DURHAM, N.C. – North Carolina Central University head baseball coach Jim Koerner has announced the new addition to his program as he tabs Joe Witkowski as the pitching coach on the staff.

“Joe has been where we want to go,” said Koerner. “He’s been a part of three Big East Conference Championship teams and four NCAA Regional squads.  He’s also played professionally with both the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals organizations.  He knows what it takes to be successful and we are looking forward to having him share his knowledge with our pitchers.”

Witkowski comes to NCCU after spending a season at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., where he served as the pitching coach.  Following his career at St. John’s University, he signed a free agent contract with the Houston Astros.  In 2013, he signed with the Washington Nationals as a pitcher and attended spring training before injuries ended his career.  Witkowski graduated from St. John’s with a degree in sport management in 2011.

During his career at St. John’s, Witkowski was a mainstay behind-the-plate at catcher starting 128 games in four seasons that included 44 starts in 51 games as a senior.  That season, Witkowski mowed down 19 base stealers for the Red Storm.  He batted .357 in his redshirt sophomore season, during one of the many Big East titles for SJU. 

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