Bob Jones University Bruins Director of Athletics, Dr. Neal Ring, announced the hiring of Brent Casteel as the head coach for the Bruins baseball program. The Bruins announced the addition of men's baseball in May.
"I'm excited that God has led Brent and his family to BJU," Ring said. "Brent's journey has uniquely prepared him to start Bruins baseball. He is a master instructor and teacher of the game and has built a remarkable program of instruction both nationally and internationally. Most important, he utilizes this platform to share the Gospel with hundreds of players every year. I am confident that he will build an exceptional collegiate program at BJU that reflects our mission and brings glory to God!"
Casteel was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 1984 after a standout high school and college baseball career. He spent three seasons as a catcher in the Cubs minor league system. During this time, Casteel was teammates with notable players like Mark Grace, Jamie Moyer, and Joe Girardi. He also caught for Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux. Casteel's team won the Carolina League Championship in 1986.
After his playing career ended, Casteel earned a BA in Religious Studies, while minoring in Physical Education, from BJU in 1992. Since that time, he has served in various coaching roles in developmental leagues and high school programs all around the country.
In 2009, Casteel joined a baseball ministry to the Dominican Republic which was started by Baptist Mid Missions. Casteel and other instructors teach players in the Dominican Republic about the game while also using the avenue as a way to share the Gospel and minister to local churches in the region.
Since 2016, Casteel also served as assistant pastor for family and outreach at West Orlando Baptist Church in Ocoee, Florida. Casteel and his wife Diane have four children.
"I am so thankful to be back at my alma mater using baseball as a tool to instill God's Word in the hearts of these young men," Casteel said. "I feel that God has prepared me for this position by allowing me to go through the day-to-day grind of playing at a higher level. As a coach, I have learned to gain an understanding of each individual player to comprehend his needs and desires so I can better serve him. As a pastor, I've learned to come alongside fellow believers and challenge them to seek after truth. My desire is to have a program that seeks God in all decisions from start to finish."
The Bruins baseball program will play a club season in 2019 with their first official season to be played in the spring of 2020. Bob Jones University is located in Greenville, South Carolina. The BJU Bruins feature fifteen varsity programs and are seeking membership in NCAA D3. The program is currently affiliated with the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) as a Division II institution.
