Coaching Staff

Rod Delmonico Head Coach (Liberty, 1980) 88 16th Season 588-326 (.643), 1995, 2001 he ’s longest tenured coach is the University of Tennessee’s The Delmonico File TRod Delmonico, who is set to begin his 16th season at the helm of the Volunteers in 2004. The longtime leader of the Big Orange ranks sixth on the league’s all-time victories list with 588 Full Name: Rodney James Delmonico and needs 47 more wins to move past former Auburn skipper Hal Baird into sixth place. Birthdate: May 14, 1958 The winningest coach in Tennessee baseball history, Delmonico led the Vols to their fifth 30-win Education: season in the last seven years and 14th overall in 2004. He also picked up his 220th Southeastern New Hanover High School, Wilmington, N.C. 1976 Conference victory in a 12-9 win over Florida on May 21. He became the ninth coach in SEC his- tory to reach the 500-win mark following a 6-4 victory over UNC Asheville March 8, 2002. Liberty University, B.A. in physical education 1980 Before Delmonico's arrival in 1990, none of the following accomplishments would have been , M.A. in education administration 1983 mentioned in the same sentence with Tennessee baseball. Using knowledge that he gleaned from Family: two of college baseball's coaching legends -- Clemson's Bill Wilhelm and Florida State's Mike Children: Tony, Joey and Nicky Martin -- Delmonico and his Vols have posted eight 40-win seasons, including two 50-win cam- paigns. His teams have won an average of 39 games per year, while garnering two Southeastern Playing Experience: Conference titles, making two trips to the College World Series, appearing in seven NCAA region- Lettered in baseball at Liberty University 1977 als, including four regional finals, while winning four SEC Eastern Division crowns and three SEC Lettered in soccer at Liberty University 1978 Eastern Division Tournament championships. In addition, he was named 's 1995 National Coach of the Year and the SEC Coach of the Year in 1994 and 1995. Coaching Experience: Likewise, during his overall coaching career he has been part of teams that have participated in Assistant Coach at Gloucester (N.J.) County College 1981 the College World Series five times, Graduate Assistant Coach at Clemson 1982-83 Delmonico’s Milestone Victories made 13 NCAA regional appearances, Assistant Coach at Florida State 1984-89 Win Game Date won 10 conference or division titles and 1 UT 17, East Tennessee State 12 Feb. 21, 1990 posted nine conference tournament Head Coach at Tennessee 1990-Present 50 UT 13, UNC Asheville 3 March 27, 1991 championships. With a background of Head Coaching Team Accomplishments: 100 UT 4, Milligan 0 April 22, 1992 winning at the top level of collegiate 588-326 (.643) in 15 years at Tennessee 150 UT 14, Kansas 4 Feb. 11, 1994 baseball dotting his resume, it's no won- Two College World Series appearances (1995, 2001) 200 UT 6, Western Carolina 4 May 28, 1994 der that his teams are perennial con- 250 UT 5, The Citadel 2 May 25, 1995 tenders for the conference title as well as Seven NCAA Regional appearances (1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2004) 300 UT 8, Central Florida 6 Feb. 7, 1997 a national championship. 350 UT 8, Morehead State 2 Feb. 28, 1999 Delmonico has seen 81 Vols sign pro- Four NCAA Regional finals (1994, 1995, 1996, 2001) 400 UT 4, Georgia 3 May 1, 1999 fessional baseball contracts including Two Southeastern Conference Titles (1994, 1995) 450 UT 14, College of Charleston 6 Feb. 19, 2001 four first-round picks. In fact, over the Four SEC Eastern Division Titles (1993, 1994, 1995, 1997) 500 UT 6, UNC Asheville 4 March 8, 2002 last 23 years at the Division I level, he 550 UT 6, Tusculum 2 May 12, 2003 has coached or signed 28 players who Eight 40-win seasons; Two 50-win seasons went to play in the major leagues, Coaching Honors: including the likes of , Joe Randa, Jimmy Key, Luis Alicea, Deion Sanders, Paul 1993 Tennessee Baseball Coach of the Year Sorrento, and most recently, of the Houston Astros. He has coached 15 of Tennessee's 1994 Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year 22 All-Americas, including three three-time selections and the 1995 National Player of the Year in Helton. In addition, 32 All-Conference players, including three SEC Players of the Year in Helton, 1995 Baseball America National Coach of the Year in 1998 and Chris Burke in 2001, have come under his watch. (Youngest coach to ever win the award) Not only is there solid leadership from the top on the diamond, but he is also a tremendous role 1995 ABCA South Region Coach of the Year model off the field who emphasizes the "student" in student-athlete to all his players. As a result, 1995 Tennessee Baseball Coach of the Year there have been three Academic All-America selections and 56 student-athletes named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll. 1995 Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year With probably one of the greatest coaching jobs of his career, Delmonico guided the 2001 Vols to Publications & Professional Accomplishments: their second College World Series in his regime. Picked to finish no better than fourth in the SEC Coached or signed 28 major league players in 23 years Eastern Division, Tennessee tied for second overall in the league and rolled through the NCAA Over 100 players coached have gone on to play pro baseball Regionals and Super Regional to finish third at the CWS. SEC Player of the Year, National Player of the Year finalist and consensus All-America Chris Burke led the unsung Vols that season. A total Nationally sought-after clinician in amateur baseball of seven players were drafted, including Burke and Wyatt Allen in the first round. Worked baseball clinics in Italy, Germany, Holland, Croatia and Each of his Volunteers teams has exhibited an explosive offense, finishing in the top four in bat- Austria ting average nine times, including a league leading .340 average in 1998. He has also built a pitch- Accomplished banquet speaker for youth, civic and business ing staff that has ranked in the top five in earned average nine times, including a league leading associations 2.98 ERA in 1994. Authored the book and Run Baseball In 1995, he guided a very gutty team, led by National Player of the Year Todd Helton, to a third- Authored the book Offensive Drills place finish at the College World Series. It was the first appearance by the Vols in Omaha in 44 years. The squad compiled a 54-16 mark, recording the most wins in school history, and garnered a Authored the book Defensive Baseball consensus top-5 final ranking. Helton was a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award. Authored the book Defensive Drills Led by National Freshman of the Year pitcher R.A. Dickey, whose 15 wins led the nation, the Produced a videotape Aggressive Baserunning 1994 Volunteers reached the regional finals while compiling a 52-14 record and finishing the sea- son ranked in the top 10, reaching a high of No. 2 by Baseball America. It was the first-ever 50-win Produced a videotape Hitting Fundamentals with Drills season for a Tennessee team and, with a 24-5 Southeastern Conference record, it was the first league Published articles in Scholastic Coach and Collegiate Baseball

