Years after making his mark on the baseball field as a standout player, Chris McLean is back where it all began, but this time, he is gaining a new perspective from the dugout. Jpining the Knights fall baseball program as an assistant coach of his former high school team, he’s come full circle, bringing his passion and experience to the next generation of North Penn Knights. 

“I came back to North Penn to coach to try and teach the younger kids what I had learned in college and try to find a connecting point between high school and college baseball. When Coach Manero asked if I was ready to return to the diamond after graduating college this past spring, I knew that this was something I wanted to do,” McLean stated. 

Back in his high school days, McLean was a huge part of the North Penn team. In his sophomore year, he was called up to varsity and helped the team go undefeated in conference play and finish in first place for the Suburban One League.

“From a baseball perspective North Penn taught me how to play the game the right way and taught me baseball IQ,” Mclean explained. “From a personal standpoint, Coach Manero and other members of the staff allowed me to mature as a young adult and set a standard of professionalism and how to carry oneself in the next step of his or her life.” 

McLean used these skills that he learned from North Penn Baseball to be able to be a major competitor in college baseball. In his time at Jefferson University, McLean was one of the most impactful players on the field. He was a 3 year starter, captain in his junior and senior years, and led the offense in at least 1 category each year. McLean also won various awards including: 

– All-CACC First Team (2024)

– All-CACC Second Team (2022)

– ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Div. II All-East Region First Team (2024)

– D2CCA All-East Region Second Team (2024)

– NCBWA All-East Region Second Team (2024)

– Philadelphia Baseball Review All-Philadelphia Region Team (2024)

– 2x CACC All-Academic Team (2023, 2024)

– 2x CSC Academic All-District Team (2023, 2024)

– CACC Academic Honor Roll – Commissioner’s Level (Spring 2024)

– 2x Team MVP (2022, 2024)

– Thomas R. Shirley Jr. Director of Athletics Award (2023-24)

Needless to say, the morals and skills McLean learned during his time as a Knight was able to help him be extremely successful at the next level. McLean wants to return the favor and be influential to the current players, just like his coaches were to him. 

“The main goal I’m trying to achieve is to be able to benefit the team in any way possible whether that be bridging high school to college baseball, giving hitting or infield tips, or even helping understand the mental aspect of the game and hitting at a higher level. I am also looking to help guys understand what it takes to be successful at a higher level,” McLean concluded.