News & Notes From Around College Baseball…
There are just 38 days remaining until the start of the 2011 college baseball season, and the start can’t come soon enough! We’re getting geared back up after a little down time. Here are a few recent happenings from around college baseball, starting with a bit of a shocker considering how close the season is to beginning.
Matt Deggs
Deggs Steps Down In Aggie Land…
Texas A&M has announced that associate head coach Matt Deggs has stepped down to focus on “personal health and family matters”. “I’ll miss the players. I still have the burning desire for this game and to coach it, but right now I need to focus on my family and my health,” said Deggs in a statement. Deggs has coached Texas A&M’s offense and infielders for the last five years. The Aggies hit .306 with 299 home runs and 400 stolen bases over the last four seasons. A search for his replacement is underway.
Keep It Coming…
The Save Cal Baseball effort is “absolutely moving in the right direction” according to organizer Doug Nickle from the group’s Facebook message. Nickle says the Cal administration says that $25 million will be needed to save baseball and the other four sports that were cut back in September. Approximately $15 million in pledges has been raised toward the effort, and Nickle says the San Francisco Giants are “on our side” as they work to save baseball at Cal. They also ask that supporters continue to write Cal Chancellor Birgeneau to voice support.
Mike Sheppard
Calls To The Hall…
Former Seton Hall head coach Mike Sheppard, Sr. and New Mexico State assistant Gary Ward were among recent inductees into the ABCA Hall of Fame. Ward is in his seventh season as an assistant coach for his son, Rocky Ward, at New Mexico State. He led Oklahoma State to the College World Series 10 times as head coach from 1978-1996. Sheppard was head coach at Seton Hall for 31 years. He led the Pirates to the College World Series in 1974 and ’75, and also coached future Major Leaguers like Mo Vaughn and Craig Biggio. Harry Tholen (Sante Fe College) and Lou Yacinich (Grand View) were other college inductees.
Jack Leggett
Palmetto Power…
South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer recently presented Clemson baseball coach Jack Leggett with the Palmetto Patriot Award. The award is the highest honor the state’s Lieutenant Governor can bestow. It recognizes public service and outstanding contributions to citizens of the state of South Carolina. Bauer said Leggett “Is a man all South Carolinans should be proud to call one of our own.” Leggett has 769 wins and six trips to Omaha in 17 seasons as Clemson’s head coach.