Joe Oliveira has now been at San Diego State for the past seven seasons as the Aztecs hitting coach and recruiting coordinator. During his tenure with the Aztecs, Oliveira has been an integral part of four Mountain West championship teams, with the Scarlet and Black logging three 40-plus win seasons and four NCAA regional appearances.
Oliveira has assisted head coach Mark Martinez and the Aztec baseball program to the most successful stretch in the history of the program. SDSU baseball has the most wins of any program in the state of California since the beginning of the 2014 season, Oliveira’s first with the program.
Oliveira was also invited to attend the SureFire Baseball Forum in January 2019. This event invites the top 32 assistant baseball coaches in the country and 32 athletic directors from all over the country. The idea is to promote college baseball to athletic directors and also give possible future head coaches an opportunity to network themselves and learn the process from actual athletic directors.
Oliveira’s recruiting talent was quickly recognized, as he was named the top recruiter in the Mountain West conference after the 2016 season, only his third year as a collegiate coach. The Aztec baseball program has welcomed a nationally ranked recruiting class to campus every year Oliveira has been with the program, highlighted by the 13th ranked class in 2017, which is the highest in program history.
In addition, Oliveira assists coach Martinez with many aspects of the program. Off the field, he works closely with the academic staff to ensure the players are thriving academically and receiving the help that they need. The Aztec baseball program has set a new program record for highest APR over the past 4 years, as well as set new records for team GPA, number of scholar-athletes, and graduation rate.
On the field, he works with the team’s hitters, catchers, outfielders, as well as coaches third base during the games. As the team’s hitting coach, the program has become one of the best offensive teams in the country. Oliveira helped guide the Aztec hitters to be just one of nine teams in the country to have a .300 or higher team batting average over the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
Oliveira was selected by USA Baseball to manage the 14U SoCal NTIS team in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The games are played every August at the USA Baseball complex in Cary, NC. He guided the team to the gold medal in the 2017 National Team Identification Series.
During the shortened 2020 season, the Aztecs earned wins over Virginia Tech, Coastal Carolina, Cal State Fullerton, Iowa, Nebraska, Long Beach State, Oregon State (twice), UC Irvine and Oklahoma. According to the coaching staff, the 2020 team was arguably the most talented team they’ve had. Prior to the season, Casey Schmitt was named a consensus preseason All-American and also the preseason conference player of the year. Additionally, freshman Caden Miller was named the preseason conference freshman of the year.
Following the abbrievated campaign, Schmitt was named a third-team All-American by Collegiate Baseball magazine and joined outfielder Matt Rudick and pitcher Troy Melton on the All-Mountain West team.
Not to be outdone, Schmitt was selected in the second round of the MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants with the 49th overall pick, while shortstop Anthony Walters was taken by the New York Mets with the 91st selection, giving the Scarlet and Black multiple draft choices for the fourth year in a row and two picks among the top 100 for the first time since 2002. Schmitt was also the highest SDSU player drafted since Stephen Strasburg went No. 1 to the Washington Nationals in 2009.
After the 2019 campaign, a season that saw the Aztecs win 32 games and finish second in the Mountain West, there were a total of four Aztecs drafted, none of whom were previously selected. Logan Boyer (11th round, Dodgers), Julian Escobedo (17th round, Indians), Adrian Mardueno (20th round, Cardinals), and Angelo Armenta (38th round, Rays). There were also five Aztecs named to the all-conference team, including Rudick and Adrian Mardueno, who were first-team honorees, while Schmitt, Mike Jarvis and Justin Goossen-Brown were second-team selections. Additionally, Jaden Fein was named the Co-Freshman of the Year and also a Freshman All-American.
The 2018 season resulted in another Mountain West tournament championship, giving the Aztecs their fitfth title in a six-year span. At the plate, SDSU finished in the nation’s top 20 in numerous statistical categories, including batting average (.301, 14th), doubles (126, 13th), and hits (632, 16th). After the season, five Aztecs were taken in the MLB draft, Dean Nevarez (19th round, Mariners), Jordan Verdon (23rd round, Tigers), Garrett Hill (26th round, Tigers), David Hensley (26th round, Astros), and Chase Calabuig (27th round, A’s). A total of six Aztecs were also named to the All-Mountain West team. Garrett Hill was named the Co-Pitcher of the year and joining him on the first team were Chase Calabuig and Jordan Verdon. Making the second team were Chad Bible, Julian Escobedo and Jacob Erickson. Additionally, Casey Schmitt was a unanimous Freshman All-American after the season.
Nevarez became the third catcher in six years drafted under the tutelage of coach Oliveira, joining Brad Haynal and Seby Zavala, who made his major league debut with the White Sox in 2019 as well.
After a rebuilding year in 2016, the 2017 season was one of the best in program history, highlighted by 42 victories, a Mountain West tournament championship and a regional win over UCLA. The 2017 team sported one of the best offenses in the entire country, ranking nationally in numerous statistical categories, including batting average (.314, 13th), hits (700, 4th), doubles (129, 15th), home runs (62, 42nd), slugging percentage (.468, 25th), on base percentage (.388, 3rd), and runs (421, 29th). The Aztec offense had 10 hitters finish with a batting average with .300 or better, all with career highs. The Aztec defense also set a new program record with a .979 fielding percentage, which ranked 22nd nationally. Additionally, the defense turned 67 double plays, which marked the second-highest total in the nation.
Following the 2017 season, a total of five Aztecs taken in the MLB Draft, including Brett Seeburger (10th round, Cardinals), Alan Trejo (16th round, Rockies), Tyler Adkison (32nd round, Dodgers) and Marcus Reyes (38th round, Blue Jays). Additionally, six SDSU players landed on the all-Mountain West team, led by Danny Sheehan, who was the first Aztec hitter ever to be named the MW Player of the Year. Seeburger, who took home conference Pitcher of the Year honors, was another first-team selection, along with Tyler Adkison and Dominic Purpura, while Trejo and David Hensley garnered second-team accolades. Sheehan and Adkison were also named to the ABCA Rawlings All-American team.
