Cane Cutters News

Coach Darien Dukes Returns for his 5th Season as Head Coach

            The Acadiana Cane Cutters have announced that coach Darien Dukes will return to his role of Head Coach for the Cane Cutters once again for the 2025 season.  This will be coach Dukes’ 6th season with the organization, and his 5th season as head coach. 

            “[ Coach Dukes’] relationship with the players and his knowledge of the game makes him  an easy choice to lead the Cane Cutters,”  commented Acadiana Cane Cutters owner, Richard Chalmers.

        The Shreveport, Louisiana native attended Trinity Heights Academy high school.  He then continued his education at Baptist Christian College where he won two National Championships.  He then transitioned into coaching high school baseball in 1996 and has coached in schools all over Northwest Louisiana and East Texas.  Coach Dukes also spent some time on the coaching staff of the Shreveport-Bossier Captains in the American Association of Professional Baseball where he helped lead the team to a championship in 2010.  Darien began his tenure with the Cane Cutters in 2020 as an assistant coach.  He was promoted to Head Coach for the 2021 season and has held this role ever since.  Under his leadership, the Acadiana Cane Cutters laid claim to the Texas Collegiate League Championship in 2022.  Coach Dukes is married to Dr. Kristi Dukes and has two children, Gavin and Breanne.  

“I’m so thankful to get the opportunity to work for the best organization in the TCL,” noted Dukes.  “There’s not a doubt in my mind that Acadiana is home to the best fans, best owners, and the best stadium in the league.  We are looking forward to another exciting season of Cutter baseball and bringing another championship back to Lafayette.”

         The Acadiana Cane Cutters’ season begins on June 3rd in a rematch of the 2024 Louisiana Divisional Series against the Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators.  The Cane Cutters will return to Fabacher Field on June 5th to take on the Seguin River Monsters.  Season tickets for the 2025 season will be available for purchase soon.  Follow the Acadiana Cane Cutters on Instagram, Facebook, and X to stay up to date on all things Cane Cutters.