LITTLE ROCK — After one season on the Little Rock baseball coaching staff,
Evan Lee has been promoted to Pitching Coach. The Bryant High School alum and former Major League pitcher made his collegiate coaching debut last season as the Trojans' Director of Player Development, helping guide the program to an electric run to the Baton Rouge Regional final.
When the position opened over the summer, Lee was a natural choice for head coach
Chris Curry.
"What can you say about that resume?" Curry said. "A state champion at Bryant High School, a national runner-up at Arkansas, and now the first Major Leaguer I've ever had on my staff. I don't know how many college programs can say that. The knowledge he brought to our program last year was deep and wide. With him holding the reins, we won't miss a step. It was a no-brainer."
Lee echoed that excitement.
"I am very humbled to receive this opportunity," Lee said. "I want to thank Coach Curry and Little Rock Director of Athletics Frank Cuervo for giving me a chance. I look forward to guiding these young men and giving them the tools they need to become champions."
Lee's Division I and MLB background was already paying dividends in just one year. A two-way standout at Arkansas, he was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 15th round of the 2018 MLB Draft. Lee worked his way through the organization, earning a spot on the Nationals' 40-man roster in November 2021. He made his Major League debut against the New York Mets on June 1, 2022, before a left flexor strain eventually led him back to the minors. He retired from professional baseball in 2024.
"Down the road, Evan could be a Major League pitching coach," Curry said. "He's that talented. We're lucky to have him at this point in his career."
Lee pitched in 30 games over two seasons with the Razorbacks, compiling a 4-3 record while also hitting .314 in 35 games as a two-way player. He helped Arkansas to a runner-up finish in the 2018 College World Series. Before college, he won a state championship at Bryant High School.
It has been a milestone summer for Lee and his wife, Sydney. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Korbin, on July 1, followed by this promotion.
"We are so blessed," Lee said. "I just want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To be a father and a pitching coach is to accomplish two dreams at once. My wife, Sydney, is my rock, and we are thrilled about this next chapter. I'm grateful for my family and the opportunity to coach and mold these young men."
Last season, Lee's combination of professional experience and youth stood out to the players. He now looks forward to deepening that connection with his pitchers.
"The advantage I have is that I've been where they want to be," said Lee, 28. "I know what it takes to get there, and I can help them accomplish their goals. I'm relatable - I lived the dream of playing in the Major Leagues, and that path starts with preparation and discipline. Now, I want to walk alongside them as they chase their dreams."
Lee will oversee a deep and talented staff in 2025, featuring 21 pitchers, including veteran starter
Jack Cline, along with several experienced arms and a strong group of newcomers.
"We return leadership from guys who got us to the regional final, and we're adding Power Four transfers, junior college arms, and two high school signees," Lee said. "There's going to be a lot of competition inside our building. Competition breeds championships, and our guys will be battling every day."
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