December 15, 2015

Simpson resigns to take job with Rangers; McCarter named interim

Hobbs, NEW MEXICO

After nine seasons at New Mexico Junior College, Head Baseball Coach Josh Simpson is resigning to pursue a career in professional baseball with the Texas Rangers, where he will serve as a scout for the four-corners area.

"This is a very difficult decision to make, but I have been given an opportunity that I cannot pass up to fulfill a lifelong dream of being a part of Major League Baseball," says Simpson. "It has been my pleasure to work at New Mexico Junior College over the past nine years and I have enjoyed being a part of this program. I owe a great deal to New Mexico Junior College, and I wish them all the best in the future."

Simpson leaves NMJC as the second winningest coach in program history posting a 283-163 record from 2007-15. He saw over 18 players drafted into Major League Baseball and qualified for the regional tournament the last eight seasons.

NMJC has named Jake McCarter interim head baseball coach. McCarter was assistant coach for Simpson the past three years.

NMJC Director of Athletics Jeremy Capo expressed confidence in the transition.

"Although I am disappointed to be losing a coach the caliber of Josh Simpson, I am thrilled for him and this opportunity to transition into professional baseball and into an organization like the Texas Rangers," Capo said. "He will be missed at NMJC. At the same time, I truly believe we have a great opportunity with Coach McCarter, who has been overseeing the pitching staff for the last three seasons to continue the tradition of excellence at NMJC."

McCarter, who is from Kerrville, Texas, has had a successful career in baseball, having been drafted five times. After high school he turned down professional baseball with the Cincinnati Reds so he could attend Navarro Junior College in Corsicana, Texas, helping to lead the team to the 2004 conference title.

The New York Yankees selected him in the 28^th round of the 2005 draft, but McCarter opted to return to Navarro, once again leading his team to another conference championship. He then turned down another draft pick from the Washington Nationals, to sign a Division I scholarship with the University of Alabama, where he led the Crimson Tide for the South Eastern Conference Title. Once again, he was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 45^th round, but chose to earn his B.S. degree at the University of Oklahoma. After graduation, he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, earning the Dodger Pride Award in 2009. Playing with the Dodgers for two years, McCarter felt he wanted to coach, retiring from professional baseball in 2011 to pursue coaching.

"I am very excited for this opportunity to lead the Thunderbirds," said McCarter. "I want to thank Coach Simpson for his leadership and guidance the past three years and for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of his staff. I wish him all the very best in his new endeavor. I also want to thank Director of Athletics, Jeremy Capo for this opportunity as well as President McCleery. I'm looking forward to great things.

"We will attack this one day at a time with conviction in everything that we do. We will be successful academically, and on and off the field."

For information contact Jeremy Capo: jcapo@nmjc.edu or 575-492-2741.