Alabama A&M promotes Manny Lora to head baseball coach

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The search for Alabama A&M’s baseball coach is complete.

Alabama A&M announced on Thursday that Manny Lora has been hired as the Bulldogs’ new head baseball coach.

“We are really excited to have Manny Lora as our new baseball coach,” Alabama A&M Director of Athletics Bryan Hicks said. “Manny is a bright up-and-coming coach in collegiate baseball. He brings a lot of enthusiasm and a high baseball IQ to our program, and he will serve our baseball program and student-athletes well.

“He is an asset to our program.”

Lora, a Miami native, spent the past three seasons at Alabama A&M working under former coach Mitch Hill as the team’s pitching coach and recruiting coordinator.

Before making the transition to coaching, Lora played for Alabama A&M as a relief pitcher from 2010-14, recording 151 strikeouts in 54 appearances.

“I want to thank our president, Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr., and our Athletic Director, Bryan Hicks, for trusting me to lead our program,” Lora said. “Being a former player, this program here at A&M is important to me.

“I have always envisioned myself leading young men to achieve and dominate both in the classroom and on the field.”

The foundation of Lora’s strategic plan for Alabama A&M’s future focuses on recruiting and player development. He also plans to continue Alabama A&M’s recent trend of playing a strong non-conference schedule to help prepare the Bulldogs for anything they might face during league play.

“There’s a lot of potential here,” Lora said. “Right now, we’re focused on recruiting and bringing in players who can build on the foundation we’ve established.

“I’m excited about what’s ahead — establishing a program with a vision that’s ultimate goal is to win championships.”

Courtesy: AAMU Athletics