Fetter Named Detroit Tigers Pitching Coach
11/6/2020 1:04:00 PM | Baseball
DETROIT, Mich. -- University of Michigan pitching coach Chris Fetter was named to the same position by the Detroit Tigers on Friday (Nov. 6).
Fetter, who played a key role in Michigan's run to the College World Series final in 2019 and has developed numerous prospects into early-round Major League Baseball Draft selections, is the first coaching hire by newly-hired Tigers manager A.J. Hinch. The two previously worked together in the San Diego Padres organization.
"We are thrilled for Chris and this unique opportunity to be a major league pitching coach, said head coach Erik Bakich. "Chris has had a Mount Everest size impact on Michigan Baseball from his playing days to leading our pitching staff to the College World Series Finals in 2019. His elite player development skills paired with his knowledge of tech, data, analytics and ability to communicate with the players will be a valuable asset for the Tigers. These skills will also be critical components as we navigate our search to replace him. More than anything, Chris is a great friend, husband, father and teammate. We will be forever grateful and look forward to following his career in the Big Leagues."
Fetter had long been in the sights of Major League Baseball teams but instead chose to coach at his alma mater for three years. In that time, he propelled U-M to premier status on the national landscape for his ability to evaluate and develop pitching talent. Michigan has seen a trio of pitchers drafted in the first three rounds of the last two MLB drafts (2019, 2020).
"I want to thank Erik for bringing me back to what is the greatest university in the country," said Fetter. "The family atmosphere he's built highlights this incredible baseball community. This decision is bittersweet because of my love for U-M. The relationship I've built with A.J. over the years certainly added to this great opportunity and I look forward to helping the Tigers organization."
A four-year letterwinner at Michigan, Fetter became an All-American for the Wolverines and was a three-time All-Big Ten selection, while guiding the Maize and Blue to three Big Ten championships and four NCAA appearances. He ranks first in Michigan history with 332.1 career innings pitched, third with 28 career wins and third with 281 career strikeouts.
Fetter graduated from Michigan in 2009 and was drafted in the ninth round of the MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres. He spent four years pitching in the Padres' minor-league system before turning to the coaching ranks and serving on the 2013 San Antonio Missions (Double-A) staff.
Under Fetter's mentorship, Jeff Criswell was selected in the second round (58th overall) by the Oakland Athletics in the 2020 MLB Draft to become Michigan's highest draft selection since 2000 (David Parrish, 28th overall, New York Yankees). Criswell finished his career with 174 strikeouts in 162.1 innings, while compiling 10 wins and three saves. Joining Criswell in the professional ranks was lefty relief pitcher Benjamin Keizer, who signed a undrafted free-agent deal with the Yankees.
Michigan's pitching was solid during the 2019 campaign, which included a national runner-up finish, the program's eighth trip to the College World Series and 50 total wins. Led by junior starters Tommy Henry and Karl Kauffmann as well as Criswell, the Michigan pitching staff finished 10th in the country and led the Big Ten Conference with a 3.46 earned-run average, while finishing seventh in the nation with 7.44 hits allowed per game. In the midst of its historic postseason run, Henry (second round, Arizona Diamondbacks), Kauffmann (second round, Colorado Rockies) and reliever Jack Weisenburger (20th round, Athletics) all heard their names called in the draft.
At the close of the 2018 campaign, four Wolverine pitchers inked deals with Major League Baseball teams, including William Tribucher (Colorado Rockies, 14th round), Jayce Vancena (Detroit Tigers, 31st round), Alec Rennard (Pittsburgh Pirates, free agent) and Troy Miller (Toronto Blue Jays, free agent).
