LYNN — The search for the new English baseball coach has concluded. Last week, English Athletic Director Dick Newton tabbed former Bulldogs assistant Doug Mullins as the team’s new head coach.
“I was pleasantly surprised to say the least,” Mullins said of his reaction when he found out he received the job. “I’ve been a Lynn guy my whole life. To coach a sport I love, in the school and city I love, is wonderful. I’m super ecstatic about this and I’m ready to get going.”
Mullins, a Lynn native, brings a wealth of experience to his new position. A 2004 graduate of Classical, Mullins played three years of varsity baseball for former Rams coach Jim Tgettis as a pitcher and third baseman. A three-sport athlete at Classical, Mullins also played shooting guard on the basketball team and running back on the football squad.
He stepped into coaching at St. Mary’s, where he directed the freshman baseball team for three seasons. After that, Mullins served as an assistant for former Bulldogs varsity baseball coach Joe Caponigro for two seasons. Mullins has also served as the head coach of the Connery Legion team for four years.
“I coached at St. Mary’s and English and I’ve also coached the Legion team so I’ve essentially coached two baseball seasons each year,” Mullins said. “Legion baseball brings a lot of varsity talent. Summer baseball has really helped prepare me. The past two years at English have helped me get my feet wet, so I know what to expect.”
Aside from his coaching experience on the diamond, it’ll also help Mullins’ cause that he has familiarity with the Bulldogs team he’ll direct this spring. Mullins said he’ll rely on the experience he’s gained over the past two seasons at English.
“It’s nice to not have to start from scratch,” Mullins said. “I know these kids, I’ve coached them. I used to coach football at English as well. It’s nice to know the team and know what we can do. We have a fairly experienced team coming back so I’m excited.”
His goals as new head coach, Mullins noted, are to have a well-prepared team that holds itself to a strong work ethic. He’ll also look to coach a group of players that prides itself in representing the school and city.
“I want to have a team that’s well-prepared, carries itself the right way and comes to compete every day,” Mullins said. “We have to get better in practice every day. I want to have a group of kids that represents the city and the school the right way. I’m not putting a number on victories, we just have to come ready to work.”
Academics will also be a priority for Mullins and the Bulldogs moving forward.
“I’m going to do my best to say in communication with the administration and teachers,” Mullins said. “School comes first. They’re student-athletes so academics come first.”
English finished 6-14 last spring but the Bulldogs are slated to return an experienced group of players next year. Mullins feels the team will have what it takes to be competitive.
“I’m excited for the upcoming year,” Mullins said. “We have a great group of kids coming back. I think we’ll have a very competitive team.”