Neffendorf excited to lead Clark baseball team

Brett Neffendorf was younger than most when he turned from player to coach. So, though only 27, he didn’t hesitate when presented the chance to become a college head coach.

Neffendorf is the new head baseball coach at Clark College, taking leadership of a program that was reborn in 2010 and last season finished first in its division of the Northwest Athletic Conference.

Neffendorf was hired in September. He replaces Don Freeman, who left the Clark job to coach professional baseball in Germany. Neffendorf joined the Clark baseball staff last year as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.

Clark College athletic director Ann Walker described Neffendorf as detail oriented and committed to the entire Clark College mission.

“Brett has great energy,” Walker said. “He has a tremendous passion not just for the sport of baseball, but for working with the young men in the program. He wants to make them better baseball players, better students and better young men, so that they are prepared for life after college.”

Neffendorf said he is excited by the potential for success in the baseball program and by the commitment to excellence within the Clark community.

“The relationships that I’ve built with the people at Clark and with the returning players from last year” were reasons Neffendorf wanted to take over the Penguins.

Baseball practice started more than three weeks ago. The Clark season is scheduled to open at home on Feb. 28.

Neffendorf said his philosophy emphasizes developing good training habits for players.

“I really focus on the process and establishing a system that emphasizes the opportunity to improve every day,” Neffendorf said.

Neffendorf’s own playing career ended because of elbow and shoulder injuries before he could pitch for Clackamas Community College. Mick Ellett, who recruited Neffendorf to Clackamas, is now the Clark pitching coach.

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