After seven years at the helm, Southeastern head baseball coach Zach Crabtree announced his resignation last week in order to pursue opportunities at his high school alma mater at Colbert. Athletic director Keith Baxter pointed to the success of Crabtree, who was just the fourth head coach in the history of the program when he took over the reins in 2017. He followed in the success of coaching legends Mike Metheny, Don “Doc” Parham and Bloomer Sullivan.
“I appreciate Coach Crabtree and his family, as well as their contributions to the Southeastern baseball program,” Baxter said. “He has made a positive impact and we wish him the best.”
During his seven years, Crabtree guided the Savage Storm to an overall record of 150-154. His best season came in 2022 with a 32-20 record that included reaching the Great American Conference tournament as the fourth seed.
He coached 13 All-GAC selections, including three first teamers.
“This is definitely bitter-sweet,” Crabtree commented. “When I accepted this job seven years ago, I honestly believed this would be my last coaching job. But in life, seasons change, and as my children have gotten older I started to realize how many activities and time I was missing out on with them. I have been presented an opportunity to go back to coach at my alma mater, which will allow me to coach and watch all of my son’s games as well as free up time for me to spend more time with my daughters as they enter college.
“I would like to thank Coach Keith Baxter, for the opportunity that he gave me and the trust he instilled in me to lead such a tradition rich program seven years ago. I want to thank the entire athletic department for all that they do for our student-athletes. From all the athletic administration to the head coaches, assistant coaches, athletic trainers, sports media department to the maintenance department and custodians, Southeastern is blessed to have such wonderful people that make this place so special.”
Crabtree pointed to all the assistant coaches he has had during his tenure for all their work and dedication. That included long-time assistant Alan Trayler.
“Valerie, Gracie, Ava, Brewer, and I will forever cherish our time as a part of the Savage Storm family,” Crabtree added. “We wish nothing but the best for Southeastern baseball, we look forward to supporting the new head coach and are confident the brightest days are in the near future.”
