On Tuesday, the Richmond Senior High School baseball teams will begin their 2024 campaigns on the road at West Cabarrus High School in Concord. The evening will begin the Eric Brown era of Raider baseball, but the junior varsity squad also has a new leader at the helm.
Anthony Hailey, a familiar face in the Richmond Senior High School baseball community, is set to take on a new role as the head coach of the school’s junior varsity baseball team. As the 2024 campaign kicks off, Hailey brings both personal and coaching experience to the table, ensuring a promising future for the Raiders.
A former Richmond baseball player himself, Hailey excelled on the field as a third baseman during his sophomore and junior years, and during his senior season in 2005, he made the transition to become a full-time pitcher.
“I’m excited to be a Raider again,” Hailey said. “I’m excited to work with Coach (Eric) Brown, Coach (Andy) Shuler, Coach (Corey) Wallace, Coach (Ryan) Mercer and everyone else here at the school. There is a lot of knowledge and experience here and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Following his time at Richmond, Hailey pursued his passion for baseball at Rockingham Community College in Wentworth, N.C. Eager to further develop his skills, he later transferred to Elizabeth City State University to complete his college baseball career. As soon he transitioned into coaching, he had one goal in mind.
“My goal was always to come back and coach here at Richmond,” Hailey shared with a smile. “As soon as the opportunity came, I reached out to Coach (Eric) Brown and Coach (Mike) Way. Not long after, they were welcoming me on board.”
In addition to his playing experience, Hailey has coached many local student-athletes over the years while working with several different programs. He has worked with teams within the Hamlet and Rockingham Parks and Recreation departments, honing his teaching strategies and leadership skills.
In 2016, Hailey became an assistant coach at Hamlet Middle School where he helped to lead the Red Rams to multiple winning seasons including a county title in 2020. His dedication and commitment to the sport allowed him to move up to the head coaching role for Hamlet, a position he held form 2021-2023. His 2022 Red Rams won the Southeastern Middle School Athletic Conference title.
Since the Hamlet American Legion baseball program returned in 2021, Hailey has also been an assistant on head coach Chip Gordon’s staff.
Hailey’s passion for baseball extends beyond his coaching roles. He actively contributes to the local baseball community by organizing and leading the All-S.T.A.R. Academy baseball training camp.
This camp, which began in 2017 and is held annually, aims to nurture the skills and enthusiasm of baseball players ages six to 14. Hailey’s involvement in such initiatives showcases his commitment to developing the sport at the grassroots level, fostering a love for baseball among youth in the community.
Through his own journey as a baseball player, coach and advocate, Hailey has gained valuable insights and knowledge about the game that he is now ready to impart to his players. He also wants to instill in his players what it means to be a Raider.
“I want to teach these guys about baseball, but I also want to teach them the tradition of this program and hope that one day they can pass that tradition along,” Hailey shared. “I want them to carry it with them to varsity and beyond.”
Both the junior varsity and varsity baseball teams begin their season with a doubleheader Tuesday on the road at West Cabarrus. First pitch for the junior varsity game will be at 4:30p.m. with the varsity following.
