Newport, RI: The Newport Gulls are thrilled to announce the hiring of Kevin Smith as pitching coach for the 2025 season, Smith brings 46 years of coaching experience to Newport, Smith steps into shoes of Kevin Long, who was a member of the Gulls coaching staff for four NECBL championships.

Smith, a former high school teacher, has coached baseball dating back to his teaching days as early as 1979. In 1994, he began his college coaching journey as pitching coach for Citrus  Community College in Glendora, California. Smith has been a pitching coach for several colleges in California, including Pomona Pitzer, University of La Verne and Providence Christian College. Smith also has head coaching experience at Mt. San Antonio College and most recently Providence Christian. Smith, one of the most tenured and accomplished baseball men in California, was honored by being inducted to the California Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.

Smith is a summer ball veteran as well, even spending a couple of summers in the NECBL with the North Adams SteepleCats as their pitching coach, as well as a season with the Newark Pilots. Smith has coached 22 players who have played at the professional level, including 2022 American League All-Star Ty France.

Smith values the relationships formed between player and coach immensely, stating “I enjoy learning about each individual player and finding out what motivates them… Open communication leads to trust in all areas.” He will have the opportunity to get to know a fantastic pitching staff in Newport this summer, with great arms such as Kade Shatwell, Caden Connolly and countless others.

For more information about the Newport Gulls, visit facebook.com/newportgulls, follow the Gulls on Twitter @NewportGulls or visit www.newportgulls.com.