Hayden Cross
Murray
Summary
Process-driven baseball coach with a strong background in catching and hitting, offering three years of coaching experience at the Division I level and a five-year collegiate career at the Division I level. Proven track record in developing athletes' skills on both sides of the baseball.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Player Development
Murray State University
07.2024 - Current
- In two years at Murray State, I served as the catching coach, bullpen coach, and first base coach, while also assisting with the offense. I was in charge of daily defensive work and defensive meetings with catchers, as well as creating catching plans. At practice, I helped with the offense, including base running, bunting, and hitting.
- In 2024, developed 1st-Team All-MVC and 11th round pick Will Vierling
- Murray State catchers led the MVC in CS% in 2024 and CS in 2025.
- Helped lead the Racers to their first NCAA regional appearance since 2003, the first NCAA Super Regional in school history, and the first MCWS appearance in school history.
- I also helped with on-campus recruiting, including scouting, phone calls, and tours. I managed all operations for road trips and meals and was in charge of maintaining the field throughout the year.
Graduate Assistant
Appalachian State University
07.2023 - 07.2024
- As a graduate assistant and catching coach, I worked with catchers and helped with the offense. I created plans to continue their defensive development, including defensive practice plans and throwing plans. I assisted with the offense and helped the Mountaineers to a single-season program record with 96 home runs and a Sun Belt Conference leading .919 team OPS. During games, I served as the bullpen coach and scouted opposing catchers.
Assistant Coach
Boone Bigfoots (CPL)
06.2022 - 07.2023
- As an assistant coach, I served as the third base coach and head assistant. I worked with both catchers and hitters. I was also in charge of maintaining facilities and helping with gameday decisions.
Education
Mathematics (MA) -
Appalachian State University
12-2024
Mathematics - Secondary Education (BS) -
Appalachian State University
12-2023
Skills
- Player evaluation
- Catching/Hitting Development
- Communication
- Synergy
- 643-Charts
- 63 Analytics
Playing Experience
- Appalachian State University / Catcher
- July 2018 - May 2023
- Three year starting catcher from 2021-2023
- As a senior, I helped lead the Mountaineers to the first 30-win season since 2013 and the program’s first conference semifinals appearance in the Sun Belt.
- Named 2022 All-Sun Belt Second Team at catcher
- Batted .305/.399/.429 in 2022 and .327/.434/.514 in 2023
- Led the Sun Belt in CS in 2023 and ranked 3rd in CS in 2022
Timeline
Director of Player Development
Murray State University
07.2024 - Current
Graduate Assistant
Appalachian State University
07.2023 - 07.2024
Assistant Coach
Boone Bigfoots (CPL)
06.2022 - 07.2023
Mathematics (MA) -
Appalachian State University
Mathematics - Secondary Education (BS) -
Appalachian State University