The Eastern Kentucky University baseball program has been experiencing a period of success under the leadership of head coach Chris Prothro. The team has achieved their most wins in more than 30 years and claimed the ASUN Conference Championship in 2022. Prothro’s coaching efforts have established a highly competitive baseball program at EKU, garnering attention from local and national baseball enthusiasts.
EKU’s impressive 38-20 record in 2022 led them to tie for the best record in the conference, while they also won more conference games than any previous EKU team. Additionally, the team won all three of their games in pool play to advance to the ASUN Tournament semifinals, where two teams later made it to the NCAA Tournament. These achievements have resulted in a pre-season ranking of 46th by Collegiate Baseball News in the Fabulous 50 NCAA Division I Pre-Season Poll.
Moreover, EKU’s baseball program has succeeded in both athletic and academic fronts. The team has been recognized for academic excellence, boasting the three highest cumulative semester grade point averages in EKU baseball program history. The team has also gained national attention for their recruiting success, as EKU’s 2023 recruiting class was ranked higher than some well-known baseball programs in the country.
Furthermore, investments in the program by the university have continued in recent years, with the installation of a new artificial surface and Trackman at Earle Combs Stadium, providing valuable technological tools for training and player development. Additionally, a brand new Daktronics videoboard was installed in the stadium ahead of the 2023 season.
Prothro’s leadership, dedication, and successful coaching tactics have been recognized by EKU, who offered him a new four-year contract after the 2022 season. EKU’s Athletic Director, Matt Roan, has praised Prothro for his ability to build an outstanding staff and roster full of young men that he continues developing into leaders. The program’s success has also increased fan interest, resulting in record ticket sales for the team.
Looking to the future, Prothro and the EKU baseball team continue to set high expectations for themselves, aiming for further success in the upcoming season. The success of the program can be attributed to the efforts of Prothro, his staff, student-athletes, and the support of the university and fans. With the team’s impressive track record, EKU baseball is sure to continue thriving in the years to come.
