Walter Completes 2026 Staff with Additions of Matt Morales and Ryan Hendricks
8/26/2025 2:05:00 PM | Baseball
One of just 17 teams to make the postseason in each of the last four seasons, Walter completes his staff with a pair of former professionals.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Head coach Tom Walter solidified his 2026 staff with the additions of Matt Morales and Ryan Hendricks on Tuesday.
Morales will serve as an Assistant Coach, while Hendricks joins the staff as Coordinator of Player Development and Baseball Operations.
Morales brings a wide range of experience as both a player and coach at the collegiate and professional levels. A standout at Stetson University, he was drafted as a junior by the Chicago Cubs before completing his degree at Florida State University, where he also served as a student assistant coach.
Following his playing career, Morales spent two seasons on the coaching staff at UAB, helping guide the program before transitioning into professional baseball as a scout. He began his scouting career with the Cubs, serving one season in the organization, before spending the past three years with the Texas Rangers.
Hendricks began his journey on the baseball field, playing collegiately at George Washington University and St. Andrews University before being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles. He went on to play four seasons of Minor League Baseball within the Orioles' organization.
After his playing career, Hendricks pursued his law degree at the University of Baltimore. He then entered military service, joining the United States Air Force. Over the course of a distinguished career, he rose through the ranks, ultimately retiring as a Colonel on July 26, 2025.
What They're Saying:
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Morales will serve as an Assistant Coach, while Hendricks joins the staff as Coordinator of Player Development and Baseball Operations.
Morales brings a wide range of experience as both a player and coach at the collegiate and professional levels. A standout at Stetson University, he was drafted as a junior by the Chicago Cubs before completing his degree at Florida State University, where he also served as a student assistant coach.
Following his playing career, Morales spent two seasons on the coaching staff at UAB, helping guide the program before transitioning into professional baseball as a scout. He began his scouting career with the Cubs, serving one season in the organization, before spending the past three years with the Texas Rangers.
Hendricks began his journey on the baseball field, playing collegiately at George Washington University and St. Andrews University before being drafted by the Baltimore Orioles. He went on to play four seasons of Minor League Baseball within the Orioles' organization.
After his playing career, Hendricks pursued his law degree at the University of Baltimore. He then entered military service, joining the United States Air Force. Over the course of a distinguished career, he rose through the ranks, ultimately retiring as a Colonel on July 26, 2025.
What They're Saying:
- Head Baseball Coach Tom Walter on the addition of Morales:
- "Matt is the perfect addition to our staff. His primary responsibility will be to help solidify our infield and team defense. He will also help Coach Cilento with our hitters, base-runners and with position player recruiting. His experience in professional baseball makes him a great evaluator and his passion for infield play is contagious."
- Head Baseball Coach Tom Walter on the addition of Hendricks:
- "Ryan is the son of former MLB player and coach Elrod Hendricks; baseball is in his blood. As a player, he was the guy on the team who thought like a coach and had that clutch gene. Professionally, he has dedicated himself to serving our nation and is now ready to get back to his roots to help develop our young men personally and professionally."
Follow The Deacs:
GoDeacs.com | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
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