BMHS names Josh Shackelford the new varsity baseball coach

Josh Shackelford has been named the new boys’ varsity baseball coach at Ballard Memorial High School. His official start date is Sept. 14.

"Coach Shackelford's passion for baseball and being a positive influence on young men's lives is undeniable,” said Ballard Athletic Director Barry Phillips. “I truly believe there will not be a harder working coach in the region. We are excited to have him join the Bomber family."

Shackelford comes to the district with 16 years of experience as a travel baseball coach, for players from ages 8-16. He attended Highland (Ark.) High School, where he was named to the all-AR-1 conference and all-state teams. He is a taxidermist, specializing in freeze-dry taxidermy.

“I am extremely excited about becoming the new coach of BMHS,” Shackelford said. “Coaching high school baseball has always been a dream of mine, and I’m ready to get to work. We’re going to have a strong work ethic, hold each other accountable and compete every day. 

“Our goals are big,” he continued. “We want to win region and compete for an All “A” State championship. I want our players to believe in themselves, believe in each other, and take pride in representing BMHS. I am excited about what we can build here.”

Shackelford and his wife, Whitney, live in West Paducah. They have five children: Jaxon attends BMHS, Blake attends McCracken County High School, Weston attends Heath, and River is homeschooled. Corey, 22, lives in St. Louis.