Joe Kelly, a 38‑year‑old right‑hander who spent parts of a decade in Major League Baseball, has taken a new step off the mound. After announcing his retirement from pitching in December 2023, the former Dodgers reliever is now focusing on developing young arms at his high school alma mater.
A Homecoming for a Local Son
Born and raised in the Inland Empire, Kelly attended UC Riverside before the St. Louis Cardinals selected him in the third round of the 2009 MLB Draft. He later pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers, helping the club win the 2020 World Series and contributing to the 2018 Red Sox championship team. His career concluded with a 54‑38 record and a 3.98 ERA across 485 games.
Corona High School, located in Corona, California, announced that Kelly will serve as an assistant coach, with a specific emphasis on working with pitchers. The school’s recent success — finishing the season ranked No. 12 in the state and producing multiple MLB draftees — made it the ideal environment for Kelly to pass on his expertise.
A Program on the Rise
The Panthers have established themselves as a pipeline for professional talent. In addition to Kelly’s own draft pedigree, the school’s alumni include Dino Ebel’s son, Brady Ebel, who was the No. 32 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers. Three other recent graduates were also selected in the previous year’s draft, underscoring the program’s consistent output of major‑league prospects.
Looking Forward
Kelly’s hiring signals a new chapter for the program, one that blends championship experience with local roots. He joins a coaching staff that includes former Dodgers third‑base coach Dino Ebel, whose son Brady is now a professional infielder. Together, they aim to nurture the next wave of pitchers who could follow in Kelly’s footsteps from the Inland Empire to the big leagues.