Underwood Achieves Milestone as Snead State Community College Head Baseball Coach

A coach is more than someone who leads a team to victory. A coach molds the lives of the players he or she leads. A successful coach leaves a significant impact on and off the field.

Snead State Community College Head Baseball Coach Casey Underwood has impacted the lives of more than 300 players during his tenure. It was only fitting that some of those players, as well as College officials and assistant coaches, recognized an important milestone in Coach Underwood's career.

During a home game on Saturday, March 1, Coach Underwood reached his 200th win as head coach as the Parsons claimed a 14-4 victory over Itawamba Community College. Coach Underwood's achievement was recognized on Thursday, March 6, before the start of the home baseball game against Shelton State.

"Coaching baseball is more than just leading a team. You must be able to be unselfish, to give more than yourself, and to, most importantly, teach life lessons that have a positive impact on a player's life. I have witnessed Coach Underwood do just that," said Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore.

"Coach Underwood holds his players to a high standard of sportsmanship. He empowers them to take pride in all they do, whether it's cheering on a teammate, playing their best during a game, or giving their time to the community. The 200th win of Coach Underwood's career is an important milestone, and we look forward to seeing him and his players earn many more," said Dr. Whitmore.

During the pregame recognition Thursday, Coach Underwood was presented with the game ball representing the last out made during the March 1 game. The ball was hand painted to commemorate the game's significance.

Joining Coach Underwood on the field were two assistant coaches who have worked alongside the coach for all the 200 wins, Coach Gerry Ledbetter and Coach Andrew Porch. Standing with them was the 2024-2025 Snead State Baseball Team as the ones clenching the milestone win for their coach and representing the many great players who have worn the Parson uniform.

During his tenure, Coach Underwood had assisted players in achieving their dream of playing college baseball and, in some cases, professional baseball, including two Major League draft picks and two free agent signees. His teams have achieved Academic All-American designation every year, and 100 percent of his players have graduated with an Associate degree.

Under Coach Underwood's leadership, the Snead State Baseball program has grown to be a premier junior college program, leading to the unprecedented 2022 season with the program's first JUCO World Series appearance, first ACCC State Conference Championship, and most program wins (42-16). Coach Underwood was recognized as the 2022 ABCA NJCAA Division I Coach of the Year, and he was awarded Coach of the Year (2022), Co-Coach of the Year (2020), and Assistant Coach of the Year (2014) by the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association.

In addition to being the head baseball coach, Coach Underwood serves Snead State as the Athletic Director. He is a Snead State alumnus, having played baseball for the Parsons from 2003-2005 before graduating and joining the coaching staff.