Daniel Latham, former assistant coach at High Point and 15th-round
draft pick of the Minnesota Twins, recently completed his first season as VMI's pitching coach.
During the 2010 campaign, Latham helped his pitchers to the fourth-lowest ERA in program history during the aluminum bat era, as well as the fourth-lowest walks per nine innings rate. Included in those numbers were Jason Farley and Jeremy Brown, each of whom had seasons that ranks among the program's single-season top-10 in fewest walks per nine innings.
The team also posted its fourth-most strikeouts, second-most saves and second-most shutouts (tied) in school history. Latham also was instrumental in the success of Coby Cowgill, who progressed throughout the season to finish as VMI's Friday night starter. Cowgill ranked 10th in the Big South in ERA and fourth in opponents' batting average.
Latham was named was named VMI baseball's newest assistant coach on Sept. 6, 2010. He came to VMI from
Big South rival High Point, where he primarily worked with the pitching
staff. He was also responsible for the Panthers’ baseball camps, as
well as other areas of the program, including travel and academics.
Latham came to High Point after playing one year in the Minnesota Twins
organization, which he was drafted by following a standout career at
Tulane.
“I am very excited to add Daniel to our staff,” said
VMI head coach Marlin Ikenberry at the time of Latham's hiring. “He played at a high level of college
baseball at Tulane, and comes from a great mentor in Craig Cozart at
High Point. I believe that Daniel will bring a lot of energy, passion
and knowledge to our pitching staff.”
Latham, who worked out of
the bullpen while at Tulane, ranks at the all-time leader in saves in
Conference USA (43). That total is also a Tulane record, while his 122
appearances (121 in relief) rank second. Among NCAA career leaders,
Latham still ranks sixth in saves, ninth in relief appearances and 15th
in overall appearances.
Perhaps Latham’s strongest collegiate
season was 2005, when he helped Tulane reach the College World Series
as a sophomore. The new VMI assistant notched five saves and a win in
postseason play that year, and would go on to be named team MVP for the
Hyannis Mets in the well-known Cape Cod League that summer. He would
return to the Cape the following season and earn All-Star honors,
before being tabbed by the Twins in the 15th round in 2007.
Latham received his bachelor’s degree in communications from Tulane in 2007, and is a native of Covington, La.
