Introduction
Craig Curley is an American baseball coach who served as the head baseball coach of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) from 2009 to 2021. A former collegiate pitcher, Curley transitioned to coaching after a career in the minor leagues. During his tenure at UALR, he led the program to multiple conference championships, national tournament appearances, and a record number of players drafted into Major League Baseball. His coaching career is noted for a disciplined approach to pitching, a focus on player development, and a commitment to academic excellence among his athletes.
Early Life and Education
Craig Curley was born on March 22, 1965, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He grew up in a suburb of the state capital, where he developed an early interest in baseball while playing in local leagues and attending Little Rock High School. Curley excelled on the high school mound, posting a 2.15 earned run average (ERA) and striking out 150 batters over his senior season. His performance earned him a scholarship to the University of Arkansas, where he joined the Arkansas Razorbacks baseball program in 1983.
At the University of Arkansas, Curley pursued a degree in Business Administration while competing as a pitcher for the Razorbacks. He balanced rigorous academic demands with the responsibilities of a student-athlete, ultimately graduating in 1987. His academic record was complemented by athletic achievements, as he earned All-Conference honors and contributed to the Razorbacks' deep runs in the College World Series during his tenure.
Playing Career
College Career
Curley's collegiate career was marked by steady improvement and resilience. In his freshman year, he appeared in 12 games, recording a 3.80 ERA and 28 strikeouts. By his junior season, Curley had developed into a reliable starter, posting a 4.25 ERA over 22 appearances and earning a spot on the All-Big Eight Conference team. His senior year saw him achieve a 3.50 ERA and a 0.80 walks-plus-hit per inning rate, showcasing his ability to command the strike zone.
Throughout his time with the Razorbacks, Curley was known for his work ethic and his dedication to mastering the mechanics of pitching. He worked closely with the team's pitching coach to refine his delivery, leading to a consistent sinker and an effective slider that limited opponent batting averages against him. These skills would later become a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy.
Professional Minor League Career
Following his graduation, Curley entered the 1987 Major League Baseball Draft and was selected in the seventh round by the Minnesota Twins. He began his professional career with the Twins' Single-A affiliate, the Kenosha Twins, where he posted a 2.75 ERA over 18 games. His performance earned a promotion to the Double-A Orlando Twins in 1988, where he faced a higher caliber of hitters and adjusted his repertoire accordingly.
Curley's minor league tenure spanned five seasons, during which he played for several organizations, including the New York Yankees and the Milwaukee Brewers. His final professional season was with the Triple-A Edmonton Trappers in 1991, where he recorded a 3.85 ERA and 95 strikeouts over 140 innings. Though he never reached the Major League level, his experience in the minors provided him with a broad perspective on the demands of professional baseball and the development of pitching talent.
Coaching Career
Early Coaching Positions
After retiring from playing, Curley transitioned into coaching, beginning as a pitching coach at the University of Arkansas in 1994. In this role, he was responsible for developing the pitching staff, analyzing game footage, and implementing training regimens focused on velocity and control. Over the course of eight seasons, he helped the Razorbacks maintain a top-ranked pitching staff in the NCAA, producing several National League draft picks.
Curley's success as a pitching coach led to an opportunity to serve as an assistant coach for the Arkansas–Little Rock Trojans in 2002. During his tenure as an assistant, he expanded his responsibilities to include recruiting, player evaluation, and academic advising. He was instrumental in recruiting several highly rated high school pitchers, many of whom later earned conference honors.
Head Coach at Arkansas–Little Rock
In 2009, Curley was appointed the head baseball coach of the UALR Trojans. His first season was challenging as he inherited a program that had struggled for several years. However, by 2010, he had implemented a culture of accountability and competitive spirit, leading the Trojans to a 42–18 record and a berth in the Sun Belt Conference tournament.
Curley's leadership saw the Trojans secure four conference titles in the Sun Belt and a record number of NCAA tournament appearances. Under his guidance, the program produced 17 Major League Baseball draft selections, including two players who went on to achieve All-Star status. He was named Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year in 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2016, a testament to his consistent ability to elevate the team's performance.