12 Seven NCAA Appearances in the Delmonico Era 2005 Volunteers Baseball Coaching Staff

crown in 43 years. The Vols set an SEC record with 17 consecutive league wins. was rated the best, and In 1993, Delmonico's dream of upgrading facilities and moving the Tennessee both the 1986 and 1987 baseball program to the forefront of college baseball came true when the Vols recruits were ranked sec- stepped into their $2.2 million state-of-the-art facility in Lindsey Nelson Stadium. ond. In 1988, he was In a 1998 Baseball America survey, the stadium, which seats 4,000, was voted the tabbed as the nation’s 14th best in the nation. Today, with the addition of a 30x50 foot electronic score- third-best recruiter by board and message center, Tennessee baseball has become a big springtime event. Collegiate Baseball. The 1993 season was a special one on the diamond as well. The Vols posted a Before moving to 45-20 record, the team’s most victories to that point, and began a string of hosting Florida State, Delmonico three straight NCAA Mideast Regionals. It was also UT's first trip to NCAA post- gained experience as a season play since the 1951 College World Series, and the Vols claimed their first graduate assistant coach postseason title by winning the first of three consecutive SEC Eastern Division at Clemson from 1982-83 Tournaments. They achieved their first national ranking in April and were ranked under legendary coach for 91 straight weeks over the next five seasons. Bill Wilhelm and as an Delmonico's first team in 1990 posted 28 wins, the most since 1982, and blew assistant at Division III the critics away in 1991 with the school’s first-ever 40-win season by posting a 41- Gloucester County 19 record. The 1992 squad got off to the best start in school history by reeling off College in Sewell, N.J., eight straight wins and finishing with a 35-20 record. Following a trip to the CWS where he served as the in 1995, his 1996 charges also reached the regional finals with a 43-20 record. The hitting and outfield coach 1997 team began the season 18-1 and capped a string of five straight regional in 1981. appearances and 40-win seasons with a 42-19 record. Delmonico graduated from Liberty University in 1980 with a bachelor's degree Testament to his focus on defense is the fact that the Vols led the nation in field- in physical education, and lettered in baseball and soccer. He holds a master’s ing in 1993 and 1994 with .975 and .977 fielding percentages respectively. The degree from Clemson University in education administration. 1994 team also turned an NCAA-leading 93 plays. His teams have led the He has penned four books, "Hit and Run Baseball," "Offensive Drills," SEC in fielding percentage on four occasions, while ranking in the top three seven "Defensive Baseball" and "Defensive Drills," and produced two videotapes enti- times. tled, "Aggressive Baserunning" and "Hitting Fundamentals with Drills." In addi- As the top assistant at Florida State from 1984-89, the Seminoles compiled a tion, he has been a contributing writer to numerous national coaching periodicals record of 334-119-1, finishing in the top 15 nationally each year. They played in including Scholastic Coach and Collegiate Baseball. three College World In fall 2001, Delmonico and Lady Vols basketball coach Pat Summitt were fea- SEC All-Time Coaching Victories Series and had 21 players tured in a new book titled, “6 Psychological Factors for Success: America’s Most Name, School Record drafted by major league Successful Athletic Coaches Reveal the Path to Competitive Excellence.” 