'Be The Readiest' Episode 2: Former MLB star Tim Salmon leads high school baseball program

By Staff Report Apr 10, 2019, 12:00am

Holiday Inn Express presents unique look at former Major Leaguer as he prepares to make Scottsdale Christian Academy a winner.

Video: Tim Salmon, SCA aim to 'Be The Readiest'
Former Angels outfielder in his fifth season as Arizona high school coach.

After 14 seasons in Major League Baseball, Tim Salmon was hired to coach at Scottsdale Christian Academy (Phoenix, Ariz.) prior to the 2015 season.

Not every high school program has the luxury of looking to someone who once hit two home runs in a World Series game for guidance.

As seen in the video above, the former Angels rightfielder stresses preparation.



"Coach Salmon prepares these boys by showing them what it takes," Scottsdale Christian Academy athletic director Eric Dall said.

"To be the readiest, there are three attributes you have to bring to the field everyday," Salmon said. "Have a great attitude, be willing to hustle in everything you do and you have to get your mind right and be focused."

Under Salmon, the Eagles have shown they are more than ready, posting 20-win seasons in 2015 and 2017. This year's team may be his best yet at Scottsdale Christian Academy, opening the season with victories in 14 of their first 16 outings.

The program recently made national headlines when junior Ronan Kopp hit two grand slams in one inning.

Salmon played all 14 of his professional seasons with the Angels, hitting 299 home runs and posting a career batting average of .282. He was a member of the 2002 World Series-winning team, hitting two home runs in a pivotal Game 2 victory over the San Francisco Giants.
Former MLB standout Tim Salmon (second from left) is in his fifth season as coach at Scottsdale Christian Academy.
Former MLB standout Tim Salmon (second from left) is in his fifth season as coach at Scottsdale Christian Academy.
Photo by: Mark Jones