Willie E. "Rat" McGowan Stadium

William "Bill" Foster Baseball Field at Willie E. "Rat" McGowan Stadium stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and rich tradition of Alcorn State University Baseball. Located on the university’s Lorman, Mississippi campus, this historic facility serves as the proud home of the Braves baseball team and honors two legendary figures who shaped the program's identity over the course of nearly five decades.

The field is named in honor of William "Bill" Foster, a trailblazing pitcher in the Negro Leagues and a 1996 inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Foster joined the Alcorn State coaching staff in 1960 and led the Braves for 11 seasons, laying the foundation for a competitive and disciplined program. In addition to his on-field achievements, Foster was widely respected for his mentorship, leadership, and role in the development of student-athletes both academically and athletically. His contributions extended beyond the baseball diamond, as he became a revered figure in the Alcorn community and a symbol of excellence in Black college baseball.

The stadium itself is named for Willie E. "Rat" McGowan, Foster’s successor and another iconic figure in Alcorn State athletics. Taking over the program in 1972, McGowan coached the Braves for an extraordinary 38 seasons, compiling more than 700 wins during his tenure. Under his leadership, the program not only achieved success on the field but also produced countless student-athletes who thrived in their academic pursuits and went on to positively impact their communities. Coach McGowan’s dedication to the university and his players earned him widespread admiration, and he is remembered as one of the winningest coaches in the history of Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) baseball.

The William "Bill" Foster Baseball Field at Willie E. "Rat" McGowan Stadium was officially dedicated on September 4, 2010, with commemorative plaques installed on May 6, 2011, to permanently enshrine the contributions of these two legendary coaches. Today, the stadium not only serves as a competitive venue for NCAA Division I baseball but also stands as a living monument to the legacy, leadership, and perseverance of two men who helped define what it means to be a Brave.