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Former MLB pitcher hired to lead Cape Central baseball
Cape Central High School’s search for a new baseball coach ended as soon as July began.
Former Major League pitcher Matt Palmer has been hired to be the Tigers' new head coach, as announced on Tuesday, July 2.
Palmer, a Caruthersville native, previously served as the head coach of the American Leadership Academy in Gilbert, Arizona. Under his leadership, ALA went from an eight-win team prior to his hiring to 12-7 his first season, and 14-5 next year, which ended with a trip to the state quarterfinals in Class 4.
Palmer was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 31st round of the 2002 MLB Draft. He made his big league debut with the Giants in 2008.
Palmer went on to spend the next three years of his career with the Los Angeles Angels from 2009-2011, and then finally with the San Diego Padres in 2012 before spending the rest of his 13-year professional career in the minor leagues.
Palmer last played for the Tacoma Rainers of the Pacific Coast League in 2014. He went 66-75 with a 4.17 ERA in 309 minor league games (180 starts). He also pitched 63 games in the big leagues (20 starts) with a 13-7 record and 4.56 ERA.
Palmer played his high school ball at Caruthersville before attending Three Rivers College on a baseball scholarship. After his two-year stint with the Raiders, Palmer transferred to Missouri State (then known as Southwest Missouri State) to finish his college career.
The Cape Central Tigers finished 10-25 last season and have had only one winning season in the last seven years. The Tigers return all but one senior.