Eric Smith joined the Eastern Kentucky baseball coaching staff as the team’s volunteer assistant coach in August 2015.
Smith has coached at Philadelphia University, La Salle University and Mount St. Mary’s University.
The Marlton, New Jersey native spent the past three seasons as Philadelphia University’s assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. While at Philadelphia, Smith helped increase the team’s wins by 42 percent and lowered the team’s strikeouts by 33 percent. During Smith’s second season, the Rams reached the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
“I am truly excited to add Eric Smith to our staff,” EKU Head Coach Edwin Thompson said. “He is a first class person that emerged during the interview process as the most passionate, hardworking person who wants to be at EKU. He will do a great job working with our outfielders, assisting with our hitters, and directing our camps. He was one of the best hitters to ever play at Mount St. Mary’s and has become a great teacher of the game. I’m excited for our current players to get the opportunity to improve under his watch and see the energy he will add to our program.”
Smith got his start in coaching as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Mount St. Mary’s University (2007-10). Smith helped the 2008 squad make the first NCAA Regional appearance in the school’s history.
Smith also brings academic drive to the table. While coaching at Mount St. Mary’s, the Mountaineers carried a grade-point-average that was ranked in the top 10 percent nationally. Smith also helped coach 10 players who were named to the Northeast Conference Academic Honor Roll, four players who were named to the Commissioner’s Cup Academic Honor Roll and helped the team finish with the highest GPA in the NEC for the third straight year.
"I'm extremely honored and excited to be a Colonel and to work alongside Coach Thompson,” Smith said. “His energy and passion for daily excellence is contagious. This is an exciting time to be a part of Eastern Kentucky University. I'm looking forward to working with the staff and the players on the field and in the community to add to the championship legacy here at EKU."
Smith was the assistant coach and camp director at LaSalle from 2010-12. In 2011, the Explorers were the Big 5 Team of the Year after winning over 30 games. Smith was instrumental in the development of one of the nation’s best leadoff hitters in 2012.
During Smith’s playing career at Mount St. Mary’s he became the all-time leader in hits (198), runs (127), RBIs (139), total bases (304), and times hit by a pitch (33). He ended his career with the team’s fourth all-time leading batting average (.341). Smith was also named second team Al- Northeast Conference in 2004, 2005 and 2007.
Smith earned a degree in business from Mount St. Mary’s in 2007.
