News Summary

Austin Kearns, a former MLB outfielder, has been appointed the new baseball coach at West Jessamine High School. With a successful career in baseball and coaching experience, Kearns aims to lead the Colts to success while fostering young talent and engaging with the community.

Exciting New Chapter for Baseball at West Jessamine High School!

West Jessamine, a charming community in Kentucky, is buzzing with excitement as Austin Kearns steps into the role of the new baseball coach at West Jessamine High School. This Lexington native, with an impressive background as a former outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds, is ready to take the reins and lead the Colts to new heights!

A Stellar Career

Austin Kearns is no stranger to the limelight. His 12-season journey in Major League Baseball (MLB) has seen him don the uniforms of various teams, including the Nationals, Indians, Yankees, and Marlins. But his heart has always remained tied to Kentucky, particularly to his roots in Lexington. Kearns’ career kicked off when he was named the prestigious Mr. Kentucky Baseball in 1998, a clear indicator of the talent that would soon showcase itself on professional fields.

From the Diamond to the Dugout

Before taking on the head coaching position, Kearns shared his knowledge as an assistant coach at West Jessamine High School, giving him not just insight into the team dynamics but also building a bond with the players and the community. He showcased his capability as an interim coach during the last few weeks of the 2025 season. Under his watchful eye, the Colts baseball team reached the 12th region championship game, a commendable achievement despite being narrowly edged out by Boyle County.

Timing Is Everything

As Kearns takes this exciting step forward, he mentions that the timing feels just right. He sees that the players are at an age and development stage where they are eager to learn and absorb everything they can. With his wealth of experience both on and off the field, he feels ready to mentor these young athletes and help them navigate the ups and downs of their own sports journeys. After all, experience is a critical teacher, and Kearns is set to share those valuable lessons with his team.

Family Ties

Kearns’ dedication extends beyond the field. He is not only a coach but also a proud father of two sons. His oldest, Aubrey, is already making waves in the baseball world. Graduating from West Jessamine in 2024, Aubrey started 38 games as a freshman for Morehead State in the Spring of 2025. Kearns also has another son who is currently navigating his middle school years in Jessamine County, ensuring that family is always at the heart of his endeavors.

Major League Accomplishments

Kearns made history when he was selected as the No. 7 overall pick in the 1998 MLB draft, straight out of Lafayette High School. During his notable career spanning from 2002 to 2013, he achieved a respectable batting average of .253, hitting 121 home runs across a total of 1,125 games. His pinnacle season arrived in 2002 with the Cincinnati Reds, where he recorded a remarkable batting average of .315 and achieved 13 home runs during 107 games. That same year, Kearns finished in third place in the National League Rookie of the Year voting, a testament to his incredible potential and skill.

A Personal Touch

Sadly, Kearns’ MLB career concluded in 2013 when the Marlins placed him on the restricted list due to his mother’s health emergency. However, that moment only strengthened his resolve to give back to his community and help foster the next generation of baseball players.

Kearns’ Coaching Philosophy

As he takes the helm, Kearns intends to instill in his players the invaluable lessons he’s learned throughout his journey. He aims to teach the importance of embracing challenges and how facing adversity can lead to growth and success both in sports and in life. With such heartfelt ambitions and extensive experience, Kearns is sure to inspire not only the players but the entire West Jessamine community!

Conclusion

As the West Jessamine Colts look ahead to a new season filled with hope and energy, fans and players alike are thrilled to have Austin Kearns leading the charge. Here’s to exciting game days ahead!

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