Keyes Joins `Runner Baseball Staff

Bakersfield, Calif. – Bakersfield native Kevin Keyes will join the CSU Bakersfield baseball program as a volunteer Director of Player and Program Development for the 2020-21 season. Keyes has spent his career in Kern County, working in both athletics and the development of young people while serving as a coach, broadcaster, peace officer and community advocate.

"It's a pleasure to announce Coach Keyes will be joining our baseball staff," said CSUB Head Coach Jeremy Beard. "He will play a valuable role with our student athletes and staff, with his significant experience mentoring student-athletes and youth across Kern County. Kevin has a strong understanding of our program and will be a key player in helping our staff develop a Big West Champion. It's a great day to be a Runner!"

Keyes was a football and baseball star at Highland High School, where he enjoyed a standout career as a second baseman for the Scots. He began his collegiate baseball career at Bakersfield College, where he was an All-Metro Conference Selection, before playing two seasons at Long Beach State as a pitcher and second baseman.

Keyes recently retired from the Kern County Superintendent of Schools, where he worked as a community prevention specialist mentoring at-risk youth. Prior to that, Keyes had served with the Kern High School District as a community specialist for 11 years, while also coaching football at Liberty High School.

He has also been heavily involved the Bakersfield community as a community active working with area youth, including with G.A.M.E, assisting student-athletes with time management, academics and life skills. Additionally, he spent time with the US Army National Guard mentoring at-risk youth and developing military staff. Keyes worked directly with Major League Baseball and the Police Activities. League to bring the Junior Giants Baseball Program to Bakersfield, providing a free youth league for over 300 young players.

Keyes and his wife, Jen Ryan Keyes, have been married for 39 years. They have two children, Dustin Keyes and Brittany Ruffin, and four grandchildren.

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