After leading McCallie on the diamond for a decade, former big leaguer Tim Costo is ready to hand over the three-time state championship baseball program to a trusted assistant.
Costo announced Thursday he will step down as head coach at the conclusion of McCallie’s season, when Matt Allen will be promoted to the lead role. The Blue Tornado (18-15) will host Memphis University School (10-14) at 6 p.m. Friday to open a best-of-three series in the first round of the TSSAA Division II-AA state tournament.
Costo, who was selected by the Cleveland Indians with the No. 8 pick of the 1990 MLB draft and spent part of the 1992 and 1993 seasons in the major leagues with the Cincinnati Reds, plans to remain on staff as an assistant coach for the future. It’s a switch similar to the one McCallie’s football program went through after the 2023 season, when Ralph Potter handed over head coaching duties to offensive coordinator Joel Bradford but remained on staff as defensive coordinator for the Blue Tornado.
The Blue Tornado are 169-129-2 on the baseball field with Costo as their head coach. He has been a part of the program since being hired as an assistant in 2012.
“It has been my honor to be the leader of this program for the last 10 years,” said Costo, whose 2022 team won McCallie’s most recent baseball state title in memorable fashion with a 14-13 victory over Lipscomb Academy at the Spring Fling. “I am thankful to McCallie for the opportunity it gave me, and I am forever grateful for the relationships made with the players and coaches. I look forward to continuing our work together with this outstanding coaching staff.”