Bio

Coach Hecker begins his third year as pitching coach for the Mat-Su Miners.  In 2023, the Miners pitching staff led the Alaska Baseball League in almost all major statistical categories.  He comes to us from Clear Falls High School (Houston, TX) where he serves as the pitching coach and teaches special education. Prior to becoming a high school baseball coach, Hecker played in the minor leagues for 7 seasons as a right-handed pitcher.

Coach Hecker’s professional baseball career began June 20th, 2001, when he first signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. His seven-year minor league career peaked at AAA and included stints in the St. Louis Cardinals organization and independent baseball (Joliet Jackhammers). This followed his collegiate experience at the University of Memphis and Illinois State University where he is listed on the all-time single-season wins list at 9. During that time, he played for the Waterloo Bucks of the Northwoods Collegiate Wood Bat Summer League and is the all-time career saves leader at 24. 

This two-time all-star was inducted into the Waterloo Bucks Hall of Fame in 2006, Named to the All-Decade team 2010, and voted to the 20th season Fan favorite team. Ultimately, his career ended due to injury. Since that time, he has served as head and/or assistant coach for the last 17 years at prominent Texas high schools such as Galveston Ball, Friendswood, Pearland, Brenham, and Clear Falls High School. 

Coach Hecker has mentored 60+ players who have gone on to play college baseball and 9 players drafted in the MLB first-year player draft.  Their respective draft rounds are as follows: 2nd (2), 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 28th, 29th, 31st + 1 free agent signee.  Married to his wife Jessica, they have two boys Jackson 14 and Tyler 12.