1. *, Miss. State/Georgia 1,078-538-2 teams while producing “The Tennessee women’s basketball and baseball programs are nationally 2. , LSU 870-330-3 nine All-Americas. prominent, and we are thrilled that Pat and Rod shared their secrets with us in the 3. Keith Madison, Kentucky 737-634-5 Delmonico, specifical- book,” author Steve Brennan, Ph.D. stated. 4. Roy Mewbourne, Vanderbilt 665-608-9 ly designated head Delmonico is also a sought-after lecturer and speaker at various national base- 5. Hal Baird, Auburn 634-328 recruiter by Seminole ball clinics and national companies. He has made trips with Major League 6. *, Tennessee 588-326 head coach Mike Martin, Baseball International to the Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, Croatia, Holland and 7. , Florida 557-354-6 rounded up freshman Austria to teach the game of baseball. 8. Paul Nix, Auburn 515-376 classes that were ranked A native of Wilmington, N.C., Delmonico graduated from New Hanover High 9. , Georgia 500-403-1 in the top 10 nationally School in 1976. He has three sons, Tony, Joey and Nicky. *Active coaches each year. His 1984 group Rod Delmonico’s Coaching Record Conf. NCAA Year Team Overall Conference Place Tour Tour CWS 1981 Gloucester CC 16-10 .615 1982 Clemson 37-22 .627 10-2 .833 1st 1-1 ACC Champs 1983 Clemson 30-20 .598 6-5 .545 3rd 4-2 Grad. Asst. Coach 83-52 .615 16-7 .696 5-3 1984 Florida State 55-29 .655 10-2 .833 1st 5-1 0-2 Metro Tournament Champs; South I Regional 1985 Florida State 59-23 .720 12-4 .750 1st 5-1 2-2 Metro Tournament Champs; South II Regional 1986 Florida State 61-13 .824 12-2 .857 1st 4-1 3-0 4-2 Metro Tournament Champs; South II Regional Champs; CWS Runner-up 1987 Florida State 55-18 .753 12-3 .800 1st 5-0 4-1 1-2 Metro Tournament Champs; Atlantic Regional Champs; CWS 5th place 1988 Florida State 50-18 .732 6-6 .500 2nd 5-0 2-2 Metro Tournament Champs; East Regional 1989 Florida State 54-18 .750 14-4 .778 1st 4-0 4-0 2-2 Metro Tournament Champs; Atlantic Regional Champs; CWS 3rd place Assistant Coach 334-119 .737 66-15 .815 28-3 15-7 7-6 1990 Tennessee 28-31 .474 9-18 .333 9th 1991 Tennessee 41-19 .683 13-13 .500 7th 1992 Tennessee 35-20 .636 10-14 .417 5th (East) 1993 Tennessee 45-20 .692 20-10 .667 1st (East) 5-1 1-2 SEC East Tournament Champs; Mideast Regional 1994 Tennessee 52-14 .788 24-5 .828 1st (East) 4-1 3-2 SEC Champs; SEC East Tournament Champs; Mideast Regional 1995 Tennessee 54-16 .771 22-8 .733 1st (East) 5-1 4-0 2-2 SEC Champs; SEC East Tourney Champs; Mideast Regional Champs; CWS 3rd place 1996 Tennessee 43-20 .683 18-12 .600 2nd (East) 0-2 3-2 Atlantic Regional 1997 Tennessee 41-19 .689 17-13 .567 T1st (East) 0-2 1-2 Midwest Regional 1998 Tennessee 36-20 .643 11-17 .393 4th (East) 1999 Tennessee 28-28 .500 10-20 .333 4th (East) 2000 Tennessee 40-23 .635 10-18 .357 5th (East) 2001 Tennessee 48-20 .706 18-12 .600 2nd (East) 0-2 5-1 2-2 Knoxville Regional Champs; Kinston Super Regional Champs; CWS 3rd place 2002 Tennessee 27-28 .491 12-18 .400 4th (East) 2003 Tennessee 31-24 .564 13-17 .433 4th (East) 2004 Tennessee 38-24 .613 14-16 .467 5th (East) 1-2 1-2 Kinston Regional Head Coach 588-326 .643 221-211 .512 15-11 18-11 4-4 In 23 years of coaching at the Division I level, Rod Delmonico has been part of more than 1,000 victories and 270 conference wins, while making five trips to the College World Series with 13 NCAA Regional appearances and winning nine conference championships.

