Former MLB Pitcher Seth McClung Steps Down As Tarpon Springs' Boys Basketball Coach

McClung was in his first season as the Spongers' head coach; Will remain as the manager of the baseball team
July 2, 2009; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Seth McClung (73) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-Imagn Images
July 2, 2009; Chicago, IL, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Seth McClung (73) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-Imagn Images / Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

When former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher Seth McClung added heading up Tarpon Springs High School’s boys basketball team, he planned on doing so in addition to being the lead man of the baseball team. 

On Tuesday, McClung announced on X that he would be stepping away as the basketball coach due to life circumstances, but will be remaining as the school’s baseball manager. 

Down below is the message he posted on X: 

“After extensive consideration, I have made the difficult decision to step down as the head basketball coach at Tarpon Springs High School. As some of you are aware, my wife and daughter was recently involved in a car accident, and the time commitments required to coach two major sports are no longer feasible given her current condition. Furthermore, I will continue to focus on leading the Tarpon Springs High School baseball team and appreciate the opportunity to have coached basketball. l am disappointed in the outcome I truly saw myself leading both programs long into the future. Going forward I have every confidence that Coach J and Coach Carlos are well-equipped to lead the program forward, and I fully endorse their capabilities.”

Through 13 games this season, the Spongers are currently sitting at 2-11. 

McClung, who pitched professionally in the MLB from 2003-2009, in 2024 led Tarpon Springs’ baseball program to a complete turnaround, guiding the Spongers to a 17-11 record after going 6-21 in 2023. 


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Andy Villamarzo
ANDY VILLAMARZO

Andy Villamarzo has been a sports writer in the Tampa Bay (FL) Area since 2007, writing for publications such as Tampa Bay Times, The Tampa Tribune, The Suncoast News, Tampa Beacon, Hernando Sun to name a few. Andy resides out of the Tarpon Springs, FL area and started as a writer with SB Live Sports in the summer of 2022 covering the Tampa Bay Area. He has quickly become one of Florida's foremost authorities on high school sports, appearing frequently on podcasts, radio programs and digital broadcasts as an expert on team rankings, recruiting and much more.