May 29, 2001
San Diego - San Diego State University Executive Director of Athletics Rick Bay has announced that Aztec baseball coach Jim Dietz will return for the 2002 season, his 31st as head coach of the SDSU baseball program.
In a related announcement, Dietz indicated that next season will be his last at San Diego State, as he will retire upon completion of his team's 2002 campaign.
With a record of 1188-727-18, Dietz ranks seventh among active Division I coaches in career victories and 12th all-time. During his tenure at San Diego State, his teams have made eight NCAA regional appearances while winning three conference championships and four conference tournaments.
Dietz has coached 15 All-Americans and 35 all-region athletes, and under his guidance the SDSU baseball program has produced 22 major-league players, including current big-leaguers Tony Gwynn (Padres), Mark Grace (Diamondbacks), Travis Lee (Phillies) and Jerrod Riggan (Mets).
During his time at SDSU, the 63-year-old Dietz has been honored as conference coach of the year twice (1986 and 1994), as well as regional coach of the year (1990). He also received Collegiate Baseball's Super Star Award in 1983, and in 1996 was named a Citizen of the Year by the City Club of San Diego.
"I'm pleased with the manner in which this situation is being dealt," said Dietz. "With my return for one more season, we'll have a transition period during which we'll be able to handle the various aspects of finding a new baseball coach. It makes it easy for the university, the department and the players.
"I've spent 30-plus years, almost half my life, here at San Diego State. During that time, we've built a solid baseball tradition that can be passed on in the future. I'm happy to see it working out this way."
Bay is also happy with the situation.
"Everyone at San Diego State University should be proud of Jim Dietz and everything he has accomplished on and off the field," he said. "Jim has always been about more than wins and his former student-athletes will be his true legacy."