LAS CRUCES, N.M. – The New Mexico State baseball team hired former major leaguer, Anthony Claggett, as the pitching coach for the 2018 season.
“What a tremendous day for NM State Baseball to announce Anthony Claggett as our new pitching coach. To bring in a former New York Yankee with major league experience, as well as having led pitching staffs at both the professional and collegiate level is an absolute home run,” said NM State head baseball coach Brian Green. “Anthony will impact our program immediately. He is a person of high character and integrity, comes from a tremendous pedigree, and has knowledge of our recruiting area. Our guys will look forward to seeing and working with him on a daily basis. Becki and I and the entire Aggie Program are beyond excited to welcome him to Las Cruces”
Claggett spent the past year as a volunteer assistant coach for the San José State University baseball program. Claggett helped Spartans pitching coach, Dean Stiles, with pitching development and served as the first base coach.
While at San José State, Claggett led the pitching staff to finish third in the Mountain West Conference in earned run average (6.13). The former reliever also helped Josh Goldberg finish second in the conference in saves (6).
Two of Claggett’s former players went on to get selected in the 2017 MLB Draft. The Cleveland Indians selected Josh Nashed in the 19th round and the San Francisco Giants took Matt Brown in the 27th round. The pair were the first Spartans drafted since 2013.
Prior to his stint with San José State, Claggett spent time at Riverside Community College. He served as the Tiger’s pitching coach and assistant recruiting coordinator in 2016.
With Claggett’s help, Riverside CC finished with a record of 25-18 in a year where they reached the second round of the California Community College Athletic Association Regional Playoffs. While coaching for the Tiger’s, Claggett also led the pitching staff to finish third out of 88 teams in the CCCAA in ERA (2.83).
For the 2015 season, Claggett was the pitching coach for the New Jersey Jackals of the Canadian-American Association of Professional Baseball league. The Jackals had the best staff ERA in the Can-Am League and reached the championship round.
The pitching staff for the Jackals, under Claggett’s tenure, finished third in wins, second in strikeouts and had three of the top four individual ERA’s in the league.
Claggett started his coaching career in 2014 at the College of the Desert serving as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator for the Roadrunners.
An 11th round draft pick in 2005 by the Detroit Tigers, Claggett made his major league debut in 2009 with the World Series Champion New York Yankees. Claggett also spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
His 11-year professional playing career includes seven minor league seasons where he posted 35 wins and 39 saves.
In 2006, MiLB.com named him Minor League Class A Relief Pitcher of the Year. Pitching for the West Michigan Whitecaps, the right-hander posted an ERA of 0.91 over 59 1/3 innings and finished with a record of 7-2 and 14 saves.
Claggett received his bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix in 2015.
He began his college career at UC Riverside and played three seasons for the Highlanders as a middle infielder and relief pitcher.
Andrew Checketts
Head Coach – UC Santa Barbara
“Anthony is a great hire for the Aggies. He has leadership skills, a bright baseball mind and a tremendous work ethic. Anthony has experience as a player and coach that will be invaluable for their pitchers. I’m confident he will represent the New Mexico State baseball program in a first-class manner on and off the field and will work diligently to recruit quality student-athletes.”
Dennis Rogers
Community College Baseball Hall of Famer, Former Head Coach – Riverside CC
“Anthony Claggett brings an enormous amount baseball acumen. His vigor for pitching development, and player recruitment make him one of the up and coming young pitching coaches in America. His ability to teach, and communicate with student-athletes helps ensure that New Mexico State baseball will be in great hands. Under Coach Green’s leadership, I am positive Anthony will assimilate to NM State baseball, the community, and the State of New Mexico.”