Coaching Philosophy and Style
Curley's coaching style is characterized by an emphasis on fundamentals, a disciplined approach to game strategy, and a commitment to player development. He prioritizes the mastery of pitching mechanics, encouraging pitchers to develop a balanced repertoire that includes a fastball, curveball, and changeup. He also emphasizes mental toughness, requiring players to maintain focus under pressure and to embrace a growth mindset.
In the field, Curley advocates for aggressive baserunning and situational hitting, often integrating advanced analytics to inform decisions. He has been known to utilize video analysis and data-driven metrics to assess player performance, making adjustments in real-time to enhance outcomes. This analytical approach aligns with broader trends in collegiate baseball, where data has become an integral component of coaching.
Recruiting and Player Development
Recruiting has been a cornerstone of Curley's program-building efforts. He has a reputation for identifying undervalued talent in high school programs across the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Southern regions. His recruiting strategy often focuses on players with strong work ethic and coachable demeanor, believing these attributes are essential for success at the collegiate level.
Player development under Curley is comprehensive, encompassing physical training, skill refinement, and academic support. He collaborates with the athletic department to provide athletes with tutoring services and career counseling, ensuring that players graduate with a high school equivalency or college degree. His holistic approach has produced athletes who excel on the field and are well-prepared for life after baseball.
Career Achievements and Statistics
Season Records
Throughout his head coaching career at UALR, Curley compiled an overall record of 460–310. His most successful season came in 2010, when the Trojans achieved a 42–18 record, setting a program record for victories. The 2014 season was also notable, as the Trojans earned a school-record 44 wins and reached the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history.
Conference Championships
Curley led the Trojans to four Sun Belt Conference championships, achieved in 2010, 2011, 2014, and 2016. The 2010 championship marked the first time in the program's history that the Trojans had won the conference title. These championships not only elevated the program's profile but also secured postseason berths in the NCAA tournament.
National Tournament Appearances
Under Curley's guidance, UALR made five NCAA tournament appearances, in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2016. Each appearance included at least one victory against a top-25 opponent, underscoring the competitive caliber of the Trojans under his leadership. The 2014 and 2015 tournaments were particularly successful, with the Trojans advancing to the regional final in each year.
Awards and Honors
Conference Awards
- Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year: 2010, 2011, 2014, 2016
- Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Year: 2008 (awarded to a UALR pitcher coached by Curley)
National Recognition
Curley's contributions to collegiate baseball have earned him national recognition, including being named the American Baseball Coaches Association's Regional Coach of the Year in 2014. He has also been invited to serve on the NCAA Baseball Committee, where he contributed to policy discussions regarding player eligibility and conference structures.
Personal Life
Family
Craig Curley is married to his wife, Lisa, whom he met during his college years. The couple has two children, a son named Tyler and a daughter named Emily. The family resides in Little Rock, Arkansas, where they are active in local community organizations and philanthropic efforts. Curley has credited his family's support as instrumental in sustaining his demanding coaching schedule.
Community Involvement
Beyond his professional commitments, Curley is actively involved in community outreach programs. He frequently volunteers at youth baseball camps in the Little Rock area, mentoring young athletes and promoting the values of teamwork and perseverance. He also participates in charity events organized by the UALR athletic department, often serving as a keynote speaker to inspire both athletes and fans.
Retirement and Legacy
Craig Curley stepped down from his head coaching position at UALR in 2021 after twelve seasons of building a nationally competitive program. His retirement was marked by a tribute from the university, recognizing his dedication to the sport and his impact on the lives of countless student-athletes. Curley's legacy at UALR is evident in the program's continued success, the academic achievements of his players, and the professional accomplishments of athletes who emerged from his system.
Following his departure, the Trojans hired a successor who has continued to build upon the foundations Curley established. The program's sustained competitiveness and strong emphasis on player development remain integral components of the Trojans' identity, attributes that can be traced back to Curley's tenure and coaching philosophy.
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!