Former Mustang standout Trent Latta will join an effort to establish a new culture with the Pittsburg State University baseball program this fall.
The former Neosho Community College pitcher has signed with the Gorillas to continue his playing career.
Latta hit it off quickly with Gorilla pitching coach Aaron Meade when he took his visit to Pittsburg last fall.
“Coach Meade seemed like he gets the best out of his pitchers,” Latta said.
Latta won’t be the only new face around the Gorilla dugout this season, however. In addition to the new recruiting class, Pittsburg State will have a new head coach this season.
In May, the Gorillas hired Tom Myers to take over the program. Myers has served the previous two seasons as the Associate Athletic Director for Facilities at Pittsburg State.
“I haven’t gotten to know him much yet, but my coach at Neosho told me plenty of good things about him,” Latta said.
Latta and Myers join a program that is ready for some changes after finishing 15-33 last season with a team ERA of 8.23.
Latta should provide an immediate upgrade to the Gorilla pitching staff. He finished his sophomore season with Neosho Community College with a 10-1 record and a 3.14 ERA in 13 appearances for the Panthers.
Latta says a huge factor in his decision-making progress was the academics at Pittsburg State.
“The degree I’m going into is construction management and that is something they offer,” Latta said.
He also is looking forward to continuing his career in southeast Kansas.
“My dad is a big fan so I wanted to stay close so he could continue to watch,” Latta said.
