Mars graduate DJ Cannon (wearing jacket)has been named head baseball coach at Chatham University. Cannon had been serving as pitching coach at Seton Hill, his alma mater.

PITTSBURGH — DJ Cannon had carved a deep niche with Seton Hill University's baseball program.

Between his days as a player for the Griffins, a graduate assistant and pitching coach, Cannon spent 12 years at the school in Greensburg.

“It became difficult for me to think about being anywhere else,” said the 2007 Mars High graduate, “but I was ready to spread my wings and try something new.”

That opportunity comes at Division III Chatham University, where Cannon was named head coach of the Cougars' baseball program last week.

He interviewed twice for the position, once over the phone with athletic director Leonard Trevino and once on campus.

“DJ comes with a great record of success, both academically and athletically,” said Trevino in a released statement. “We're excited to name DJ as our next coach. We feel he is going to continue to move our program in the right direction.”

Chatham has fielded a baseball team since 2015, but did not play a full schedule until 2017. The Cougars are 15-52 over the last two seasons.

“I thought with my background and coaching history, it would give me a pretty good shot to get the job,” said Cannon. “I think it made sense on both ends. Chatham was looking for a younger coach to come in and change the culture.

“My first order of business (after the hire) was to contact all returning and incoming players,” he added. “I wanted to create a relationship with all of them, make that connection. Now I have to bring in quality assistants. Nothing is finalized yet, but I want to get my coaching staff set as soon as possible.”

As head coach, Cannon plans on having his hand in every aspect of the team, including its pitchers. He has extensive experience in that area.

From 2008-12, he served every role on the mound for Seton Hill, from starter to reliever to closer. He tallied 12 wins and pitched 159 innings with an ERA of 3.79.

Seton Hill's pitching coach for the past five seasons, Cannon helped the Griffins turn in an ERA last spring of 3.36, best in the PSAC. He helped develop Perry DellaValle into a 27th round draft pick of St. Louis in 2018.

“One of the reasons I stayed at Seton Hill so long was I had the opportunity to learn under (head coach) Marc Marizzaldi (over 500 career wins). I was pretty fortunate to move into a coaching role there.”

Chatham is a young program that has taken its lumps in the Presidents' Athletic Conference, but Cannon sees several draws that can help bring talent to the program.

“It's close to downtown, but when you're on campus, you don't feel like you're in a city,” he said. “The campus is beautiful and we have an all-turf baseball field. In this climate, that's a game-changer.

“Academically, Chatham is a quality school and it's a great opportunity for not just baseball players, but students in general.”