Bio

Jake Ayers enters his second season as an assistant coach at Juniata College as the program’s hitting coach and on defense works primarily with catchers and infielders.

Ayers comes to Juniata after working at his alma mater, Knox College, where he served as bullpen management, coached first base and coordinated the program’s recruiting efforts, while working with the catchers and hitters.

During the 2008-2009 seasons, Ayers was the Bullpen Coach for the Lincoln Saltdogs of the independent professional American Association; winning the league title in 2009.  While in Lincoln, Ayers worked with current Florida Marlins Vice President of Player Development, Marty Scott, and saw five different players be signed by Major League Baseball organizations. 

In 2007, Ayers was signed to play in the inaugural Israel Baseball League by current Baltimore Orioles Vice President of Baseball Operations, Dan Duquette.  Ayers caught for the league champion Bet Shemesh Blue Sox.

Ayers is a 2006 graduate of Knox College where he was a four-year letter winner in baseball and football.  On the baseball field, Ayers was a four-year starting catcher, twice elected team captain, two-time unanimous All-Midwest Conference selection and runner up for conference player of the year.  On the football field, Ayers started seven games at quarterback for the Prairie Fire over his four-year career.

Following a decorated prep playing career, Ayers started his coaching career in 2004, at the age of 19, when he took over the Farmington (IL) American Legion Post 140 baseball programs. During his three and a half years in charge of Post 140, all teams were above .500 for the season with an average of three players per year attending college to play baseball.  Ayers was elected a member of Post 140’s Hall of Fame in 2005.

Ayers is a member of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA), the Association of Professional BallPlayers of America (ABPBA), and USA Baseball.

Ayers is married to 2006 Juniata graduate Nikki (McLellan) Ayers.  The couple resides in Huntingdon with their daughter, Kennedy (age one).