"It's about serving these guys": Texas A&M AD Trev Alberts shares vision for Aggies' baseball program after 2024 CWS finals run
On Tuesday, Texas A&M Director of Athletics Trev Alberts introduced the school's new baseball coach, Michael Earley. During the press conference, Alberts touched upon many points of importance regarding the future of Texas A&M baseball. He laid out his vision for the future of Aggie baseball and said:
"People ask me all the time, 'What's your shared vision for the baseball program?' No. 1, we're going to have the best coaches in college baseball. We're going to hire servant leaders, coaches where it's not about them, it's about serving these guys, we're going to have the best development program in college baseball because that's what (Earley) is all about, right?"
It was also announced during the press conference that Texas A&M would be investing $80 million in renovations at Blue Bell, intending to turn it into the best stadium in college baseball. The Aggies reached the College World Series finals for the first time in the program's history this past season but lost coach Jim Schlossnagle to the Texas Longhorns immediately afterward.
With the announcement of Earley as the new coach and the plans to renovate Blue Bell, the College Station school is demonstrating a commitment to put baseball as a priority and to build upon the legacy of the 2024 season.
Trev Alberts and Texas A&M present Michael Earley as the new baseball head coach of the Aggies
Looking for a new coach after Jim Schlossnagle's exit was always going to be a tough ask. The Aggies decided to go the promotion route, elevating their hitting coach, Michael Earley, to the position of head coach.
Here's what Texas A&M AD Trev Alberts had to say about the pick during Tuesday's presentation ceremony:
"I am happy to announce that Michael Earley has been hired as our new Aggie baseball head coach. Michael is a very talented coach and recruiter, but what stood out to me was his character and the relationships he has built with his current and former players.
"During our interview process, he was really impressive. I think it helps that he knows our current roster, which finished second in the country, and he also knows Aggieland and the 12th Man. I am excited about the future of Aggie baseball. Please help me welcome home Michael and his family back to Aggieland."
Meanwhile, new Texas A&M coach Michael Earley himself was confident he was built for the challenge ahead:
“Here’s the deal. I’m ready for this, I’m built for this. I’ve seen what it takes to get almost to the top here. We were so close. Been to Omaha two of the last three years. I’ve worked, recruited and gone against these guys in the SEC the last three years. I completely understand I’ve never been a head coach, that’s fine. I’ve assembled a staff that has my back."
The pick of a coach who has zero experience as a head coach might seem odd to some, and somewhat of a letdown after the Schlossnagle saga. However, only time will tell if Texas A&M can build upon 2024's successes.