ROME, Ga. – Caleb Abney was announced by Marty Ziesemer as the head coach of the Shorter Baseball program on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
Ziesemer remarked, "I am pleased to announce Caleb Abney as our new baseball coach. He brings valued experience as a coach and as an individual who aligns with Shorter's mission. I am confident that he will continue our program's success in the Conference Carolinas while investing in our student-athletes to grow in their experience, faith, and character and succeed academically."
"Caleb replaces Wes Timmons, for whom I am grateful for his leadership in developing a quality baseball program at Shorter. We wish all the best to him and Jake Harrelson as they take on new coaching roles at another institution"
Abney comes to Rome after most recently serving as the head coach at Sul Ross State University, where he helped guide the program through its transition from NCAA Division III to Division II and the highly competitive Lone Star Conference. In his second Division II season, the Lobos increased their win total by 75 percent, improved their team OPS by 85 points, lowered their pitching staff ERA by 2.15 runs, and improved their defensive fielding percentage by eight points.
During Abney's tenure, Sul Ross also set program records for stolen bases, extra-base hits, walks, and hit-by-pitches while recording the second-most home runs in program history. In 2026, he coached the program's first two All-Lone Star Conference selections.
Prior to Sul Ross State, Abney spent two seasons as the head coach at Lancaster Bible College. He led the Chargers to the United East Conference Tournament in both seasons and helped the program produce its first back-to-back seasons with double-digit conference wins. Lancaster Bible also set program records for home runs, extra-base hits and stolen bases during his tenure.
Abney brings experience from every level of NCAA baseball, having served as an assistant coach at the Division I, Division II and Division III levels. His professional baseball experience includes time in player development with the Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays, and Minnesota Twins organizations, including serving as a Minor League hitting coach with the Twins.
A four-year player at Covenant College, Abney was a four-time academic all-conference selection. He later returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach for three seasons. Abney holds a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Covenant and a master's degree in Kinesiology from the University of Georgia. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).
"My family and I are so very thankful that God is blessing us with the ability to come back to our home state to work to build something special within the baseball program at Shorter", said Abney.I want to thank Marty, Dr. Dowless, and the hiring committee for their belief in me. It is humbling to get to lead these young men in their pursuit of immeasurably more in their lives - spiritually, academically, and on the baseball field. We will pursue our highest form of excellence in everything we do, and we will be relentless in our refusal to accept being mediocre in anything."
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