College World Series 1951, 1995, 2001 13 Coaching Staff University of Tennessee

Delmonico Against All Opponents America East W-L Pct. Metro Atlantic Athletic W-L Pct. Northeastern 1-0 1.000 Niagara 2-0 1.000 Stony Brook 1-0 1.000 Siena 3-0 1.000 Totals 2-0 1.000 Totals 5-0 1.000 Atlantic Coast W-L Pct. Mid-American W-L Pct. Clemson 6-15 .286 Bowling Green 6-1 .857 Duke 0-1 .000 Eastern Michigan 8-4 .667 Florida State 1-0 1.000 Ohio 8-1 .889 Georgia Tech 1-0 1.000 Toledo 2-0 1.000 Miami (Fla.) 5-12 .294 Totals 24-6 .800 North Carolina 2-0 1.000 Missouri Valley W-L Pct. North Carolina State 4-0 1.000 Wichita State 1-0 1.000 Virginia Tech 4-3 .571 Wake Forest 1-1 .500 Ohio Valley W-L Pct. Totals 24-32 .462 Austin Peay 3-0 1.000 Eastern Kentucky 9-0 1.000 Atlantic Sun W-L Pct. Morehead State 16-1 .941 Belmont 1-1 .500 Tennessee-Martin 8-0 1.000 Central Florida 5-0 1.000 Tennessee Tech 25-2 .926 Florida Atlantic 1-0 1.000 Totals 61-3 .953 Georgia State 14-1 .933 Lipscomb 1-0 1.000 Pac 10 W-L Pct. Mercer 1-1 .500 Arizona State 1-6 .143 Totals 23-3 .885 California 2-1 .667 Southern California 1-0 1.000 Atlantic 10 W-L Pct. Stanford 1-0 1.000 Dayton 4-0 1.000 UCLA 0-1 .000 Richmond 3-0 1.000 Washington 1-1 .500 Totals 7-0 1.000 Washington State 0-1 .000 Big East W-L Pct. Totals 6-10 .375 Entering his 16th season at the helm of the Volunteers, Rod Delmonico has the coaching Connecticut 1-0 1.000 experience and insight into the game to help his hitters make necessary in-game adjustments. Southeastern W-L Pct. Notre Dame 1-0 1.000 Alabama 16-22 .421 West Virginia 5-2 .714 Arkansas 19-15 .559 MAJOR LEAGUERS COACHED OR SIGNED BY DELMONICO Totals 7-2 .777 Auburn 11-28 .282 When former Volunteer Chris Burke made his major league debut with the Big 10 W-L Pct. Florida 20-27 .426 Houston Astros on July 4, 2004, he became the 28th player that head coach Rod Illinois 0-1 .000 Georgia 31-17 .646 Delmonico coached or signed to reach the major leagues. Below is a complete list Minnesota 2-0 1.000 Kentucky 34-16 .680 Ohio State 4-3 .521 LSU 9-26 .257 of those players. Purdue 0-1 .000 Ole Miss 19-14 .576 Totals 6-5 .545 Mississippi State 10-16 .385 At Tennessee (10) South Carolina 21-21 .500 Name Drafted Debut Big 12 W-L Pct. Kansas 1-1 .500 Vanderbilt 33-19 .635 Joe Randa 1991 1995 Oklahoma State 3-1 .750 Totals 223-221 .502 Mike DiFelice 1991 1996 Totals 4-2 .667 Southern W-L Pct. Bronson Heflin 1994 1996 Big South W-L Pct. Appalachian State 8-1 .889 Bubba Trammell 1994 1997 Birmingham Southern 1-0 1.000 College of Charleston 3-0 1.000 Todd Helton 1995 1997 Charleston Southern 1-0 1.000 The Citadel 4-2 .667 Mike Lincoln 1996 1999 UNC Asheville 15-3 .833 ETSU 27-1 .964 Augie Ojeda 1996 2000 Radford 2-0 1.000 Georgia Southern 2-0 1.000 Western Carolina 10-1 .909 R.A. Dickey 1996 2001 Va. Military Institute 1-0 1.000 Winthrop 2-0 1.000 Wofford 2-0 1.000 Luke Hudson 1998 2002 Totals 56-5 .918 Chris Burke 2001 2004 Totals 22-3 .880 DELMONICO’S COACHING TREE Sun Belt W-L Pct. The following coaches worked under Big West W-L Pct. At Florida State (15) Cal State Fullerton 0-3 .000 Florida International 2-1 .667 Name Drafted Debut Rod Delmonico before going on to Long Beach State 7-6 .538 Middle Tennessee 18-4 .818 Jeff Gray 1984 1988 establish themselves in the coaching Totals 7-9 .438 Totals 20-5 .800 ranks around the country. Jody Reed 1984 1987 Colonial W-L Pct. West Coast W-L Pct. Paul Sorrento 1986 1989 George Mason 1-0 1.000 Gonzaga 1-0 1.000 Luis Alicia 1986 1988 Fred Corral (2003-04) James Madison 1-0 1.000 Portland 1-0 1.000 Mike Loynd 1986 1986 Assistant Coach - Oklahoma UNC Wilmington 1-2 .333 Totals 2-0 1.000 Bien Figueroa 1986 1992 Robbie Howard (1990) Old Dominion 5-0 1.000 Western Athletic W-L Pct. Richie Lewis 1987 1992 Head coach - South Doyle HS Virginia Commonwealth 1-0 1.000 Fresno State 0-1 .000 Rafael Bournigal 1987 1992 Mike Maack (1997-98) Totals 9-2 .818 Non Division I W-L Pct. Deion Sanders 1988 1989 Head coach - Prestonwood Christian HS Conference USA W-L Pct. Bristol College (NAIA) 1-0 1.000 Jerry Nielson 1988 1992 Randy Mazey (1999-2002) Alabama-Birmingham 1-0 1.000 Carson-Newman (Div. II) 10-2 .833 Gar Finnvold 1990 1994 Head coach - East Carolina Charlotte 2-1 .667 Cumberland (Tenn.) (NAIA) 7-1 .875 Matt Dunbar 1990 1995 Matt Myers (1999) Cincinnati 7-0 1.000 King College (NAIA II) 2-0 1.000 East Carolina 2-1 .667 Knoxville College (Div. III) 1-0 1.000 Eduardo Perez 1991 1993 Assistant coach - Auburn Jayson Nave (1996) Louisville 8-3 .727 Lee University (NAIA) 1-0 1.000 Chris Brock 1992 1997 Memphis 2-4 .333 Lincoln Memorial (Div. II) 5-0 1.000 Roger Bailey 1992 1995 Former asst. coach - Old Dominion South Florida 1-1 .500 Milligan (NAIA II) 5-0 1.000 Mark Russell (1990) Southern Miss 6-0 1.000 S. C.-Spartanburg (Div. II) 3-0 1.000 At Clemson (3) Cross-checker - Toronto Blue Jays Totals 29-10 .744 Tenn. Temple (NCCAA I) 1-0 1.000 Name Drafted Debut (1995-96) Independent W-L Pct. Tenn. Wesleyan (NAIA) 6-1 .857 Jimmy Key 1982 1984 Head coach - UC Irvine Tusculum (Div. II) 4-0 1.000 Mark Davidson 1982 1986 Hawaii-Hilo 4-3 .571 Torry Zerilla (1997) Totals 4-3 .571 Totals 46-4 .920 1985 1987 Assistant coach - Lincoln Memorial

