Cirella announces additions to coaching staff

NEWPORT, R.I. - Salve Regina University baseball head coach Eric Cirella has announced several additions to his coaching staff - re-hiring Harrison Barlow, newly hiring Michael Doran, Andrew McKeon, and Donny Perry.

"Overall, I couldn't be more excited to start a new year with this staff. In my six years at Salve Regina, this is probably the best staff I have ever been around as far as knowledge about the game of baseball and the passion to teach it to a younger generation of players. These aren't just qualified people, they are great human beings who will be the cornerstone of great things to come for the baseball program."

Andrew McKeon - "Andrew was a hidden gem that really came on my radar in July through conversations with other coaches in the region. He will be filling Coach Kehew's role as pitching coach/recruiting coordinator and so far he's been a breathe of fresh air. He's got a lot of knowledge and energy and he is really connecting with many of the recruits. I expect the same as he works with our student-athletes. His philosophies are consistent with mine and he should really be able to hit the ground running in September. Andrew is a guy who has been in coaching for a few years now and is really starting to blossom. We are extremely lucky to have him around."

Harrison Barlow - "Harry had spent a year and a half with us in 2015-2017 and was part of our first championship in 2016. He does a tremendous job with the infielders as well as helping with the day to day things. He played for me at URI and also was an assistant for me while I coached the Ocean State Waves, so he knows the expectations and really has a great understanding of the system we have in place. He throws great BP, can handle a fungo bat, and will also be a guy who helps out our team defense as well as offensive skills. On top of it all he's a great person and will be a great role model for our guys."

Michael Doran - "Michael is the young guy on the staff and his primary focus will be with the catchers as well as assisting Andrew and myself with the recruiting. He is a high energy guy with a lot of knowledge about the catching position. He isn't too far removed from his playing days and will be able to relate to the players immediately. He is someone who has told me from day one that he is meant to be a baseball coach. That's exciting to me because so far he has been a sponge for knowledge and will only continue to develop professionally as he spends more time with our dedicated staff. He is in a great place for him to thrive as a young coach."

Donny Perry - "Donny is a baseball guy and there are few things I enjoy doing more than talking hitting with him. His main role will be as a hitting coach, so we will be working together with our players to ensure swing are mechanically sound as well as fine tuning each approach at the plate along with addressing issues such as being on time. We have talked for years about players and their swing and what is important and I would say 99% of the time we are on the exact same page. He will really be that consistent voice that will try to keep all our hitters on the same page and more importantly not let them get too high or too low."