The GCSU men’s baseball team is entering a new chapter under first-year head coach, Jeff Pelkey, on July 17, 2025.
Former head coach Nolan Belcher left the program after four years at GCSU.
“When Coach Belcher left, they obviously had a national search and opened it up”, Pelkey said. “I was able to have a great conversation with Wendell, our athletic director, and he just kind of sold me,”.
Pelkey’s interest in GCSU’s tradition and consistent success in the Peach Belt Conference drew him to the position. During his time at Flagler, he frequently competed against the Bobcats and saw the program up close.
“Being in the Peach Belt for eight years at Flagler College, I got to see firsthand in the other dugout what kind of effort the guys gave every day,” Pelkey said. “Not just with Coach Belcher, but Coach Eller before him, and just the constant success they’ve had.”
He also said the university’s academic standards and the character of its players played a major role in his decision.
“Because of the school and the academics and just the type of character every player here has,” Pelkey said.
Pelkey’s baseball career began in a small town in New Hampshire, where he played both basketball and baseball in high school. He went on to pitch at Keene State College, a Division III program.
“I had an unbelievable four-year experience in every shape, on the field, off the field and academically,” Pelkey said.
After graduating, Pelkey stayed at Keene State to complete graduate school and began coaching, working primarily with catchers. Two years later, he moved to Franklin Pierce University. He coached pitchers and assisted with recruiting during one of the most successful stretches in program history.
“We went to the College World Series in Cary, North Carolina,” Pelkey said. “We had one year where we won 48 games or something ridiculous.”
Before arriving at GCSU, Pelkey spent eight seasons at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida.
Now leading the Bobcats, Pelkey stated his focus includes both short-term and long-term goals for the program.
“I think every coach has short-term and long-term goals,” Pelkey said. “Right now, our short-term goal is just to play solid, sound, good baseball, making sure guys are going to class, focusing on their schoolwork, making sure they’re in the weight room, keeping their bodies in shape and getting out there and competing.”
He also emphasized the importance of representing GCSU and its athletic department in a positive way.
Long term, Pelkey is motivated to continue to maintain strong academic and graduation rates, increasing community service efforts and continuing to build success on the field.
The Bobcats have not reached the Division II College World Series in Cary since 2010.
“I’d like to get back there,” Pelkey said. “There are a lot of alumni who have had those experiences, and I want to give that to the players here now. As a coaching staff, I think we just wake up every day and work hard and see where this leads.”
As the season approaches, Pelkey and the Bobcats look to build on the program’s tradition while setting the tone for this new chapter.