14 Seven NCAA Appearances in the Delmonico Era 2005 Volunteers Baseball Coaching Staff

Rod Delmonico’s Career Achievements

Tennessee’s all-time winningest baseball coach

Ranks sixth all-time in Southeastern Conference coaching victories

Led Volunteers to the College World Series twice and made seven NCAA Regional appearances

Won four SEC Eastern Division titles, including two overall conference crowns

Captured three straight SEC Eastern Division Tournament titles from 1993-95

Posted eight 40-win seasons and two 50-win seasons, averaging 40 wins over the past 14 years

Coached 23 All-America and 32 All-Southeastern Conference selections

Coached 56 Academic All-SEC selections and three Academic All-America selections

Produced 18 Vols who have earned first team All-SEC honors

Coached 81 Vols who were drafted or signed contracts

Has produced four first-round draft picks

Eight Vols have garnered Freshman All-America honors

Coached three SEC Players of the Year in Todd Helton (1995), Jeff Pickler (1998) and Chris Burke (2001)

Coached 1994 National Freshman of the Year R.A. Dickey

Coached 1995 National Player of the Year Todd Helton

Coached two Olympians: R.A. Dickey and Augie Ojeda (1996)

Named 1995 National Coach of the Year by Baseball America

Named 1994 and 1995 SEC Coach of the Year

38 Vol have played professionally since 1990

41 Vol position players have played professionally since 1990

UT has finished among the top-four hitting teams in the SEC nine times in the last 15 years

