On Tuesday, the Xavier University of Louisiana athletic department announced the hiring of former Major League baseball player Xavier Paul as its new head baseball coach. He becomes the second head baseball coach hired since the end of July after (now former) coach Dave Yamane was fired for violating “standards, duties, and responsibilities” after being on the job for three months this year.
Previously, Xavier Paul played Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Reds, and Arizona Diamondbacks. As an outfielder, Paul helped the Cincinnati Reds win the National League Central Division in 2012.
Xavier Paul was drafted in the fourth round of the June 2003 MLB Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. He made his professional debut with the Ogden Raptors and was selected to the Rookie League All-Star team after hitting .307 for the Raptors.
Paul coached amateur baseball for nearly 10 years, most recently in 2021 and 2002 in the Appalachian League (a summer collegiate league) from 2021 to 2022.
A Slidell, Louisiana native and former 2003 state of Louisiana high school “Mr. Baseball”, Coach Paul officially began his duties at XULA on Monday, November 11, 2024.
Congratulations on your new role as Head Baseball Coach at XULA
Luana Turner Jefferson
Executive Director
Southfield Baseball Showcase