COACHING STAFF

Pitching Coach | James Reeves

The Citadel baseball head coach Russell Triplett announced the addition of James Reeves '15 as the first assistant hire to his new staff, slotting the southpaw standout as the pitching coach for the Bulldogs.

During his time as a Bulldog, Reeves secured 20 wins and had a career ERA of 3.88 with 227 strikeouts. His standout senior season included eight wins in 15 starts, pitching 95.0 innings and recording 115 strikeouts. In 2015, Reeves threw the sixth no-hitter in program history against Mercer, striking out 14 batters in nine innings.

During the 2015 season, he was named the Collegiate Baseball/Louisville Slugger Player of the Week twice. Reeves was also named the Southern Conference Pitcher of the Year and selected for the Southern Conference First Team by the Coaches and the SoCon Sports Media Association.

After authoring a stellar career as a Bulldog, Reeves was selected in the 10th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the New York Yankees. Reeves climbed as high as AAA in the Yankees affiliation and the San Diego Padres organization. Throughout his six-year professional career, Reeves recorded 23 wins in 177 appearances. He recorded an ERA of 2.80 on 344.1 innings pitched with 425 strikeouts.

Reeves retired in 2023 and served as the pitching coach for Oceanside Academy under head coach Britt Reames, Class of '96, and Hall of Fame inductee in 2008.

Reeves earned his bachelor's degree in Pre-Law for the Citadel in 2015. 

Assistant Coach | David Beckley

The Citadel baseball head coach Russell Triplett has announced the addition of David Beckley to his staff. Beckley is a member of the Class of 1996 and was inducted into The Citadel Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023.

"We are thrilled to have Coach Beckley back. He has consistently proven himself as a winner, both as a player and as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. Beck has contributed to over 600 wins at The Citadel, and his passion for this program is unmatched," Triplett said. "He is a dedicated recruiter with strong connections and relationships nationwide. His influence will be felt across all aspects of the program from day one."

Beckley was an essential part of The Citadel's baseball team from 1993-1996, starting in 232 games during his career. In 1994, he helped lead the team to a Southern Conference Championship. The following year, he was crucial in securing the regular season and tournament championships. Beckley's outstanding performance earned him a well-deserved spot on the All-Southern Conference Tournament team in 1995.

He still ranks in the Top 10 in stolen bases (103), triples (14), games played (236), runs (198), walks (127), and at-bats (875) in the program's history.

Upon graduation, Beckley successfully coached high school before returning to The Citadel as an assistant coach under head coach Fred Jordan. He spent 16 years on the staff, including his last 11 years as associate head coach and recruiting coordinator.

"I am highly honored to have another opportunity to coach at The Citadel. A lot has changed in my time away, but I am excited about the challenge," Beckley said. "The Citadel is home to me and my family, and we look forward to reuniting with the program, alumni, and fan base."

Beckley served as the assistant baseball coach at James Island Charter High School from 2018 to 2024 under Head Coach Matt Spivey. During the 2024 season, the Trojans achieved a record of 29-3-1, secured a national ranking, and won the State Championship.

Beckley was involved with the prestigious travel ball organization, the Diamond Devils, where he was the recruiting coordinator and coached the #1 team. The team is nationally known and produces college players at all levels every year.

Beckley graduated from The Citadel in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education.

Director of Player Development | Dewayne Kitts

The Citadel head baseball coach Russell Triplett has announced the addition of DeWayne Kitts to his staff as the Director of Player Development.

“We are thrilled to add DeWayne Kitts to The Citadel baseball staff,” said Triplett. “His scouting expertise and extensive coaching experience will be invaluable in mentoring our players and helping them succeed both on and off the field.”

Kitts' impressive professional background includes his tenure as an Area Scout for the Atlanta Braves from 1999 to 2020 and as an Associate Scout from 1989 to 1999.

Known for his keen eye for talent and commitment to nurturing young players, Kitts will bring his scouting and coaching expertise to The Citadel's baseball program. He has been a volunteer coach at Berkeley High School since 1985 and has prior head coaching experience at Holy Cross High School.

Kitts is a Lynchburg College Hall of Fame inductee recognized individually in 1993 for his achievements. A two-time All-American, he earned multiple accolades throughout college, including being named Old Dominion Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 1978. Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1979, Kitts brings professional insight and a personal commitment to excellence in athletics.

DeWayne and his wife Cheri have three children.