Vols have stolen at least 100 bases 10 times in the last 15 years

15 Vols have led the league in fielding at their respective positions

Coached 11 of the 12 Vol pitchers that have won 10 games or more

UT’s recruiting classes have been ranked each year, including an all-time best of No. 2 in 1994 Fastest Coaches to 500 Wins in the SEC Name, School Games Record 1. Skip Bertman, LSU 689 500-188-1 2. Ron Polk, Mississippi State 725 500-225 3. Rod Delmonico, Tennessee 760 500-260 4. Hal Baird, Auburn 769 500-269 5. Dave Fuller, Florida 800 500-295-5 6t. Keith Madison, Kentucky 861 500-358-3 6t. Paul Nix, Auburn 861 500-361 8. Steve Webber, Georgia 903 500-402-1 9. Roy Mewbourne, Vanderbilt 935 500-426-9

College World Series 1951, 1995, 2001 15 Coaching Staff University of Tennessee

Larry Simcox Assistant Coach (Ole Miss, 1982) 1010 15th Season Infield Coach/Recruiting and Camp Director

ringing a tremendous knowledge of the collegiate game as well as being a great tutor of student-athletes who advance to the professional ranks is Tennessee assis- Btant coach Larry Simcox. EnteringE his 15th year on Tennessee’s coaching staff, Simcox is saddled with a tremendous amount of responsibility. The 20-year coaching veteran wears many hats. He serves as the Vols’infield coach while also assisting with hitting instruction, defensive positioning and coaching third base. He also helps direct UT’s overall recruit- ing efforts. In addition, he is the Tennessee baseball camp director and handles all scheduling and promotion of the camps. With his meticulous attention to defense and an eye for what makes a good player, he has seen a total of 22 Volunteer infielders sign professional baseball contracts. Current major league infielders coached by Simcox include: three-time Gold Glove winner Todd Helton (Colorado), Chris Burke (Houston), Joe Randa (Kansas City) and Augie Ojeda (Minnesota). Having honed their skills under Simcox's tutelage during their days on Rocky Top, Helton and Burke were both top-10 picks in the MLB Draft in 1995 and 2001, respectively. “Larry brings a lot of enthusiasm to the game,” Vols’head coach Rod Delmonico said. “His recruiting ability is unmatched as is his competence as a defensive coach. That is evidenced by his top-25 classes and clubs that rank at the top of the SEC in fielding.” He held the position of recruiting coordinator from 1991-95 and resumed the role in 1997 for two more years after a one year absence. His recruiting classes were instrumental in Tennessee’s two appearances in the College World Series in 1995 and 2001. During his first five years as recruiting coordinator, all five classes ranked in the top 25, including three in the top 10. His 1994 class was rated a school-best No. 2 by Collegiate Baseball. Not only has the recruiting excelled, but the Vol defense has flourished as well under Simcox’s The Simcox File guidance. In 1993 and 1994, Tennessee led the nation in fielding percentage while turning an Full Name: Larry Douglas Simcox NCAA leading 93 double plays in 1994. UT has led the league in fielding four times and has been among the top three in fielding percentage seven times. Birthdate: April 29, 1959 Simcox joined Delmonico’s staff July 25, 1990 after serving as an assistant coach with the Ole Education: Miss Rebels under legendary coach from 1985-90. While at Ole Miss, he handled recruiting and coaching the Rebel infield, as well as being the first base coach and hitting instruc- East Ridge High School, Chattanooga, Tenn. 1977 tor. He spent two years as a sales representative of Selox, Inc., before being named a full-time Cleveland State Community College, A.D. 1979 assistant on Aug. 1, 1985. University of Mississippi, B.A. in marketing 1982 While at Ole Miss, he coached 22 Rebels who signed professional contracts, including six mid- dle infielders. As the chief recruiter, he put together two nationally-ranked recruiting classes. His Family: 1987 class was rated No. 26, and in 1989 he brought in the 20th-best recruiting class. Wife: The former Linda Wallace Simcox played collegiate baseball at Ole Miss, where he graduated in 1982 with a marketing degree. He was the Rebels’ starting shortstop for two years after transferring from Cleveland State Children: Erin (8/30/91), Austin (6/22/94) Community College following his sophomore year. He hit .408 and was named to the junior col- Playing Experience: lege all-state team. Lettered in baseball at Cleveland State Community College 1978-79 As a senior, Simcox was named All-Southeastern Conference after batting a team-high .374, and posting a fielding percentage of .940. During that same season, he had a remarkable batting eye, Lettered in baseball at Ole Miss 1980-81 striking out only one time in 194 plate appearances. The mark stands as an NCAA record for that 10th-round pick by Cincinnati in 1980 many appearances. As a junior he hit .336, leading his team to the SEC Tournament and garnering 9th-round pick by Houston in 1981 all-tournament honors, as well as being named to the All-SEC West Division squad. Following his final season, Simcox was drafted by the Houston Astros in the ninth round. He Sarasota Astros 1981 was previously drafted in 1980 by the in the 10th round. He spent three years in Daytona Beach Astros 1981-82 professional baseball before tearing the medial collateral and anterior cruciate ligaments, which eventually forced him to end his playing career. He began in rookie ball with Sarasota in the Gulf Columbus Astros 1982-83 Coast League where he hit .287. At the end of the 1981 season, while at Class A Daytona Beach, Collegiate Baseball Honors: he batted .356 as Daytona won the Junior College All-State 1979 Florida State League title. He began the 1982 season in Daytona, All-Southeastern Conference Western Division 1980 hitting .271 for the Astros and was SEC All-Tournament Team 1980 leading all Florida State League shortstops in fielding percentage All-Southeastern Conference 1981 before being called up to Class AA NCAA record holder -- Toughest to 1981 Columbus of the Southern League. Coaching Experience: He has produced a videotape entitled, “Infield Play: Assistant Coach at Mississippi, 1986-90 Fundamentals and Drills,” which Assistant Coach at Tennessee, 1991-Present gives instruction about techniques one should understand and devel- Publications & Professional Accomplishments: op while on the road to becoming Coached seven infielders who advanced to the Major Leagues a better infielder. Coached 28 infielders who went on to play pro baseball A native of Chattanooga, Tenn., Simcox graduated from East Coached 14 total players who advanced to the Major Leagues Ridge High School in 1977. He is Coached 99 total players who went on to play pro baseball married to the former Linda Coached 10 infielders who have led the SEC in fielding Wallace of Chattanooga, Tenn. percentage They have a daughter, Erin, and a son, Austin. Produced a videotape: Infield Play: Fundamentals and Drills

