June 18, 2025
Waxahachie, TX – The Nelson University Baseball Program is excited to announce the addition of two key coaching staff members ahead of the 2025–26 academic year: Michael Caveney and the return of former assistant coach Cliff Bartosh.
Michael Caveney joins the Lions following a successful stint with nationally ranked Brunswick Community College (BCC) in North Carolina during the 2025 spring season. With the Dolphins who entered the year as the NJCAA Division II preseason No. 1. Caveney worked closely with the outfielders, hitters, and baserunners. He also brings playing experience with BCC, having competed for the program from 2018 to 2020.
Following his time at BCC, Caveney transferred to Queens University, where he played outfield and began his coaching career in 2022 as the program transitioned to NCAA Division I. He later served as the recruiting coordinator and facilities director at Southwest Baptist University (NCAA Division II) in Missouri.
This summer, Caveney will lead the Oak Island Loggerheads of the Old North State League as head coach. His coaching résumé also includes stints with the Badlands Big Sticks in North Dakota and with USA Baseball in Charlotte, North Carolina.
"We are thrilled to add Michael to our coaching staff," states Head Coach Matt Cornacchione. "He has a great background with successful and high level programs and has served in the extremely important role of recruiting coordinator in the past at the college level. He's a great fit for both our baseball program and our institution."
Returning to the Lions coaching staff is former assistant coach Cliff Bartosh, who previously served with the program during the 2020–21 and 2023 seasons. Bartosh was instrumental in the development of the pitching staff, helping guide players like Ethan Nors, Matthew Hickey, and Michael Watson to all-conference honors. Notably, Watson was a two-time All-American and signed as an undrafted free agent in the summer of 2024. He is currently pitching in the St. Louis Cardinals' farm system.
A Duncanville, Texas native and MLB veteran, Bartosh was drafted by the San Diego Padres and went on to pitch for the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs. Following his playing career, he worked as a strength and conditioning coach in the Padres organization and later as a scout with the Tampa Bay Rays.
At Nelson, Bartosh will serve as the Director of Pitching and Assistant Head Coach, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the program.
Nelson University (formerly SAGU) is a private Christian university, established in 1927 by P.C. Nelson. The University is located 30 minutes south of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex in Waxahachie, Texas, and offers more than 70 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus or online. For more information, visit www.nelson.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-NELSON.
