News Summary

Gastonia welcomes former MLB pitcher Seth McClung as the new head coach of the Ashbrook High School baseball team. With an impressive playing career and prior coaching success, McClung aims to inspire young athletes and lead the Eagles to new heights in the upcoming season. A meet-and-greet event is scheduled for Thursday, providing an opportunity for the community to welcome him.

Exciting News for Gastonia: Seth McClung Takes the Helm at Ashbrook High School Baseball!

Gastonia just got a little more exciting with the announcement that former MLB pitcher Seth McClung has been named the new head coach of the Ashbrook High School baseball team! This 44-year-old baseball aficionado not only brings a wealth of experience as a player but also possesses a deep love for the game that is sure to inspire young athletes.

From the Majors to High School Dreams

Seth McClung isn’t just any coach; he’s had a storied career that began in Cramerton, North Carolina, where he attended Cramerton Junior High before going on to shine at Greenbrier East High School in West Virginia. There, he earned two-time All-American honors, paving his way to the big leagues. Fast forward to 1999, when he was drafted in the fifth round of the MLB Draft. Over the next 16 years, McClung took his talents to Major League Baseball, playing for teams such as the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers.

Through his professional career, he accumulated some impressive stats, finishing with a record of 26 wins and 35 losses, alongside 346 strikeouts and a 5.46 earned run average. He also spent valuable time honing his skills in Triple-A with the Durham Bulls.

A Legacy Beyond Baseball

Adding an interesting twist to his life story, Seth is also the uncle of two-time NBA slam dunk champion Mac McClung. With such athletic prowess in the family, it’s clear that sports run deep in the McClung lineage!

Before arriving at Ashbrook, McClung jumped into the coaching realm, holding the head coach position at Tarpon Springs High School in Florida for two seasons. His impact was feels immediately; the team transformed from a struggling 6-21 record to a whopping 30 wins in just two years! That’s not just progress; that’s a baseball revolution! In fact, previous to McClung’s arrival, Tarpon Springs baseball had a decade’s worth of struggles, recording a dismal 61-159. Under his guidance, they even reached a district runner-up finish last spring, showing that the future is bright.

Meet and Greet: Welcoming Seth

Excitement is in the air as Ashbrook High School prepares for a special meet-and-greet event featuring their new coach. The meet-and-greet is slated for this Thursday at 4 p.m. in the school’s conference room, and it’s a perfect opportunity for students, parents, and fans of the Eagles to come and welcome McClung to the family. Get ready for some friendly faces and a whole lot of enthusiasm!

A New Chapter for Ashbrook Baseball

With Seth McClung at the helm, the Ashbrook Eagles are poised for progress. He brings not just experience, but passion for the game and a genuine interest in developing young talent. His journey from high school standout to major leaguer and now a high school coach is bound to resonate with the players, making them believe that they, too, can achieve their dreams.

McClung’s approach to coaching is likely to focus on discipline, hard work, and—most importantly—fun! Let’s face it, he’s been where many of these young players dream of going, and his ability to relate to them makes him an ideal mentor. With his leadership, the Eagles could soar to new heights this upcoming season!

Keep an eye on the 2024 Ashbrook High School baseball season. With Seth McClung in charge, it might just be a game-changer for Gastonia baseball fans. Stay tuned as this story unfolds!

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