ANDERSON, MO. — World Series Champion Christian Colón was announced as McDonald County’s next Head Baseball Coach on April 10. Now, less than a week later, the former big leaguer addressed his new squad for the first time at a ribbon cutting ceremony to unveil the program’s new press box.

“These athletes could benefit from a voice that, yeah, I’ve been through a lot of good memories and also some tough ones,” Colón said.

Colón had an 11-year playing career in Major League Baseball after being drafted No. 4 overall in the 2010 MLB Draft, going on to play with the Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds and Toronto Blue Jays.

Following his time as a player, Colón gained coaching experience at the minor league level with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (AA), Arkansas Travelers (AA) and KC Monarchs (Independent).

“He’s driven by purpose,” Athletic Director Bo Bergen said. “And, you know, I told people it’s nothing that we could really offer him. The only thing we could offer him was a chance to work with our kids, and that was more than enough for him.”

“He’s going to jump in and he’s going to be a part of this,” McDonald County Superintendent Eric Findley said. “He won’t miss a beat. He won’t miss a step at all. The people will love him like I did whenever I first came in here. Like they do anybody that’s a part of the community, he’s going to fit in perfectly.”

Colón has accrued several accolades throughout his playing career, but notably found his way into the hearts of many local Royals fans by delivering a game-winning hit in Game 5 of the 2015 Fall Classic.

“This state and the Royals have meant a lot to me and my family,” Colón said. “And if I can use what they did for me and how they helped me, if I can use it to someone else for other kids, that’s all I want to do is just pass it forward.”

Throughout the hiring process, Bergen said he was immediately drawn to not only the resume Colón boasts, but the character and values he possesses.

Colón echoed that sentiment, saying he and Bergen hit it off immediately throughout their initial conversations and their visions for the baseball program aligned off the bat.

“It’s a big responsibility. One that I don’t take lightly, and I’m looking forward to that,” Colón said.

McDonald County High School Baseball currently sits 5-11 overall at roughly the midway point of the 2026 season, a significant improvement from a 2-23 overall mark in 2025.

Colón will have his chance to return Mustangs Baseball to its winning ways beginning next season, though he spoke with the entire team for the first time at Thursday’s ribbon cutting ceremony.

“That was my message to them, just meet me in the middle,” Colón said. “Let’s get to work. I’ll meet you where you’re at. I’ll help you in every way I can. And I want to be here.”

Colón is expected to begin offseason work with Mustangs Baseball in July.

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