16 Seven NCAA Appearances in the Delmonico Era 2005 Volunteers Baseball Coaching Staff

Mike Bell 2020 Assistant Coach (Florida State, 1996) First Season Pitching Coach

he newest member of the Tennessee coaching staff, pitching coach Mike Bell, arrived on Rocky Top in August 2004 boasting an impressive resume and a repu- Ttation as one of the game’s most promising up-and-coming young coaches. Immediately prior to joining the Big Orange, the 1996 Florida State graduate spent two seasons as recruiting coordinator and pitching coach at Division II Florida Southern College, where his 2003 and 2004 pitching staffs each ranked in the national top 20 in ERA. The Mocs compiled a 79-35 overall record during Bell’s two sea- sons with the program, and two of his hurlers, Gabe Rio (Arizona) and Ryan Thompson (Houston) signed professional contracts during his tenure. “Mike did a great job at Florida Southern, and I expect a smooth transition into the Southeastern Conference,” Tennessee head coach Rod Delmonico said. “He was a solid collegian and professional player who knows how to teach and guide a pitching staff. He is a good fit into our program.” Bell’s aspirations of engineering a pitching staff that can guide Tennessee back to the College World Series were molded during his back-to-back CWS appearances as a pitcher/ at Florida State from 1994-95. He fashioned a solid 14-4 career record with the Seminoles and posted a 3.00 ERA, striking out 120 in 137.2 innings. Also a standout in the classroom, Bell twice earned ACC Academic Honor Roll acclaim and was a GTE Academic All-District honoree in 1995. Bell transferred to FSU from Pasco-Hernando Community College in New Port Richey, Fla., where he was a two-time All-Suncoast Conference selection. With his diamond prowess not limited solely to the mound, Bell set a school record by batting .372 in 1993. Also during his days as a collegian, Bell played in the prestigious Cape Cod League with the Bourne Braves (1993) and in the Alaskan Summer League with the Kenai Oilers (1994). While with Kenai, he earned first-team All-Alaskan recognition and was rated as the No. 5 prospect in the Alaskan League in 1994. The Braves claimed the NBC World Series title that same season. Following his collegiate playing days, Bell was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 20th round in 1995. He spent three years in the Expos organization (1995-97) and three years with the organization (1998-2000), advancing to play two seasons with the Orioles’ AA team, the Bowie Baysox, in 1999 and 2000. In his six-year minor-league career, Bell won 28 games and recorded 18 saves to go along with a 2.99 ERA. After the conclusion of the 2000 season, Bell took over as head baseball coach at Brandon High School in Brandon, Fla. Under his two-year tutelage, the Eagles won the 2002 Class 4A-District 9 Championship and were regional semifinalists. Bell’s coaching effec- tiveness was recognized by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA), which named him The Bell File Class 4A Coach of the Year, and by the Tampa Tribune, which tabbed him as the Hillsborough Full Name: Michael John Bell County Coach of the Year. Bell attended Riverview High School in his hometown of Sarasota, Fla., and was a two-time All- Birthdate: October 14, 1972 Area selection by The Sarasota Herald Tribune. Education: He is married to the former Alicia Favarato, and the couple is expecting its first child in May. Riverview High School, Sarasota, Fla., 1991 Pasco-Hernando Community College, Richey, Fla., A.A. 1993 , 1996 Family: Wife: The former Alicia Favarato Playing Experience: Lettered in baseball at Pasco-Hernando Comm. College 1992-93 Lettered in baseball at Florida State University 1994-95 20th-round pick by Montreal in 1995 Vermont Expos/Albany Polecats 1995 West Palm Beach Expos/Del Marva Shorebirds 1996 West Palm Beach Expos 1997 Jupiter Hammerheads/Frederick Keys 1998 Bowie Baysox 1999-2000 Collegiate Baseball Honors: All-Sun Coast Conference 1992-93 NCAA College World Series participant 1994-95 GTE District Academic All-America 1995 ACC Academic Honor Roll 1994-95 Collegiate Coaching Experience: Assistant Coach at Florida Southern College 2003-04 Professional Accomplishments: Earned FACA 4A Area Coach of the Year and Hillsborough County Coach of the Year honors while serving as head baseball coach at Brandon (Fla.) High School in 2002 Saw two of his pitchers at Florida Southern sign pro contracts Both of his pitching staffs at Florida Southern ranked in the top 20 nationally in ERA

