News Summary
Keith Gorman has resigned from his position as head baseball coach at Barton College to take a new role at USC Aiken. During his six-year tenure, he guided the Bulldogs to historic successes, including three seasons with over 30 wins and a record 34 victories. Gorman expressed bittersweet feelings about leaving Barton and plans to remain involved in the local baseball community while taking on the challenge of revitalizing the USC Aiken baseball program, which has faced recent struggles.
Wilson, NC – Keith Gorman has officially resigned from his position as the head baseball coach at Barton College to take on a new role at the University of South Carolina Aiken. This transition comes after Gorman’s successful six-year tenure at Barton, where he had a significant impact on the program and its players.
During his time at Barton College, Gorman’s coaching achievements included guiding the Bulldogs to three consecutive seasons with over 30 wins. In 2024, the team achieved a historic milestone with 34 victories during the Division II era, marking a record for the program. Gorman’s leadership has been pivotal, especially given the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic during the early phase of his tenure, yet he managed to establish a strong competitive foundation for the team.
The decision to leave Barton College was described by Gorman as “bittersweet,” highlighting his gratitude towards the institution and his players who have been a part of his journey. He emphasized the strong relationships he built over the years, which made the departure emotionally challenging. As he moves to USC Aiken, Gorman is excited about the state-of-the-art facilities, which he likened to a “minor league setup.” His new role allows him to focus on developing a robust pitching staff and enhancing player performance.
Gorman’s coaching career is decorated with notable achievements, including a national championship during his previous tenure at Cumberland County College, where he led the team to win the NJCAA Division III championship in 2019. His hiring at USC Aiken, by athletic director Todd Wilkinson, reflects their previous connection at Barton, where Gorman was brought on board in 2019.
At USC Aiken, Gorman takes over a program that has recently struggled, finishing with a record of 23 wins and 29 losses, including an 11-16 record in conference play. He aims to bring renewed vigor and consistency to the team, harnessing the lessons learned during his career to drive success for the players and the organization.
In addition to the new opportunity, Gorman plans to remain active in the local baseball community by continuing to coach at the Wilson City Little League, where his son plays. However, he expressed some concerns about leaving his family behind, who have become well-rooted in the Wilson area, adding a personal dimension to his professional transition.
Barton College has promptly announced Matt Padgett as Gorman’s successor as the new head baseball coach, marking a new chapter for the Bulldogs. The shift comes as part of the continuous evolution of the Barton baseball program, which stands to benefit from the foundation Gorman has established during his impactful tenure.
Gorman’s departure highlights a significant moment for both Barton College and USC Aiken as they embark on new paths in their respective baseball programs. His commitment to hard work and high expectations have set a standard that will resonate with his successor and the future of Barton baseball.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
USC Aiken Dismisses Head Baseball Coach Michael Holder
Aiken County Board Approves $90 Million for School Upgrades
Exploring Affordable Retirement Options in Aiken, SC
USC Aiken Golfer Erik Olin Named PING All-American
Keith Gorman Named Head Baseball Coach at USC Aiken
Randy Warrick Appointed President of South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame
USC Aiken’s Advancement Vice Chancellor Announces Retirement
USC Aiken Welcomes New Head Baseball Coach Keith Gorman
Additional Resources
- WJBF: Keith Gorman Introduced as USC Aiken’s New Baseball Head Coach
- WRDW: New USC Aiken Baseball Coach Has High Expectations
- WRDW: USCA Begins Gorman Era
- The Clemson Insider: Former Clemson Player Gets College Head Coaching Job
- Restoration News Media: Youngsville Wrestler Commits to Gardner-Webb
- Wikipedia: Baseball
- Google Search: Baseball Coaching News
- Google Scholar: Baseball Coaching
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball
- Google News: Baseball Coaching
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
