| David Kelton was an assistant
coach at LaGrange for four years before taking over for Kevin
Howard. LaGrange athletics photo |
David Kelton has been promoted to head baseball coach at LaGrange College. Kelton was an assistant to former head coach Kevin Howard for the past four seasons, working with the team on defense, base running and hitting, along with recruiting.
"I am thrilled to have David in this position," said Athletic Director Jennifer Claybrook. "His knowledge of the game, coaching experience and playing experience – including time in the major leagues – will be vital in the success of our program."
A native of West Point, Ga., Kelton was an all-state shortstop for Troup County High School. As captain, he was selected as a Coaches Poll All-American. He set five school hitting records, two of which remain today.
"I am very appreciative and grateful for the opportunity to be the next head baseball coach at LaGrange College," Kelton said. "LaGrange is home for me, and I could not think of a better fit for me and my family.
"Coach Howard set the standard for how a program should be run. I look forward to continuing that tradition of winning at LaGrange College and to competing in the USA South Conference."
Kelton was drafted in 1998 out of high school in the second round by the Chicago Cubs and reached the major leagues with the Cubs in 2003. He got his first major league call-up when star outfielder Sammy Sosa was suspended for the corked bat incident. He received many accolades during his professional career, including being selected to minor league All-Star teams in eight of his nine seasons.
In 2002, Kelton was the minor league player of the year, and selected as Topps Player of the Month. He played in the Futures All-Star game at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago in 2003. In 2006 as a free agent, Kelton signed with the Atlanta Braves, playing at the AAA level. During his career as a pro, he had 910 hits, including 116 home runs, 517 RBIs and 89 stolen bases.
Kelton spent the 2007 season as the head coach for Springwood School in Lanett, Ala. He took the Wildcats to the first round of the AISA playoffs, losing to eventual state champion Lowndes Academy.
Kelton is married to the former Meredith Hawkins. The couple resides in Lanett, Ala., with their daughter, Mary Elliott, and son, Grady. Kelton has a bachelor's in business management from LaGrange College.