Associate head coach Trent Pratt of BYU baseball has experienced Southern hospitality as a player for Auburn University and this week he will add a new perspective.
“I’m definitely excited to return to Auburn, although it will feel a little different being in the opposing dugout,” said Pratt. “We are looking forward to competing against a great SEC team.”
The Cougars (5-3) have a three-game series at Auburn (8-0 prior to a Tuesday game vs. South Alabama), which starts on Friday. Pratt wears jersey No. 15 for the Cougars and wore No. 2 at Auburn.
“My two years spent playing baseball at Auburn were two of the best years of my baseball career,” Pratt said. “The memories and friendships created there will last throughout my lifetime. I am forever grateful for the Auburn family and how they shaped me as a player and person. “
Pratt, 38, coordinates BYU’s scheduling, hitting, scouting, calls the pitches from the dugout as well as coaches Cougar catchers and is the first base coach on offense. He was named associate head coach last summer and joined BYU's staff in the summer of 2012 after spending the previous six seasons at Dixie State College in a similar role.
He graduated from Dixie State after he was a catcher for two seasons at Auburn (2001-2002) where his brother Scott (1998) also played. Pratt transferred to Auburn from Arizona State where he played for two seasons.
Pratt was a second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection and an SEC Player of the Week (May 13, 2002 following the series vs. Georgia) as a senior after hitting .308 with 18 doubles, eight home runs and led the Tigers with 54 RBI. He had six RBI in one game against Marshall as a senior.
Pratt played pro ball four seasons as a catcher and was drafted three times by the Philadelphia Phillies (12th round in 2002), Arizona Diamondbacks (34th round, 2001) and Texas Rangers (38th round, 1999).
Pratt prepped in Utah at Tooele High School. He and his wife Darice have three daughters, including twins, and three sons.