AFreeman

Jayden Shafer

Jayden Shafer begins his first season in the coaching ranks this season, returning to his alma mater after a successful & lengthy collegiate playing career. His responsibilities will include working with hitters and infielders, and assisting in recruiting efforts. He is eager to transition his playing knowledge into a coaching role, focusing on developing student-athletes both on and off the field. 
During the summer of 2025 Coach Shafer led the MVP Collegiate Team to an NBC World Series birth, marking a success start to his transition from player to coach.
Shafer played at Murray State during the 2020, 2021, & 2022 seasons, and was an integral member of the NJCAA II World Series qualifying team. He played in 92 games, starting in 79. 
After Murray State he transferred to Oklahoma Baptist University where he started in 131 games in three seasons with the Bison. He was voted twice to the GAC All-Conference team and to the GAC All-Tournament Team.  In 2023 he ranked 12th in GAC with a .357 batting average and 10th with 36 walks and struck out just 22 times.  In 2024 he ranked 4th in the nation with 54 walks and 1st in walks per game (1.04).  He started all 52 games at first base and batted .316 with 59 hits and 66 runs scored, second-most in the GAC. Helped turn 26 double plays, a team-high, and recorded an OBU-best 372 putouts.  Shafer finished his career with 119 walks, 3rd in school history. 
Shafer graduated with an Associates of Science in Health, Wellness, and Human Performance from Murray State in 2022 & earned his Bachelors Degree in Sports & Recreation with an emphasis in Athletic Coaching from Oklahoma Baptist in 2024. 
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