Baseball Staff Changes

[CrazyCajun]

It is REALLY difficult to become a paid assistant coach at the D1 level. It just became easier with the 3rd paid assistant, but before that it was really tough.

I truly believe Gunner will excel in his role, but make no mistake, he got this job because of his ties to the program and to Coach Robe's pitching style. However, I don't think there were a ton of D1 programs knocking down his door, as someone with little to no coaching experience.

how is that any different than most jobs in life? People like to work with poeple they know and can trust. They usually have some kind of connection either directly or indirectly.

[ManAboutTown]

Gunner was a player/coach at UL and in the minors. He then came back to Ragin Cages and tutored elite HS & youth pitching after that.

If you’re saying he’s not qualified, you’re wrong. I will not give his business away, but he had plenty of interest outside of Lafayette for his services. At P5 programs, on the east coast.

[RaginDave]

Gunner was a player/coach at UL and in the minors. He then came back to Ragin Cages and tutored elite HS & youth pitching after that.

If you’re saying he’s not qualified, you’re wrong. I will not give his business away, but he had plenty of interest outside of Lafayette for his services. At P5 programs, on the east coast.

I don't know if this was directed at my post or not, but what I was saying was that this is his first D1 job. I was asking, which you answered for me, whether any of our coaches have had offers from programs outside of UL.

[CajunEXPRESS]

how is that any different than most jobs in life? People like to work with poeple they know and can trust. They usually have some kind of connection either directly or indirectly.

My Fortune 500 employer consistently asked current employees to offer candidates they knew and trusted for upcoming interviews. Many employees were very selective about who they recommended because a bad hire costed them more than a good hire paid in goodwill. No doubt you’re correct.

[ManAboutTown]

I don't know if this was directed at my post or not, but what I was saying was that this is his first D1 job. I was asking, which you answered for me, whether any of our coaches have had offers from programs outside of UL.

Post was in response to rainman66 saying he only got the job because of his ties here. Sure, it played a role, but from what I understand, Deggs moved heaven and earth to get him on staff, especially after other programs started calling.

[moorecajun]

One only needs to listen to his interview with Dave Shultz to realize he has really good communication skills. I think he will be a very, very good addition to our program!

[Rainman66]

Gunner was a player/coach at UL and in the minors. He then came back to Ragin Cages and tutored elite HS & youth pitching after that.

If you’re saying he’s not qualified, you’re wrong. I will not give his business away, but he had plenty of interest outside of Lafayette for his services. At P5 programs, on the east coast.

I never said he wasn't qualified and I do like the hire. What I meant to say and I didn't do a good job of it obviously, is that I find it difficult to believe that he would garner serious consideration for a P5 pitching coach job with no previous coaching experience. His coaching resume' is lacking, and for most P5 jobs, resume' means a lot.

It is akin to a P5 football coach hiring their OC or DC and they haven't coached in college before.

What I am most excited about with Gunner, especially now that he can recruit, is finding PITCHERS and not just throwers. Just as Deggs likes to get his type of hitters in the system, I truly believe if we can get Leger's type of pitchers into the program, the sky is the limit.

[Dad04]

There are a lot of things I find difficult to believe. Yet, they happen every day, especially in the past decade. Solid All American pitchers, recent grads with premium coaching genetics, are not just laying around. The baseball world is extremely small after high school. There are probably 20 or 30 D1 pitching coach jobs turning over this summer. I am confident Gunner would be a top candidate for several. He is that well respected outside Lafayette. We are fortunate to have him.

[CajunVic]

. . . it’s a very sad testament to our posting fan base that this discussion is even happening . . . we can’t have nice stuff here without . . .

[Turbine]

. . . it’s a very sad testament to our posting fan base that this discussion is even happening . . . we can’t have nice stuff here without . . .

I don't understand this complaint.

I thought this discussion was about the bigger picture and realities of the baseball world.

[CajunVic]

. . . hold that thought . . .

[sportsfanatic21]

. . . it’s a very sad testament to our posting fan base that this discussion is even happening . . . we can’t have nice stuff here without . . .

Some people look for the positive in situations. Others look for the negative.

This board has a lot of the latter.