FARMVILLE, Va. – Longwood University first-year baseball head coach Brian McCullough has announced the appointment of Matt Rein as the squad's new volunteer assistant coach. Rein comes to Longwood following professional stints with the Johnson City Cardinals, a member of the Appalachian League, and with the Batavia Muckdogs, a member of the New York-Penn League, both affiliates of the St. Louis Cardinals.
"We are pleased to welcome Matt Rein to the Longwood Baseball family," said McCullough. "Having been a successful Division I pitcher, he should be a great asset in developing and refining our pitching staff. He understands the value of preparation and the hard work it takes to become a successful baseball player in the Big South Conference. While his primary coaching focus will be on our pitching staff, his ability to throw left-handed batting practice will help in developing Longwood hitters, as well. We feel that Matt will be a naturally good fit for our tradition-rich Lancer baseball team, and we look forward to his growth as an aspiring young coach."
Rein made 15 appearances on the mound in 2011 for Johnson City, compiling a 2-1 record with a 3.60 ERA. He hurled 26 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched, while allowing 23 hits for a .284 average.
Prior to his professional career, Rein was a four-year standout at Coastal Carolina University. In 2011, he was named an American Baseball Coaches' Association (ABCA) All-American after earning Big South Pitcher of the Year accolades. Rein was a two-time All-Big South First Team selection, as well, totaling 21 career wins with a 2.99 career ERA for the Chanticleers.
Rein, a native of Houston, Texas, received his bachelor's degree from Coastal Carolina in May 2013.
