“We are highly blessed to have Tony leading our baseball program. I can’t think of anyone who can match his experience and leadership. Moreover, he’s an icon in our community and he is revered by all who know him.” – Rich Russell, Coral Shores administrator
“We are very happy to have coach Hammon as our head baseball coach at Coral Shores. He will do an amazing job leading our young men on and off the field.” – Ed Holly, Hurricanes athletic director
Coral Shores recently announced their newest hire in head baseball coach Tony Hammon. Hammon is a Coral Shores graduate who has filled the roles of classroom teacher, school administrator and coach and has been a member of the Upper Keys community for the past five decades. He started his career at Coral Shores as a science teacher after playing baseball at FKCC in the late ’60s while earning his associate’s degree. He then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology education from the University of Miami and a master’s degree in educational administration from Tennessee Temple University.
The 2024 season will not be Hammon’s first stint as head coach with the ’Canes. Hammon was the second baseball coach in Coral Shores history following the iconic Roger Allen, who had been his coach and mentor all through high school. He then helped to found the Island Christian School, starting a varsity baseball program there in 1975 and coaching there for the next 40 years. In addition to teaching, coaching and serving as a school administrator, Hammon is pastor emeritus of Island Community Church, where he served as senior pastor from 1989 to 2019, has authored three books and continues his educational training by traveling to underserved populations throughout the world.
Despite his insanely busy schedule, Hammon did not hesitate to find time to return to his alma mater to serve his community yet again.
“My kids all played ball here in this community, both in little league and then varsity,” he said. “I have been an umpire, coach, teacher, principal and parent, so I guess I’ve just about covered all the bases.”
“I’m excited to be coaching at Coral Shores again. These are great kids and I have an exceptional coaching staff working with these young men,” he added. “I am looking forward to a great season.”
Hammon has been married to his wife Colleen, his high school sweetheart, for 52 years, and has four children and 11 grandchildren.
