Hudson takes over as Bay baseball coach

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Tuesday night we told you Jon Hudson was about to be named the next head coach of the Bay baseball program. Wednesday the official announcement came via email from Bay Athletic Director Michael Grady. That short email stating Hudson had been hired to replace Andrew Starr, who resigned after leading the Bay program the last 7 seasons.

We caught up with the coach Wednesday afternoon and talked with him as he takes over at Bay.

”Excited, ready to go.” coach Hudson said first. “I know Bay High, the tradition that is there. All the alumni, everybody is just excited to get Bay baseball going again. You know as soon as it opened up, I thought that’s an opportunity, number one for me. And so when they gave the offer I was ready to to. We’re ready to get started.”

As for what comes first, well the coach said he will start with the assistant coaches on staff already at Bay.

“Well actually this week it is more of letting everybody know we’re here, and immediate things. And then tomorrow I’m going to contact coaches and try to shore up the coaching staff. I know some of them. And we’re going to have to talk to a few others. And we’re going to try to get that done this week. And then next week, toward the end of next week I’ll get back from the All-Star game and I will be talking to the players and getting everything started up for summer ball. "

Coach Hudson is fully aware he’s taking over a program that’s seen very hard times in recent years. The talent drain getting particularly bad after Hurricane Michael in 2018. The Tornadoes coming off just a four win season in 2022.

“You know the goal is every day improve as much as we can.” Hudson says. “Try to get the culture right. Get these guys thinking about winning. Develop them physically. As well as developing them in their competitiveness. And all that is not hard work, it’s fun. And I think that’s how our program is. It’s fun to work hard with us. And hopefully that’s what we’re going to bring to the table for Bay.”

The coach referring to the “All Star” game in one of the previous quotes. He’s been chosen to lead the North squad in the annual Florida Athletic Coaches Association All Star game in Lakeland Monday and Tuesday.

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