Dean Ehehalt announced the hiring of Josh Epstein as an assistant coach in August 2018. Epstein will be MU’s pitching coach and joined the Hawks after three seasons at Lincoln Memorial University.
Monmouth's pitching staff was one of the best in the nation in 2021, finishing third nationally in shutouts (8), fourth in ERA (3.21), fourth in strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.60), and seventh in both WHIP and Walks Allowed Per Nine Innings. Rob Hensey was named MAAC Pitcher of the Year as well as to the league's First Team, while Dan Klepchick was also a First Teamer alongside utility man Alex Barker, who started eight games for MU on the mound.
Despite the shortened 2020 season, Epstein oversaw the development of a trio of weekend starters that included two, Dan Klepchick and Rob Hensey, posting sub-2.50 ERA's in the first month of the year.
Epstein's first season with the MU pitching staff came in 2019, where he coached freshman Rob Hensey to a spot on the MAAC All-Rookie Team after the lefty posted a sub-four ERA. The Hawks struck out 414 batters on the year, winning 27 times.
“We are really excited to welcome Josh and his family to our Monmouth program,” said Ehehalt. “Josh has done a great job at his previous stops and has been a pivotal part of their success. His pitching staffs have performed at a high level, while his ability to teach, mentor and lead student-athletes is exemplary.”
Epstein joined a Monmouth program that came off a 2018 MAAC regular season title and championship round appearance.
“I’m really excited to join the Monmouth Baseball program, and am grateful to Coach Ehehalt, Dr. McNeil, and Jeff Stapleton for this wonderful opportunity,” said Epstein.
Epstein helped the Railsplitters to consecutive SAC titles in 2017 and 2018, while the team’s pitchers broke the school’s single-season strikeout record, recording 480 punchouts in 479 innings. He coached SAC Pitcher of the Year Ethan Elliott to a 10-3 record and a program high 124 strikeouts. In 2018, LMU matched the program mark for wins with 36.
2017 saw the Railsplitters post the lowest team ERA in eight years of 4.78, walking just 159 hitters in 444 innings pitched to earn an NCAA Tournament berth. Prior to that with LMU, Elliott was named the SAC Freshman of the Year.
Epstein was an assistant coach for two seasons at Bloomsburg, helping their 2014 staff to a 3.16 ERA with just 100 walks in over 347 innings. The Huskies set a school record with a 20-8 record in conference play, with a pair of players named All-League selections.
Before Bloomsburg, Epstein spent six seasons at Ramapo College, his alma mater. He spent the final three as the pitching coach and was also the Roadrunners’ recruiting coordinator, and coached two All-NJAC players in 2012. Ramapo went to three NCAA Tournaments while Epstein was coaching, compiling a 95-45-1 record overall in three seasons. His first season saw the team post a 3.44 team ERA en route to a 30-win season, before winning 35 games the next year with another sub-four earned run average. His final season as Ramapo’s pitching coach resulted in a 3.24 team ERA and another 30-win campaign.
A native of Cleveland, OH, Epstein graduated from Ramapo in 2006 with a business marketing degree. He played all four seasons with the Roadrunners, being named captain as a senior. He was selected 11th overall in the inaugural Israel Baseball League draft by the Petach Tivka Pioneers in 2007, playing one season.