College World Series 1951, 1995, 2001 17 Coaching Staff University of Tennessee

Clay Greene Volunteer Assistant Coach (Tennessee, 2001) 1111 Third Season Outfielders/First Base Coach

eturning for his third year as a volunteer coach is former Volunteers outfielder Clay Greene. He works with Rthe outfielders and coaches first base during games. Greene, who was drafted by the in the 31st round in 1997, played four seasons in the minor leagues. He began his career with Salem-Keizer in the short-season Northwest League before spending three seasons with the San Jose Giants in the Class A Advanced California League from 1998-2000. Greene also spent two years coaching at the Thunder Baseball School in Knoxville, Tenn., helping to tutor young- sters in the fundamentals of the game. As a Vol, Greene helped lead Tennessee to back-to-back NCAA Regionals in 1996 and 1997. The center fielder led the nation and set a then-school-record with 54 stolen bases during his senior campaign. He finished his two-year career with a .318 average, eight home runs and 87 stolen bases. Greene also reeled off a 14-game hitting streak dur- ing his final season, while swiping a Southeastern Conference-record six bases in seven attempts against MTSU. He originally came to Tennessee in the fall of 1994, but opted to transfer after one semester to Cleveland (Tenn.) State Community College for more playing time and to improve his skills. Once at CSCC, Greene went on to set school records for stolen bases in a season (52) and career (97) while earning All-Conference and All-Region hon- ors. A native of Cleveland, Tenn., he helped lead Cleveland High School to a district title and a runner-up finish in the regional during his senior campaign. He also established a school mark for stolen bases in a season with 37. He was born Nov. 10, 1974, and earned his degree in sport management from the University of Tennessee in 2001. Greene is married to the former Heather Redecker, who played on the Lady Vols soccer team from 1996-99. His brother, Brad, was a pitcher for the Vols from 1994-95. TENNESSEE BASEBALL SUPPORT STAFF

Luke Alger Bob Campbell Brian Dowd Butch Garman Brian Gearity Allyson Gozdieski Danny Krow Head Manager Turf Management Manager Team Chaplain Strength & Associate Director of Manager Conditioning Coach Marketing

Sherry Parker Susan Ratliff Mike Waters Jeff Wood Dr. Russell Betcher Dr. Val Gene Iven Dr. Greg Mathien Administrative Assistant Academic Counselor Official Scorer Baseball Trainer Team Orthopedist Team Physician Team Orthopedist Baseball

Dr. Michael Petty Dr. Bill Youmans Grounds Maintenance Team Chiropractor Head Team Orthopedist Front Row (L-R): Myron Roach (Foreman), Tim Mitchell, Carley Sweet. Back Row: Thomas Garner, Phillip Davis, Michael Hogan, Lowell Richey.

18 Seven NCAA Appearances in the Delmonico Era