Shelby County High School announced this week that Kevin McNorton will take over as the program’s new head baseball coach, tapping a familiar face who grew up just a short drive from the diamond.
A native of Columbiana, McNorton graduated from Shelby County High School in 2010 after lettering in baseball, basketball and football, and he returns to the school after stints as a player in the Frontier League and as a coach at Scottsboro High School.
During his high school years he earned two‑time All‑County Honorable Mention honors as a pitcher, was selected for the 2010 East‑West Classic Central team and helped the Wildcats reach the Class 5A quarterfinals that season.
His college career spanned stops at Wallace State, Stillman College and the University of Tampa, where he posted a 1.82 ERA and 13 saves while earning a reputation as a reliable reliever.
After college he played independent baseball in the Frontier League from 2014 to 2021, suiting up for the Joliet Slammers, the Trois‑Rivieres Aigles and the Washington Wild Things before turning his focus to coaching.
McNorton spent the past several years at Scottsboro High School, where he taught and served as pitching coach, building a track record of developing young arms and shaping competitive teams.
He will succeed Cory Hamrick, who stepped down after a 13‑year tenure that produced 173 wins, three area championships and two Class 5A quarterfinal appearances.
A Homegrown Leader Returns
A meet‑and‑greet with McNorton and his fiancée Jenny is scheduled for July 14 at Four Copper Pennies on Columbiana Main Street, giving the community a chance to welcome the new coach and his family.
School officials say the appointment reflects a commitment to continuity and a desire to leverage McNorton’s deep roots in the area as the program looks to build on recent successes.