Barton College announced on June 17 that Jeff May will take the helm of its baseball program as the new head coach, replacing Matt Padgett, who stepped down after a single season.
May arrives after a 13‑year stint as an assistant at Belmont Abbey College, where he helped guide the team to a Conference Carolinas championship in 2025 and built a reputation for player development.
A Proven Track Record
During his time at Belmont Abbey, May’s squads combined disciplined pitching with aggressive hitting, culminating in the 2025 conference title that marked the program’s first championship in over a decade.
A 2014 graduate of Lander University, May earned NCAA Division II All‑America honors as a player, a background that informs his emphasis on technical fundamentals.
The previous season ended with a 10‑32 record for Barton, a statistic that prompted Padgett’s resignation amid a roster in flux.
May says his priority will be recruiting players who fit the program’s academic and athletic standards, and he plans to implement a structured development plan that emphasizes both skill and mindset.
Athletic director Jane Smith praised May’s “deep knowledge of the game and proven ability to mentor young athletes,” expressing confidence that the new leadership will restore momentum.