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Baylor Baseball

Update: James Leverton Out as Baylor Baseball's Pitching Coach

May 22, 2024
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James Leverton is out as Baylor baseball’s pitching coach after two seasons, sources confirmed to SicEm365 Wednesday evening.

In two years under Leverton, the Bears pitching staff struggled immensely. In 2024, BU had the highest ERA (6.51) in the Big 12 and the fourth-highest in the Power Five. Baylor was also last in the conference in free passes issued (340) and second-to-last in batting average against (.284).

In Mitch Thompson’s first year at the helm in 2023, Leverton’s pitching staff had similar numbers; they were last in the Big 12 in ERA (6.36), free passes allowed (357) and batting average against (.300).

Jack Mackenzie - SicEm365
Baylor’s pitching staff has had the highest ERA in the Big 12 in back-to-back seasons.

Next season, Baylor will have a strong nucleus of talented young arms – most notably All-Big 12 lefty Ethan Calder (So.).

In addition to developing the young core, the Bears' new pitching coach must help Thompson navigate the transfer portal in the coming weeks. The team’s biggest need this offseason is to acquire veteran pitchers.

The Bears Friday night starter, Mason Marriott (Jr.), is expected to test the MLB Draft waters this summer; if he returns, it would be a substantial boost to Thompson’s 2025 roster. Incoming freshman Brayden Bergman is a high-profile recruit who can hit the mid-to-upper 90s on his fastball; whether he chooses to go to college or play professionally will also be something to monitor.


Stay tuned for Baylor baseball offseason coverage on SicEm365.

Discussion from...

Update: James Leverton Out as Baylor Baseball's Pitching Coach

7,953 Views | 6 Replies | Last: 4 mo ago by Yogi
Jorkel
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That team ERA in league play is/was atrocious.
Chucky38
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Any news/rumors on who Baylor is looking at for their new pitching coach?
william
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Orel Hershisher.

- KKM
pro ecclesia, pro javelina
Stefano DiMera
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Tom House.
TeamPlayer
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The Mitch Thompson regime is playing out exactly how many assumed it would. Weak, effortless hire by Mack, but we're now a basketball/football school so baseball takes a 3rd class seat. Had so many great memories in late 90's to the end of Smitty, so it's sad to see the program in the state that it's in. At least Mitch gets an improved retirement package after getting a few years in TRS.
Yogi
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Hard to believe it has been 25 years since Baylor Ballpark's first super regional.
"Smarter than the Average Bear."
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