SALEM, West Virginia - Even though the majority of spring sports are still a few weeks out, Salem's Baseball program has some big news to share in the midst of their preparations for the 2024 spring campaign. Head Baseball Coach JT Heenan has decided to step down ahead of the season, and lead assistant Kassidy Gaines will be at the helm for the Tigers on an interim basis for the 2024 season. Additionally, current assistant Jason Schutte will take over the lead assistant duties under Gaines.
Heenan makes this move in order to take on a new role with Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers as a Development Coach, where he will begin working with the reigning World Series Champions at their spring training complex in Arizona.
Heenan had this to say in regards to the move. "I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to lead the Salem baseball program over the past 3.5 years. With the amount of time and effort we have invested in the program's growth and development, I believe Coach Gaines is more than prepared to take the program to the next level. Kassidy has been with me every step of the way. He has been the catalyst of our success, and he will continue that success in his new role as interim head coach. I am also thrilled Coach Schutte has been promoted. Schutte is one of the best coaches and people I have ever worked with, and the players are lucky to keep him on staff. Salem is a special place with special people. It takes a special person to lead its baseball program and Kassidy Gaines is the right man for the job."
Gaines comes off of 3 years as an assistant under Heenan, where he worked predominantly with the pitching staff. Gaines has also been in a key recruiting role for the Tigers during that time. Prior to Salem, Gaines worked as an assistant coach at Saint Cloud State and Bemidji State.As a player, Gaines had a successful career as a pitcher at Northern State after developing in the junior college ranks at Grays Harbor College in Washington. He also pitched a full season of independent professional baseball with the Utica Unicorns of USPBL.
The Salem Tigers wish Head Coach JT Heenan the best in his new endeavor, and are still excited for what the 2024 season has in store. Salem opens the season on the road against the Nighthawks of North Georgia on February 9th at 4 PM. The Tigers make their home debut the next weekend, on February 17th at Noon against the Walsh Cavaliers at Frank Loria Memorial Field.
