From the MLB to Tigerville: Micah Owings, new assistant coach for NGU baseball team
Photo courtesy of Micah Owings
Jesus Arce, Staff Writer
Micah Owings has joined North Greenville University as the assistant coach for the baseball team, taking on roles as hitting coach, recruiting coordinator and assisting with pitchers. Owings brings a lot of professional experience, having been a two-way player in college and Major League Baseball.
His background includes playing for teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cincinnati Reds. He is looking forward to sharing the knowledge gained from this with the NGU team.
Owings began playing baseball at a very young age, starting in little league at the age of four. His parents were a crucial driving force, always inspiring him to become a major league baseball player, a dream that he achieved as he grew older.
His college experience played a major role in his development, particularly at Georgia Tech and Tulane University, where he pitched and hit. After being drafted out of high school by the Colorado Rockies, Owings chose to attend college instead, a decision influenced by his faith and family.
“It was a faith thing for me, and I prayed about it, and it didn’t feel right at the time. Looking back, I wasn’t ready as a 19-year-old to enter the professional world. It was the right decision,” Owings said.
He was drafted three times in total, opting to pursue college baseball at first, where he accomplished goals like playing for Team USA and competing in the College World Series.
It wasn’t until after these accomplishments that Owings felt ready to enter professional baseball.
“Those experiences confirmed I was ready to take the next step,” Owings said.
In 2005, Owings signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks, marking the beginning of his MLB career. He had a successful run with the team, even winning the Pacific Coast League Championship in 2006.
In 2007, he earned a spot in the major leagues, where he helped the Diamondbacks win the National League West division and advanced to the playoffs in his rookie year.
“I was fortunate to join a championship-caliber team in my rookie year,” Owings said.
In addition to the Diamondbacks, Owings played for the Cincinnati Reds and returned to Arizona in 2011. His ability to play as a spot starter and pitcher was instrumental in the team’s success, leading them to another National League West division title.
Over his career, Owings won three division titles and cherished being part of championship teams.
Owings’ connection to NGU began through a friendship with head coach Landon Powell, who he’s respected for years. Powell and Owings first crossed paths during college baseball. Over the years they stayed in touch. Owings coached summer league teams that featured NGU players.
“I saw firsthand the talent and drive of the players Landon sent to me. I knew I wanted to work with him one day,” said Owings.
Having recently finished his degree, Owings is excited to transition to college coaching and bring his professional experience to the NGU baseball team. He emphasized the importance of hard work, mental toughness and staying positive in the face of adversity. These are values he instills in the players he coaches.
“Baseball is a game of failure. You fail seven out of 10 times, even if you’re a hall of famer. My goal is to teach these guys how to stay positive and mentally strong,” Owings said.
Owings invites the NGU community to come out and support the baseball team, promising an exciting season ahead. He is confident that the players will give everything they have on the field and that their hard work will pay off.
