Kassidy Gaines took over as head coach for the Salem Tigers Baseball program in the 2024. Prior to taking over the Tigers program, Gaines served multiple seasons as associate head coach and pitching coordinator under former head coach JT Heenan.
In the spring of 2025, Gaines guided Salem to the USCAA Small College World Series championship, marking one of the premier accomplishments in program history. He and his staff also earned Coaching Staff of the Year from the USCAA for that season. Widely respected for his work with pitchers, Gaines has helped Salem’s staff achieve national statistical rankings and numerous program records, including marks in ERA, strikeouts, WHIP, and strikeout-to-walk ratio. Under his leadership, Salem pitchers have earned multiple all-conference honors while continuing the program’s tradition of strong mound performance.
Before arriving at Salem, Gaines spent time as pitching coach at St. Cloud State University and Bemidji State University, where his staffs consistently ranked among the top pitching units in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference. During his collegiate coaching career, he mentored multiple All-Americans and professional prospects, including Philadelphia Phillies prospect Matt Osterberg.
Gaines also brings professional playing experience, having spent time with the Utica Unicorns of the USPBL, the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association, and the Florence Freedom of the Frontier League. He helped the Unicorns capture a USPBL championship in 2016.
A former collegiate pitcher at Northern State University, Gaines earned his undergraduate degree in marketing in 2015 before later completing a master’s degree in Educational Administration and Leadership while coaching at St. Cloud State.
College(s) Attended:
Grays Harbor College
Northern State University
St. Cloud State University
Degree(s) Completed:
Bachelor’s Degree (Marketing) – Northern State University – 2015
Master’s Degree (Educational Administration and Leadership) – St. Cloud State University
Experience:
2024 – Present – Salem University – Head Baseball Coach
2021 – 2023 – Salem University – Associate Head Coach / Pitching Coordinator
2018 – 2021 – St. Cloud State University – Pitching Coach
2017 – 2018 – Bemidji State University – Pitching Coach
2016 – Utica Unicorns (USPBL) – Professional Player
2015 – Lincoln Saltdogs (American Association) – Professional Player
2015 – Florence Freedom (Frontier League) – Professional Player
Hometown:
Twin Falls, Idaho
