The University of Maryland Eastern Shore has announced the hiring of Conrad Felks Jr. and Bryan Liriano-Hernandez as assistant coaches ahead of the 2027 baseball season. Felks Jr. will focus on hitting and recruiting, while Liriano-Hernandez will lead the pitching staff. Both coaches bring significant experience and success from their previous roles, enhancing the program's competitive edge. Head coach Justin Thomas expressed enthusiasm about their arrival and confidence in their potential contributions. The new staff aims to elevate the program's performance and foster player development.

By the Numbers
  • Felks Jr. helped Queens University's baseball team secure victories over South Carolina and Duke in 2026.
  • Liriano-Hernandez mentored a player to Big South All-Freshman Team honors during his tenure at Presbyterian College in 2025.
Yes, But

While the new hires bring impressive credentials, the transition for both coaches in adapting to a new program and its challenges is critical. The effectiveness of their coaching strategies in a different environment remains to be seen.

State of Play
  • Both Felks Jr. and Liriano-Hernandez are stepping into roles filled by previous coaching staff that have led to varied results.
  • The program aims to instill a winning culture and develop student-athletes beyond their sporting capabilities.
What's Next

As the new coaching staff prepares for the upcoming season, they will focus on player recruitment and development. Upcoming training camps and team-building activities will be critical in establishing their coaching philosophy and building team cohesion.

Bottom Line

The addition of Felks Jr. and Liriano-Hernandez represents a strategic move by UMES to strengthen its baseball program. Their success will depend on effective integration with the current team and the ability to translate past accolades into future victories.