Citing family reasons, former major league hurler and Harrisburg pitching coach Randy Tomlin will coach high school baseball next year in Virginia.
Tomlin will serve as Liberty Christian Academy’s head baseball coach, starting Jan. 23, according to television station WSLS in Roanoke, Virginia.
"I thought it was a good move for me to be at home to take care of the needs at home," said Tomlin, whose father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer in October of 2010 and died last June. "I loved being with the Nationals and still do, but I needed to take care of my family."
He also told the station he is looking forward to his first head coaching position -- at any level.
"I’m excited about it … to be able to be back at home and continue to do what I love doing," said Tomlin, who has lived in Lynchburg since starting his coaching career at Liberty University in 1997 and has three children. "This was a great opportunity at LCA to be at home, make an impact on kids’ lives and teach them about baseball and life."
Tomlin compiled a 30-31 record in the majors with a 3.43 ERA with the Pirates from 1990 to 1994. He served as Harrisburg's pitching coach for three seasons, working with top prospects Stephen Strasburg, Drew Storen, Ross Detwiler and Brad Peacock.
Tomlin is close to receiving his teaching certificate and will work temporarily as a substitute teacher at LCA next semester, the station reported.
He wouldn’t rule out a return to coaching in the Nationals’ organization in the future, however.
"I will miss them and do," Tomlin told the station. "The Nationals and [Harrisburg] Senators treated me great. I made a lot of great friendships and loved working with the guys I did.
"I’m very happy with the opportunity they gave me. They understood the decision I had to make. They said they would keep in touch with me. The door’s still open. It wasn’t closed when I left."
