Duke University is set to appoint Corey Muscara, currently the pitching coach at Wake Forest, as the new head baseball coach. This decision follows the departure of Chris Pollard, who recently took the head coaching position at Virginia after leading the Blue Devils through a period of significant success, including four super regional appearances.
Muscara has distinguished himself as one of the top pitching coaches in the nation. In his second season with Wake Forest in 2023, the team not only secured a spot in the College World Series but also achieved a record-breaking 54 wins. His hiring at Duke indicates the institution’s commitment to maintaining competitive status in college baseball, particularly with a focus on strong pitching performance.
Under Muscara’s guidance, Wake Forest boasted an exceptional pitching staff that led the nation in several significant categories, including ERA (2.83) and WHIP (1.05). The Demon Deacons propelled through the NCAA tournament, earning victories against powerhouse teams like Stanford and LSU. This success was largely attributed to standout pitchers such as Rhett Lowder, who finished the season with a remarkable 15-0 record and became a top pick in the MLB Draft.
Muscara’s history extends beyond Wake Forest. Previously, he contributed to Maryland’s resurgence in baseball, leading the team to back-to-back 30-win seasons and NCAA Tournament success. His experience at St. John’s involved coaching a pitching staff that continually earned accolades and helped the team reach the NCAA Tournaments. His early coaching years at Southern New Hampshire yielded a national-leading pitching staff that reached the College World Series, further demonstrating his ability to develop talent.
The transition to Muscara as head coach at Duke signifies an exciting era ahead. With his strong ACC background and proven track record in fostering elite pitching programs, the Blue Devils are poised for future success and potential Omaha aspirations. There is a palpable sense of optimism surrounding this hire, suggesting that Duke baseball is gearing up to enhance its stature in collegiate athletics.