Apr 20, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Neither Toronto Blue Jays catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (10) cannot catch a foul ball hit by Boston Red Sox designated hitter Hanley Ramirez (not pictured) in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Miami Baseball Hires Former Major League Catcher To Program

Originally posted on Miami Hurricanes on SI
By Justice Sandle | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 9:59 AM ET

Miami Hurricanes baseball head coach J.D. Arteaga announced the hiring of former Major League Baseball catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia as the program’s new Director of Program Development.

A native of West Palm Beach, Fla., Saltalamacchia brings more than a decade of MLB experience to Coral Gables.

A switch-hitting catcher, he made his big-league debut with the Atlanta Braves on May 2, 2007, his 22nd birthday, and went on to play for the Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox, Miami Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays. Over a 12-year career, he compiled a .232 batting average with 110 home runs and 381 RBIs.

Saltalamacchia was also a member of the 2013 World Series champion Boston Red Sox, contributing behind the dish during their title run.

Following his retirement in 2019, Saltalamacchia transitioned into coaching and player development. He served as a coach at The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach before moving into the collegiate summer ranks. In 2024, he was named head coach of the Falmouth Commodores in the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Under his leadership and lone season in Cape Cod, the Commodores produced a record number of Cape League All-Stars, saw 21 players selected in the MLB Draft, including three first-round picks, and guided infielder Maika Niu to league MVP honors. Off the field, Saltalamacchia helped set new marks in sponsorship donations, merchandise sales and youth clinic participation.

Ron Schloerb/Cape Cod Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“We’re excited to welcome Jarrod and his family to Coral Gables and the Hurricanes baseball family,” Arteaga said. “He brings great experiences as a former player, he’s a proven leader and his ability to prepare young baseball players for the next level is something we value very much at Miami.”

Courtesy of Miami Athletics

Miami Baseball Adds Rival SEC School Pitcher To Roster

Head coach J.D. Arteaga and his staff have been relentless this offseason with additions from the portal, and now they add another pitcher to the Bullpen for the Miami Hurricanes.

Former Florida Gator LHP pitcher Frank Menendez announces his commitment to the Canes ahead of the 2025-26 season. He is a Miami, Fla. native, which only helps what Arteaga is building in Coral Gables.

Justice Sandle is a graduate of Mississippi State University and is the site lead for the Miami Hurricanes on SI. He can be reached at Twitter @Justice_News5.

This article first appeared on Miami Hurricanes on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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