June 30, 2009

Bakich Becomes Maryland Head Coach

Vanderbilt assistant Erik Bakich has been named head coach at Maryland, becoming the sixth skipper in its 116-year history.

Bakich has worked with the Commodores the past seven seasons and has helped head coach Tim Corbin recruit Top 25 classes each year. Vanderbilt had the top-ranked class in 2005 and second-ranked class in 2008.

Along with recruiting duties, Bakich was hitting coach and worked with the outfielders at Vanderbilt. In 2004, the team batting average for the Commodores rose from .258 to .304, the highest increase in program history. Vanderbilt was in the top three in SEC team batting three of the past four years.

Bakich was a volunteer assistant at Clemson in 2002, helping with recruiting as well as working with the outfielders and infielders. The Tigers reached the College World Series that season.

After transferring from San Jose City College in California, Bakich played two seasons at East Carolina. He helped the Pirates win consecutive Colonial Athletic Association crowns in 1999 and 2000. Bakich batted .315 with 14 home runs and 85 RBI in two seasons in Greenville.

Bakich graduated from ECU in 2000 with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science. He played in the Independent Professional Baseball League until 2001. Bakich returned to East Carolina as assistant strength and conditioning coach for one year.

Bakich replaces Terry Rupp, who resigned May 29 after nine seasons with the Terps.

Click here for list of 2009 Division I head coaching changes.