Shuman returns to VHS baseball

Published 12:55 pm Tuesday, June 7, 2022

VALDOSTA — Valdosta High School principal Dr. Janice Richardson has announced the return of Coach Bart Shuman as the head baseball coach for the Wildcatsl.

Shuman worked with the Wildcat baseball program from August 1997 through June of 2017.  During that time, he led the team to three region titles and two state semifinal appearances.

While at VHS, he was inducted into the Georgia Dugout Club Hall of Fame in 2014.

Prior to his previous tenure in Valdosta, Shuman coached at Berrien High, where he he won the 1988 Class AA state championship with a perfect 31-0 record.  Most recently, Shuman served as the head coach for the Brooks County Trojans during the 2021-22 season. 

Coach Shuman attended Valdosta State where he was a player on the 1979 national championship baseball team.  He went on to work for three seasons at VSU under legendary baseball coach, Tommy Thomas. 

“While taking a break from coaching, I have had the privilege of watching my own kids pursue their baseball careers.  However, I missed coaching. Being back at VHS allows me the opportunity to teach and develop players to compete at a high level,” said Shuman.

“I am extremely thankful and excited to be back coaching the Valdosta Wildcats.”

Shuman and wife Becky have two sons, Scott and Seth, and one daughter and son in law, Sloan and Vann Pitts.  He has two grandchildren, Patton and Presley.

Scott Shuman played collegiate ball at Auburn University and was drafted in the 23rd round of the 2006 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers, and in the 19th round of the 2009 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Tampa Bay Rays.

Seth Shuman, a VHS graduate, played collegiate ball for Georgia Southern University and was drafted in the 39th round of the 2016 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Baltimore Orioles, and in the 6th round of the 2019 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Oakland Athletics. 

He is currently on the Wilmington Blue Rocks roster, which is a part of the Washington Nationals organization. 

Grandson Patton was first baseman of the 2022 championship Hotdogs team at the Lake Laurie Boys and Girls Club. 

“Coach Shuman is an excellent coach and I know he is going to do an outstanding job for Valdosta High,” said Richardson. “I am excited to have him return to lead our baseball program.”