Auburn, Ala - - Congrats to Eddy Ketelhut -Â Auburn softball hires Eddy Ketelhut as hitting coach
Fans gather at Jane B. Moore Field in Auburn, Ala., to watch Auburn take on Oklahoma in the final game of the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City, Okla., Wednesday, June 8, 2016.
(Julie Bennett/jbennett@al.com)
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ORIGINAL STORY by James Crepea
Auburn softball has officially hired Eddy Ketelhut as its new hitting coach.
Ketelhut was most recently with the Beverly Bandits club organization and has coached at Detroit Mercy, Northwood University, several Michigan high schools and club organizations.
He also played 15 years of men's pro fastpitch softball, including as a member of the team USA player pool.
Auburn coach Mickey Dean cited Ketelhut's experience as a factor in adding him to the staff.
"He has a great deal of experience; not just in the hitting, but in all facets of the game," Dean said. "He's a hard worker, he's a grinder, and that's what I was looking for."
Maren Angus first reported the hiring of Ketelhut, who attended Seminole Junior College in Oklahoma and Central Michigan University on baseball scholarships.
Ketelhut replaces Gerry Glasco, who left following fall practice to become the head coach at Louisiana-Lafayette.
"We're trying not to make it rocket science," Dean said. "I think when you put together a staff the faces may change but the philosophy stays the same. I think it was just a matter of getting someone in here that they could be comfortable with and I think we've done that. "
Catcher Courtney Shea and center fielder Victoria Draper said there isn't a huge difference in approach from Ketelhut compared to Glasco's emphasis on power.
"It's still see ball, hit ball. Hit it far, hit it hard," Shea saud. "I'm really excited to get into a routine with a new hitting coach. So we got a lot of instruction with him (Friday). Kind of got to feel out my swing and other girls' also, so I like him."
James Crepea is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @JamesCrepea.
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 NOTE by AD - Fans of the Men's game will remember Eddy from his position behind the plate and at the plate for the Midland Explorers and Team USA.
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