LEXINGTON COUNTY, S.C. – The Lexington County Blowfish are excited to announce the hiring of Ted Falkner as the team’s new head coach for the 2026 Coastal Plain League season.

Falkner is a veteran collegiate coach with five years of coaching experience in the collegiate summer ball ranks. He succeeds Michael Menhart, who led the Blowfish to the playoffs in his one season as head coach and resigned earlier this month to pursue other career opportunities.

“I want to thank Michael for his two years of dedication to the organization,” General Manager Tony Baldwin said. “He stepped up from assistant coach to head coach last season and guided us back to the playoffs. We are thankful for his service and wish him well in future endeavors.”

Menhart was an assistant coach during the 2024 campaign under former head coach KC Brown. He then was promoted to head coach after Brown left for a full-time coaching position. He guided the Blowfish to the No. 2 seed in the West Division during the 2025 season before passing the reigns over to Falkner.

“My family and I are really blessed and excited for this opportunity,” Falkner said. “After meeting with Bill Shanahan and talking with Tony Baldwin, I felt that this organization is special. Lexington County and its love and history for baseball is something I can’t wait to be a part of for the 2026 season.”

“Ted and I were college teammates at Concordia-Ann Arbor,” Baldwin said. “He was a leader on the field in college and I know exactly what type of person he is and how he will lead this team. We are beyond thrilled to have him as part of our organization and excited for the continued success of the Blowfish both on and off the field.”

Falkner’s background includes head coaching stints at USC Beaufort, Madonna and Viterbo. He’s also spent three seasons coaching in the Northwoods League with the LaCrosse Loggers and Thunder Bay Border Cats, and one season with the Michigan Monarchs in the Great Lakes Collegiate League.

Falkner will begin recruiting immediately to fill the 2026 roster.

“I’m looking for a player that is committed–committed to the process, committed to what it takes to play this game at the next level, committed to dominating the details and committed to personal growth and development,” Falkner added. “I really want guys that love the game and want to take advantage of every opportunity they can to play it to the best of their ability. I want guys to embrace the Lexington County area and represent this wonderful organization.”

While Falkner’s recruiting base is nationwide, he is also dedicated to continuing the long line of Lexington County area standouts to suit up in the Blowfish uniform.

“On the field, I’m expecting our players to play hard, play with passion and respect the 27 outs it takes to finish a ballgame,” Falkner said. “Off the field, we are going to walk alongside them and help them to be the best versions of themselves. It’s going to be a fun summer.”

Falkner holds a bachelor’s degree from Concordia University-Ann Arbor and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Ashford University. He is married to his wife, Katie, and the couple has three sons – Jackson (13), Miles (10) and Bo (3).

The Blowfish have made three consecutive trips to the Coastal Plain League postseason, including capturing the 2023 Petitt Cup. Last season, Lexington County secured the No. 2 seed in the West Division and posted a 27-18 record in league play.

The 2026 Blowfish schedule is expected to be released next month. For information on tickets, please call the Blowfish Front Office at 803-254-3474.