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The Texas A&M baseball team introduced a new head coach on Tuesday in former assistant Michael Earley. Earley was previously on staff with Jim Schlossnagle, who bolted for rival Texas shortly after season’s end.
Now, he looks to continue building the program after seeing the Aggies reach the national title series in June. Most are excited to see him take over!
That includes a number of players – most notably, superstar slugger Jace LaViolette.
After initially hopping in the transfer portal upon hearing of Schlossnagle’s departure, LaViolette reversed course when Earley was retained and given that promotion. He’ll now be back in College Station next year, alongside a few others who briefly flirted with the idea of leaving.
“I cried when I heard that Mike was our new head coach because that’s how much this man means to me and means to our team. He’s our rock, he’s our foundation, he’s why – one of the reasons why – we were even in Omaha last year…”
-Jace LaViolette
While the A&M hire has been met with much optimism, it’s clear that strong feelings still remain regarding Schlossnagle.
Not only did he bail on the program less than 24 hours after its most successful season, but he did so after adamantly denying interest in another school – and an archrival at that!
After seeing Schlossnagle bolt, former players blasted the coach. Most questioned the loyalty that he’d previously spoken so highly of.
The Aggies’ president did the same when introducing Schlossnagle’s replacement on Tuesday.
Texas A&M President Mark Welsh eviscerated his former baseball coach.
Jim Schlossnagle was offended by one particular question asked in his season-ending press conference. That inquiry revolved around Texas rumors as the reporter gauged interest in the opening.
“I think it’s pretty selfish of you to ask me that question,” the head coach responded. “I left my family to be the coach at Texas A&M. I took the job at Texas A&M to never take another job again.”
Schlossnagle left TCU looking for a fresh start after getting divorced from his wife, Kami. Texas A&M offered that clean slate.
“I’m not married anymore, and that’s a failure. Any time a marriage ends in divorce, that’s an incredibly painful thing. I don’t care how well it goes, it’s awful.”
-Jim Schlossnagle via The Battalion
President Mark Welsh subtly referenced that split at Michael Earley’s intro presser.
“He loves his family. It took Michael (Earley) about 30 seconds into our meeting to mention Lisa and the kids… People who love their families tend to be loyal, and so do Aggies.”
A direct shot!
There’s no love lost between the two sides, even with Texas A&M moving onto its next baseball hire. This should only spice up the rivalry next season when Schlossnagle lines up against his former assistant!