Yeshiva University Director of Athletics, Joe Bednarsh, announced the hiring of Marty Craft as the Head Coach of the YU baseball team on Monday. Craft will look to build the baseball program into a contender in the Skyline Conference.
“I am grateful to Mr. Bednarsh and his Athletics Staff for allowing me to share the baseball knowledge I have acquired with the players at Yeshiva,” Craft said. “As a teenager, I had the unique experience of working as a batboy for the Triple-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres for three seasons. Those early contacts and interactions regarding fundamentals, strategy, and baseball protocol alongside aspiring professional players left an indelible mark on my psyche, and I have followed a life in the game ever since.”
Prior to Yeshiva, Craft served as the Baseball Operations Director and Pitching Coach for Division I Saint Peter’s University from 2004-2008. During his tenure, the Peacocks won the most games in school history during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. While at Saint Peter’s, Craft primarily worked with the pitching staff, but was also involved in position player development, as well as assisting with scouting and recruiting.
“Marty has already started making his mark on the program,” Mr. Bednarsh said. “His experience, skill, and demeanor is going to help turn this program around and I’m excited to see what he can do.”
Craft worked for Big League Systems as a Charting and Video Analyst from 1996-2011. BLS provided Major League Baseball clients with relational statistics and video analysis to assist them with both competitive action plans and individual player development. BLS also began an online player assessment program where amateur players could obtain advice on their personal development from professional coaches.
From 1988-2002, Craft worked with the San Francisco Giants Baseball Fantasy Camps and Youth Camps/Clinics. He served as the Director of Operations for the programs from 1998 through 2002. Responsible for all on field fundamentals instruction and drills coordination, he worked with former MLB coaches and players to create a realistic spring training experience for attendees.
Craft’s playing experience included collegiate seasons with Chabot College and California State University Hayward, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications. After tryouts in Japan with the Taiyo Whales and Yomiuri Giants, he played two seasons in Australia with the Williamstown Wolves and Doncaster Dragons of the Victoria Baseball Association.
“I would be remiss if I did not use this opportunity to thank my wife Christine Adair, for this would not be possible without her support,” Craft said. “I would also like to share a few names of individuals who have been of tremendous assistance and encouragement; The Alexander Family – Dennis, Linda, Big Dennis, Paul Bayse, Kristen Collishaw, Jon Dandes, Mark Grant, Andy and Debra Guiliano, Richard Hertz, Chris Innis, Conor Mullee, and Charlie Rozzi.”
By YUMACS.com
