Texas A&M has found its new baseball coach, tapping former hitting coach Michael Earley to replace the late Jim Schlossnagle.
The Aggies announced the move Sunday, just days after Schlossnagle left to take the head coaching job at Texas. Schlossnagle had guided Texas A&M to the final of the Men’s College World Series, where they lost to Tennessee in three games last week. He joined the Longhorns the next day, and Earley reportedly followed him to Texas as well.
But Earley's stay there was short-lived, as the Aggies brought him back as head coach.
Earley was the Aggies' hitting coach for the past three seasons. Last season, the team set records for home runs (136) and walks (422), the latter of which was the best mark in the nation. Four sluggers (Braden Montgomery, Gavin Grahovac, Jackson Appel and Jace LaViolette) earned All-America honors.
“Michael is a very talented coach and recruiter, but what stood out to me most was his character and the relationships he has built with his current and former players,” Aggies athletic director Trev Alberts said in a statement announcing the move. “During our interview process, he was truly impressive. I think it helps that he knows our current roster, which finished second in the country, and he also knows Aggieland and the 12th Man. I'm excited about the future of Aggie baseball.”
Good. 👍 photo.twitter.com/1JxrZ6cCy5
—Trev Alberts (@TrevAlberts) June 30, 2024
Prior to joining Texas A&M, Earley spent five seasons at Arizona State, including four as the team's hitting coach.
As a player, he starred in Indiana and was selected in the 29th round of the 2010 MLB draft by the Chicago White Sox.
“My family and I couldn't be more excited for this opportunity,” Earley said in the statement. “Thank you, [President Mark] Welsh and Trev Alberts for believing in me. Being part of this University and this program is a dream come true. I won't let you down. See you in Omaha!”
