Saylor named new CCMS baseball coach

MANCHESTER, Ky. – The CCMS Tiger Baseball program has a new leader at the helm! Coach Ronnie Saylor is now in command and looks to continue the success the program has had over the years. Coach Saylor is a Clay County resident who is employed by the FBOP here in Manchester, and he also is a former Alice Lloyd College baseball player of four years. 

Coach Saylor steps into a role that was filled by former Coach Brad Crawford for numerous years. “I’m so excited to get the season started with this program,” said Saylor. “I feel that we are young and this gives us a chance to grow the program into something we can be proud of. It is an honor to teach these young men the game of baseball.”

As said previously, Coach Saylor gained invaluable experience as a member of the ALC Baseball team for four years after his career at Garrard County High School. “Playing college baseball gives me a good understanding of the game which allows me to teach and build good habits on and off the field, which are equally important. My goal is to take what I learned at the college level and translate it into lessons that are positive and focused more on the growth of the individual player. Teaching these young men how to handle pressure, adversity, and what being a teammate really means.”

It’s no secret that baseball numbers have dipped in Clay County in recent years and the coaches within the Tiger Baseball program are working intensely to build it back to what it once was. To those who question whether their child should play, Coach Saylor asks that you give it a chance. “I’d absolutely tell them to come on out,” said Saylor. “It’s about learning, being part of a team, and having fun most of all. Baseball teaches numerous life lessons. This game is like no other game there is. It teaches you how to fail and get back up. If you can succeed in baseball, you can succeed in any other sport. You just might surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it once you get out there. All I ask is 100% effort and a good attitude. The rest we can work on together.”

Coach Saylor will be working cohesively with the CCHS staff to bring regional titles back to Clay County Baseball. “I want to send every kid to the high school in stride with what Coach Jason Smith is doing,” said Saylor. “We can compete for regional championships year in and year out. It’s not a win now mentality, it’s to build a dynasty at the high school level. If the kids finish the season more confident, better fundamentally, and excited to keep playing baseball, I’d call that a great year.”