Titans Sign California State Player of the Year Eddie McKiernan as their Pitching Coordinator

The Titans Baseball Club is pleased to announce the signing of Eddie McKiernan as our new Pitching Coordinator.  Coach McKiernan was born and raised in Southern California. He is a distinguished 2007 graduate of Monrovia High School where he won a State title in 2006 and was named State player of the year. After a fine high school career, McKiernan committed to the University of Nevada Las Vegas as a pitcher and infielder. In 2007, he was also drafted in the 17th round of the MLB draft by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim as a pitcher. He pitched 6 seasons with the Angels organization, spending parts of 3 years in Triple A. In 2013, he spent the season with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. After Spring Training in 2014, he retired to pursue his career as a coach.

Coach McKiernan’s transition from player to coach started at Monrovia High School, where he served as an assistant from 2014-2016. He was promoted to Head Coach at La Salle High School in Pasadena, California where, in his first season, he managed his team to the State title game in 2017.  Eddie also ran an indoor baseball facility and club teams from 2008-2017, where he coached over 100 college and pro baseball players. He also was part of the SGV Arsenal program, one of the top club programs in the USA, with Garrett Cole, Aaron Hicks, Aaron Sanchez, and Lucas Giolito among its many distinguished alumni. In 2020, Eddie moved to Newmarket to be with his wife Natalee and two boys, Owen and Miller. 

With the Titans organization doubling in size from two to four teams in their inaugural season, there will be much to do for our new Pitching Coordinator from California.  Maximizing the potential of each of the Titans’ thirty-five pitchers is the first order of business for the former Los Angeles Angels’ product.  Eddie’s high performance experiences as California Athlete of the Year and his mound appearances in College, AAA, and Major League baseball will be the basis of improving the performance of Titans pitchers:  “I’ve been lucky enough to have some amazing pitching coaches in my career. I will take everything I have learned and pass the knowledge along to the boys. The boys will be on a tightly-watched program. I will help them really understand their craft, and maximize each player’s potential.” Maximizing his own potential led Eddie to many highlights in his playing career but one was most special: “My first big league camp invite in 2009. I was 20 years old in a clubhouse with guys I looked up to growing up. I pitched well, got invited to be part of the freeway series. Pitched against the San Diego Padres at Angel Stadium in relief, 3 up 3 down!”  

With these kind of professional experiences under his belt, Eddie joined the Titans in time for their two-day camp on September 1-2 at Stewart Burnett Park and the True North Fieldhouse where he threw BP, measured pitching velocities, and coordinated bullpen sessions to get to know the hitters and the pitchers in the organization. Easing into the program came easily for Eddie, but he also acknowledges that the Titans have their work cut out for them as they join the best youth league in Canada:  “I enjoy working with youth athletes that have the desire to play at the next level. The CPBL has some really good programs, helping the Titans be prepared for that will be a lot of fun.” It was evident in the two days of interaction that Eddie will be a cherished organizational asset that augments our professional coaching staff.  He was open about his best assets as a coach:  “I think my best skill as a coach is getting the most out of each athlete. I build relationships with players earn trust, and push them to the limits.”  

Pushing pitchers will be an organizational focus during Fall Ball and the off-season by using technological tools like Rapsodo and the expertise of our Pitching Coordinator. Director of Operations and Player Development Lawrence Vera is excited by the prospect of Eddie’s impact on Titans pitchers: “We are bringing in a former pro athlete that wants to see kids succeed. Regardless of their current level, Eddie is committed to getting the best out of all our pitchers.” Coach Vera believes that his new Pitching Coordinator significantly strengthens the Titans organization:  “We already had great line up of coaches heading into our first CPBL season.  Eddie truly is the cherry on top. Bringing his West Coast experience and college connections will push the Titans forward.This fit was on display immediately at Titans Camp in September as Coach McKiernan bonded with Titans Front Office Staff, Coaches, Parents, and most importantly our seventy players who form the basis of our baseball organization.

A warm Canadian welcome is extended to California Coach Eddie McKiernan from the Titans Baseball Club of the Canadian Premier Baseball League.