On Saturday, Lindenwood VP for Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Coomer officially named PJ Finigan as the next head coach of the Lindenwood baseball program.

"I am very thankful and humbled that Dr. Porter and Jason Coomer trust the vision that I have for the program, said Finigan.  "I could not be more excited to be taking the reins and leading our student-athletes.  Lindenwood University is a special place, and I look forward to adding to the great baseball history."

Finigan just completed his first year on the Lindenwood staff, one that saw two players earn all-OVC recognition. He spent three seasons at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville as an assistant baseball coach.  From 2021-22, Finigan also served as the interim head softball coach.  In his lone season as the interim head softball coach, Finigan helped lead the team to its first OVC Tournament appearance in three years, and first tournament win in four years.  Finigan guided four all-OVC baseball selections and three all-OVC softball selections.

"Today begins a new era in LU Baseball as Coach Finigan looks to build on the success and tradition that Coach Bletcher installed throughout his tenure, stated Coomer. "Having Coach Finnigan at the helm is a tremendous asset to our program and I am confident in his leadership as we take our program to new heights."

Prior to his stop in Edwardsville, Finigan spent nine seasons at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.  Finigan served as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator, before being promoted to associate head coach in 2018-19.  Under the pitching leadership from Finigan, the Saluki baseball program produced one National Pitcher of the Year, eight MLB Draft picks, and four school records.  Finigan guided 20 all-MVC selections, 12 MVC Pitchers of the Week, and two Louisville Slugger Freshman All-Americans.

Finigan was selected in the seventh round of the 2005 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers as the 210th overall pick.  In 2006, Finigan was named the Detroit Tigers Gold Glove Award Winner.  Finigan was a four-year starter at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.  Finigan collected Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American accolades in 2002, and was named academic all-MVC honorable mention in 2004.  In 2005, Finigan was named the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, earning first-team honors as a starting pitcher and a shortstop.  Finigan was inducted to the 2018 SIU Athletics Hall of Fame, and was named to the MVC All-Century team.

"PJ has earned the respect of the clubhouse, local baseball community, and fellow coaches nationwide, continued Coomer. "We are excited for Coach Finnigan to officially get started in his new role as the talk in the baseball community about the Lions is trending upwards."