October 29, 2009

Nine Innings with Bruce Peddie

By Phil Stanton

CollegeBaseballInsider.com Co-Founder

Bruce Peddie was promoted to head coach at New Orleans in August after Tom Walter resigned to become head coach at Wake Forest. Peddie was associate head coach with the Privateers for three years.

Peddie was head coach at Division II Shippensburg (Pa.) for 11 seasons, earning five NCAA Tournament bids and reaching the College World Series in 1996.

A 1987 graduate of Mansfield, Peddie was an assistant coach at his alma mater from 1989 to 1995. The Mounties appeared in four NCAA Regionals and reached the CWS three times.

Peddie recently took time to answer our questions about his promotion at UNO.

First Inning – In your experience, what has been the biggest difference so far in being a head coach versus being an assistant coach?

As the associate head coach, I was recruiting coordinator and hitting coach.  Now, I have to oversee those areas as well as deal with the administration, faculty and all other related areas.  It’s a change but I have had very good mentors along the way and Coach Walter showed me the way over the past three years.

Second Inning – What did you learn most from Tom Walter?

Coach Walter showed me how to deal with many aspects at this level.  First and foremost was his personal and caring way for individuals from all over the country.  We've had kids who come from the surf to the mountains and big and little cities.  He was passionate and showed respect to all of the kids.  The biggest thing was how he handled the aftermath of Katrina and making sure the kids were safe and staying on task academically.  He's very organized and goes out of his way for others.

Third Inning – Outfielder Rodarrick Jones had a strong summer in the New York Collegiate Baseball League. What do you expect from him in his sophomore season?

Roe will be counted on for his energy and leadership as well as his bat.  He is an unreal athlete and his work ethic makes everyone better around him.  We need him to continue to provide power in the middle of the line-up.

Fourth Inning – What do the Privateers have to do to climb in the Sun Belt standings?

I really believe we’re going to be very offensive.  We will go as far as the pitching and defense can take us.  We have a chance to be special if we can stay healthy.

Fifth Inning – What have you seen so far in fall practice for UNO?

We’re swinging the bats and consistently throwing strikes.  Throughout the program there is a ton of competition for many spots and the energy has been great.

Sixth Inning – You reached the Division II College World Series three times as an assistant coach at Mansfield and once as head coach at Shippensburg. Have you imagined what it would be like to take UNO to Omaha?

Since I arrived four years ago that has been our goal to get back to Omaha.  Coach Walter has us going in the right direction and we continue to have the same goal.  I really believe this program can reach Omaha and we will daily work in that direction.

Seventh Inning – LSU won the national championship this past season. Does that help all college baseball in the state of Louisiana?

It’s brought great recognition to our state.  Having four schools reach Omaha from Louisiana as well as two junior colleges making the JUCO World Series, our state has many great opportunities through college baseball.

Eighth Inning – You spent many years coaching in the state of Pennsylvania. Do you miss the snow?

I miss the change of seasons, but when it comes spring time the weather here is such a benefit.  I will never complain about the heat or humidity.

Ninth Inning – The city of New Orleans is known for its great food. Do you have a favorite local dish?

I've had many great dishes but BBQ Shrimp and Crawfish Boils can't be beat.

(photos courtesy of UNO Media Relations Office)