Casey Hodges, who helped Patrick Henry Community College to a record setting season in 2016, will guide the Golden Eagle pitching staff, head coach Andrew Wright announced Thursday.
"Casey brings a high level pitching mind to the University of Charleston," Wright said. "His track record of development, his ability to communicate with his players and his knowledge of pitching make him a huge addition to our program. Casey's pitching staffs have done an incredible job at helping the Patriots average close to 40 wins over the last 3 seasons. He played a huge role in Mount Olive's 2008 National Championship and along with his time in professional baseball, he will bring an incredible perspective to our pitching staff."
Hodges, a Franklin County, Virginia native, played collegiately at Radford University, Patrick Henry CC and Mount Olive College, prior to being drafted in the 23rd round of the 2008 MLB Draft. Hodges was a member of Mount Olive's National Championship team, where he went 10-1 with a 2.53 ERA. He would go on to play 4 seasons of professional baseball reaching High A with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, including being named the Braves Organizational Pitcher of the Month in June 2008 .
In Hodges' 3 years in charge of the PHCC pitching staffs, the Patriots recorded 119 wins, 802 strikeouts in 1252 2/3 innings pitched and an ERA of 3.56. "The success and development of our pitching staff is of the utmost importance and I believe under Casey's guidance we will have a chance to do something really special here at UC," Wright added.
Hodges is the son of 12 year MLB veteran, Ron Hodges, who caught for the New York Mets from 1973-1984. His 3 brothers Riley (Ferrum), Gray (Virginia Tech), and Nat (Radford/Ferrum), all played collegiate baseball as well.
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HODGES' COACHING CAREER NOTABLES AT PATRICK HENRY CC
Wins: 119
Losses: 47
Saves: 18
CG: 33
IP: 1252 2/3
H: 1220
R: 671
ER: 496
BB: 373
K: 993
K/9: 7.95
ERA: 3.56
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Coaches of the Year
Lucas Jones (2014)
Frank Jagoda (2016)
All Americans
Yashuan Santiago (2015)
All Region
Jack Maynard (2015, 2016)
Kemper Terry (2016)
Yashuan Santiago (2015)
Scott Spradlin (2014)
Alex Brown (2014)
Program Records
Team Wins (2015, 39) (2016, 43)
Team Strikeouts (2016, 475)
Team K/9 (2016, 9.87)
Team ERA (2014, 3.14)
Fewest Walks (2015, 90)
Single Season Strikeouts (2016, 121) (Jack Maynard)
Career Strikeouts (Jack Maynard)
Career Wins (Jack Maynard)
Career CG (Jack Maynard)
Career Shutouts (Jack Maynard)
Single Season Shutouts (Jack Maynard)
Career ERA (Jack Maynard)
No Hitters
Jack Maynard (2016)
Yashuan Santiago (2015)
David Fernandez (2015)
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HODGES PLAYING CAREER NOTES
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At Mount Olive
-All American (2008)
-World Series All-Tournament Team (2008)
-National Champion (2008)
-Gaylord Perry Award Winner (North Carolina Amateur Pitcher of the Year, 2008)
-17-2 in career at Mount Olive with 2.35 ERA
Professionally
-23rd Round Draft Pick (Atlanta Braves)
-Appeared in over 100 professional games
-Top in ERA in the Appalachian League
-Organizational Pitcher of the Month (June 2008)
-Played for the following teams:
               -Danville Braves (Advanced Rookie)
               -Rome Braves (Low A)
               -Myrtle Beach Pelicans (High A)
               -Winnipeg Goldeyes (Northern League)
               -Kansas City T-Bones (Northern League)
               -Rockland Boulders (Can-Am League)
               -Toros de Cali (Colombia, South America-La Liga Renteria Professional)
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WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT CASEY HODGES
"Casey is baseball. It is a lifestyle that has literally been engrained in him since he was born. His knowledge and understanding make him a fantastic hire for the pitching coach position at the University of Charleston. I have no doubt he will focus his attention on the development of the players. The players will know he cares for them and that he is invested in their well-being. Casey is a remarkable coach but an even better person."
                                                                                               -Lucas Jones, Head Coach, Washington and Lee University
"Casey Hodges is a great baseball mind and an even better pitching guy. His experience not only as a college coach but as a professional athlete speaks for itself, it is his attention to detail that rivals nothing else. He will be a great fit and work tirelessly to help continue an expected culture within the program. As I am sad to see him go, I wish nothing but the best for him."
                                                                                               -Frank Jagoda, Head Coach, Patrick Henry Community College
"The University of Charleston hit a grand slam hiring Casey to oversee the pitching. Not only is he a great instructor and evaluator of talent, but Casey is also a natural leader. The Golden Eagles pitching staff is in great hands."
                                                                                               -Joey Seal, Associate Head Coach, Norfolk State University
