Keene hires Sweeney
- Updated: January 19, 2026
Keene High School will have a familiar face coaching the school’s varsity baseball team this spring. Michael Sweeney, a 1995 Keene High School graduate who played baseball and football for the Blackbirds, has been hired to run the school’s baseball program.
New Hampshire Hardball 2026 Watch List
Sweeney played baseball and football at Amherst College and was a member of the inaugural Keene SwampBats team in the NECBL. He was drafted by the New York Mets and spent three years in professional baseball before he turned to a coaching career.
Sweeney spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach at UMass-Amherst and managed the SwampBats from 2003 to 2007. He was named the NECBL Manager of the Year after he guided the SwampBats to the league championship in 2003.
Keeene finished 9-10 last season and lost in the opening round of the Division I tournament. The Blackbirds haven’t won a championship since 2009.
Dean Joyal, who was the program’s interim head coach last season, will reportedly remain with the program in some capacity.
*******
Those who would like to help New Hampshire Hardball promote baseball in the Granite State can do so by purchasing a New Hampshire Hardball membership or by making a donation below. Sponsorship inquiries can be sent to nhhardball@gmail.com. Your support is greatly appreciated.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login