FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
LEXINGTON, Va. – Daniel Latham, former assistant coach at High Point and 15th-round draft pick of the Minnesota Twins, has been named the new assistant coach for VMI baseball, according to information released by the program Monday. Latham’s primary responsibilities will be developing and mentoring the Keydet pitchers.
Latham comes to VMI from Big South rival High Point, where he primarily worked with the pitching staff. He was also responsible for the Panthers’ baseball camps, as well as other areas of the program, including travel and academics. Latham came to High Point after playing one year in the Minnesota Twins organization, which he was drafted by following a standout career at Tulane.
“I am very excited to add Daniel to our staff,” said VMI head coach Marlin Ikenberry. “He played at a high level of college baseball at Tulane, and comes from a great mentor in Craig Cozart at High Point. I believe that Daniel will bring a lot of energy, passion and knowledge to our pitching staff.”
Latham, who worked out of the bullpen while at Tulane, ranks at the all-time leader in saves in Conference USA (43). That total is also a Tulane record, while his 122 appearances (121 in relief) rank second. Among NCAA career leaders, Latham still ranks sixth in saves, ninth in relief appearances and 15th in overall appearances.
Perhaps Latham’s strongest collegiate season was 2005, when he helped Tulane reach the College World Series as a sophomore. The new VMI assistant notched five saves and a win in postseason play that year, and would go on to be named team MVP for the Hyannis Mets in the well-known Cape Cod League that summer. He would return to the Cape the following season and earn All-Star honors, before being tabbed by the Twins in the 15th round in 2007.
Latham received his bachelor’s degree in communications from Tulane in 2007, and is a native of Covington, La.
