Cory Barton

Biography

A former Tiger catcher and native of Trussville, Alabama, Barton returned to Memphis prior to the 2024 season after spending two seasons as the pitching coach at Mercer University. In year one of Barton’s instruction, the Tigers saved 16 games (T-No. 5 in Memphis history), nine of which were saved by NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watchlist honoree Brayden Sanders. Sanders’ nine saves were also good for fifth-most individually in a season by a Tiger and led The American. Defensively, Memphis turned 54 double plays to rank 12th in the nation. Friday-night starter David Warren was named AAC Pitcher of the Week on April 1 after a career-outing vs. Florida Atlantic (7.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 10 K). The Tigers have created positive momentum within the program and fan base which was evident with a pair of top-five all-time crowds at FedExPark during the 2024 season. Memphis defeated Ole Miss at home on April 2 in front the fifth-largest FedExPark crowd (1,426) in program history and drew another 1,612 spectators (third-largest FedExPark attendance in history) on April 23 when they hosted Mississippi State. In year one, Barton helped the Tiger staff piece together JBB’s No. 5 JUCO recruiting class in the country for 2024. In 2023, Barton helped the Bears to a runner-up conference finish and wins over Baylor and Rutgers. Barton saw standout pitcher Josh Harlow selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the 19th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. The Bears enjoyed a 40-win season and were runners up in the