Justin Salge has been hired as assistant baseball coach at Linfield University, Wildcats baseball coach Dan Spencer announced on Tuesday. He replaces Brian Valentine, who left Linfield in July to become the head coach at Lower Columbia Community College.
 
Salge will oversee the outfielders and work with the hitters alongside fellow assistant coach Jordan Harlow. He will also take a prominent role in athletic event operations.
 
"I am incredibly ecstatic about being hired here at Linfield," said Salge. "Being able to learn and develop as a coach under Dan Spencer is something I'm really looking forward to."
 
Salge comes to Linfield from the University of Texas at Austin, where he served as the baseball program's camp specialist while simultaneously serving as a recruiting counselor within the Office of Admissions.
 
His coaching experience includes stops as head baseball coach with the Power Summer Collegiate League, at North American University and Houston Community College, and assistant coaching roles with the Houston Summer Collegiate League and San Antonio College. Salge also works as a birddog scout for the Tampa Bay Rays and has operated his own private baseball instruction business for more than 15 years.
 
Salge received his bachelor's degree in history from Stephen F. Austin University and followed by earning a master's degree of education from Midwestern State University. He is approaching completion of a doctorate degree in global sport leadership from East Tennessee State University. Additionally, Salge completed a hitting and pitching certification course from Rapsoda, a data-driven baseball training technology program.
 
He expects to lend his experience to multiple areas of the Linfield baseball program.

"I believe Justin's commitment to education in the sports world is a huge benefit to our players," said Spencer. "He has a master's degree and is working on a doctorate, which to me demonstrates an ability to grind. He has coached at the junior college and university levels, so he brings some perspective to our program.  Justin is a lifetime learner and we are fortunate to have him here at Linfield."
 
"Respectfully, I think I can help the program everywhere:  baseball analytics, baseball strength, developing the JV program and also assisting the varsity program in all capacities."
 
Salge, a native of Aransas Pass, Texas, is enjoying Oregon's milder climate and the engaging people he's met.

"I've never been to the Pacific Northwest until now. From what I've felt here in Portland and McMinnville, it's very homey. The people are open, encouraging and welcoming. Joining the Linfield staff has been a tremendous experience."