Matt McCarty is in his second year as the head baseball coach of Shepherd University after being named as the interim head baseball coach in September 2012 and was elevated to head baseball coach in July 2013.
In his first season at the helm of the program, he led the team to 28-20 overall with a conference record of 21-10. Since taking over the program, McCarty’s vision of elevating the program to nationally known premises is evident by the program’s efforts on the recruiting trail and work ethic that is instilled in the classroom and on the baseball field.
McCarty has been a staple in Shepherd baseball dating back to his playing days for Rams in 2008-09. McCarty has been affiliated with Shepherd baseball for the past five years. During his time as a player, assistant coach and head coach, McCarty has been a part of 159 Ram victories. Along with being the program’s head coach, McCarty serves as the pitching coach for a staff that has experienced ample amounts of success in the past years. Since shifting to pitching coach duties in 2012, the team’s ERA has nearly dropped 2.50 runs in two years, with a team ERA of 4.49 in 2013. While coaching at Shepherd, McCarty has coached 13 All-Conference performers, six All-Region performers, and four All-Americans.
McCarty has had 14 players move on to the professional ranks including 2011 first round pick Cory Spangenberg. Over the last two years, the Rams have had two individuals drafted by Major League Baseball clubs (Nathan Minnich -- 8th round Boston Red Sox, Josh McCauley -- 21st Chicago Cubs).
McCarty played for the Rams from 2008-09. He earned NCBWA All-American accolades in the 2008 after posting an 8-2 record on the mound with 1.91 ERA and a .353 batting average for the Rams. In 2009, McCarty set a program record for single season strikeouts with 94 in 80 innings of work. McCarty also gained playing experience in the renowned Valley Baseball League with the Front Royal Cardinals.
McCarty has gained valuable coaching experience in collegiate summer leagues. In 2010 McCarty made his first appearance on the coaching scene with the Winchester Royals of the Valley Baseball League, he helped guide the North Adams Steeplecats of the New England Collegiate Baseball League in 2011, and in 2012 he assisted with the Front Royal Cardinals of the Valley Baseball League.
McCarty earned his bachelor’s degree in fitness and exercise science with a minor in athletic coaching from Shepherd in 2010.
He currently resides in Winchester, Virginia.
