Matt McCarty begins his second year coaching summer collegiate baseball by joining Clayton Kuklick on the SteepleCats’ staff. McCarty brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that should meld nicely with Kuklick’s catching background.

McCarty completed his first year as an assistant coach alongside Kuklick at Shepherd University. Under McCarty, the Rams’ pitching staff was among the WVIAC’s leaders in pick-offs and fewest walks allowed. Relief pitcher Trevor McClain was also one of the better arms in the conference with a low-3 ERA and an opponents’ batting average around .250.

Last summer, McCarty was an assistant coach with the Winchester Royals of the Valley League, helping the team to a 29-21 record. The Royals pitching staff closed out the season second in the league in wins and strikeouts. Winchester finished in the top three in most major offensive categories and had a league-leading .970 fielding percentage.

As a starting pitcher for the Shepherd Rams from 2008-09, McCarty gained NCBWA All-America honors as a junior and helped lead the Rams to the WVIAC title and an NCAA regional appearance as a senior in 2009. He earned a degree in Fitness Exercise Science.