Former Southeast Lauderdale and Southern Miss baseball standout Mason Irby gives instructions to 7-year-old Cameron Doggett Tuesday evening at Southeast Lauderdale’s indoor baseball practice facility. 

After his career at Southern Mississippi came to a close, former Southeast Lauderdale baseball standout Mason Irby planned to walk away from the game.

That plan is currently on hold.

Irby, who hit .276 for the Golden Eagles this past season with a .380 on-base average, announced July 22 on his various social media platforms that he would be doing private lessons for anyone interested up through the end of October. He meets with up to 10 young baseball players a week, ranging from ages 6-18, at Southeast Lauderdale’s baseball facility. The workouts are designed to suit the player’s needs, and for Irby, he’s just happy to share his knowledge.

“It’s really me trying to stay a part of the game,” Irby said. “I’m done playing, but it’s been a big part of my life for 18-19 years, so it’s tough to give it up at the drop of a hat.”

Prior to doing individual lessons, Irby said he’s never coached at any level, so being a teacher instead of a learner is a unique experience.

“It is new, but I’ve gotten a chance to learn from what I feel like are some of the best coaches around,” Irby explained. “I’m just teaching what was taught to me to get me to where I was at.”

In fact, until late July, Irby said he never gave any thought at all to the possibility of coaching.

“I always thought it would be a little easier to get away from it than it was,” Irby said. “I don’t think I’ll do full team coaching, but I do enjoy this.”

The types of instruction Irby gives to his clients usually depends on their level of skills.

“I won’t teach the same thing to a 6-year-old that I would an 18-year-old,” Irby said. “I’m just looking at what you maybe need to have fixed or broken down fundamentally. I’ve seen guys with every strength and weakness you can imagine, and I’ve watched coaches work with them through all of that.” 

And growing up in Lauderdale County makes Irby appreciate the opportunity he has to give back to the game locally. 

“It means a lot,” Irby said. “I didn’t have this when I was a kid. I was blessed to be coached by my parents, but not all kids listen to their parents, so it’s nice to have a fresh face to hear from.”

There is a $25 per hour flat rate for Irby’s lessons. For those interested, email Irby at mirby34@gmail.com.