In his second year as a collegiate coach in 2015, Oliveira helped the Aztecs to their third consecutive Mountain West championship and second straight season with over 40 wins as the Scarlet and Black finished with 41 victories. Five players were also drafted by MLB clubs, including Bubba Derby (6th round, A’s), Steven Pallares (10th round, A’s), Seby Zavala (12th round, White Sox), Mark Seyler (19th round, Yankees) and Ty France (34th round, Padres). In addition, SDSU set a program-record with seven players meriting all-MW recognition. France, Sheehan, Derby and Seyler were first-team honorees, while Calabuig, Zavala and Steven Pallares received second-team distinction.
Oliveira, who focuses on the catchers, coached Seby Zavala to his best season as an Aztec in 2015. Zavala, who hit .290 with 14 home runs, 67 RBIs and threw out 47 percent of would-be base stealers, was named Most Valuable Player at the MW Championships before he was drafted in the 12th round by the Chicago White Sox. Additionally, Calabuig garnered Freshman All-America accolades, while Sheehan was named a finalist for the Brooks Wallace award, which goes to the top shortstop in the country.
The 2014 season was Oliveira’s first as a collegiate coach after he was hired by the legendary Tony Gwynn in August 2013. Oliveira made an immediate impact as he helped lead San Diego State to a 42-win season and a Mountain West tournament championship, including the best win percentage in 30 years of the program. A total of six Aztecs taken in the MLB draft after the season, Michael Cederoth (3rd round, Twins), Greg Allen (6th round, Indians), Brad Haynal (18th round, Marlins), Tim Zier (21st round, Phillies), Brandon Thomas (24th round, Royals), Justin Hepner (38th round, Marlins). Additionally, shortstop Evan Potter signed a free agent contract with the Giants.
Following the season, Cederoth was named a second-team All-American by te National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, while France was tabbed a third-team All-American by Baseball American. In addition, France, Derby, Zier and Cederoth earned first-team All-MW honors following , while Haynal was a second-team all-conference pick.
Under Oliveira's tutelage, Haynal enjoyed his best season as a collegian in 2014, hitting .313 with 12 home runs and 50 RBI while throwing out a league-leading 53 percent of attempted base stealers. Fueled by Haynal's leadership, San Diego State claimed the Mountain West championship, as the Aztec catcher was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
Prior to his arrival at SDSU, Oliveira served as a manager in the Northwoods League for the Battle Creek Bombers during the summer of 2013, guiding a team that boasted six MLB Draft picks the following year.
Prior to his stint in Battle Creek, Oliveira was a player in the Baltimore Orioles organization, the team that drafted him in the 15th round out of the University of the Pacific in June 2010. During his time as a professional player, he competed for Orioles affiliates Aberdeen in the New York-Penn League, Delmarva in the South Atlantic League and Frederick in the Carolina League.
Oliveira spent his first off-season back at the University of the Pacific finishing his master’s degree in education, making him the only active professional player to have his master’s degree at the time.
A four-year letterwinner at the University of the Pacific (2006-2010), Oliveira was a three-time all-Big West Conference selection. He was also named to the 2009 Johnny Bench Award Watch List, an honor presented to the top collegiate catcher in the country. In addition, Oliveira still ranks among in the top 10 in numerous statistical categories at UOP, including games played, at bats, triples, walks and total bases. Oliveira earned his bachelor’s degree in communication from Pacific in 2009, as well as his master’s degree in education. He also received his teaching credential from Pacific in 2011.
Oliveira resides in San Diego with his wife Hillary and son Hudson.
Oliveira’s Career Coaching Accomplishments
3 MLB players
(Ty France-San Diego Padres, Greg Allen-Cleveland Indians, Seby Zavala- Chicago White Sox)
33 MLB draft picks
34 All-Conference Selections
6 All-Americans
4 Freshman All-Americans
2017 Mountain West Player of the Year
2019 Mountain West Freshman of the Year
Nationally Ranked Recruiting Classes
2014 – 19th by Baseball America
2015 – 17th by Perfect Game
2016 – 27th by D1Baseball.com
2017 – 14th by Perfect Game
2018 – 39th by Baseball America
2019 – 20th by Perfect Game
2020 – 22nd by Perfect Game
NCAA Regional Appearances
2014 – Lafayette Regional
2015 – Lake Elsinore Regional
2017 – Long Beach Regional
2018 – Corvallis Regional
Oliveira has assisted head coach Mark Martinez and the Aztec baseball program to the most successful stretch in the history of the program. SDSU baseball has the most wins of any program in the state of California since the beginning of the 2014 season, Oliveira’s first with the program.
Oliveira was also invited to attend the SureFire Baseball Forum in January 2019. This event invites the top 32 assistant baseball coaches in the country and 32 athletic directors from all over the country. The idea is to promote college baseball to athletic directors and also give possible future head coaches an opportunity to network themselves and learn the process from actual athletic directors.
Oliveira’s recruiting talent was quickly recognized, as he was named the top recruiter in the Mountain West conference after the 2016 season, only his third year as a collegiate coach. The Aztec baseball program has welcomed a nationally ranked recruiting class to campus every year Oliveira has been with the program, highlighted by the 13th ranked class in 2017, which is the highest in program history.
In addition, Oliveira assists coach Martinez with many aspects of the program. Off the field, he works closely with the academic staff to ensure the players are thriving academically and receiving the help that they need. The Aztec baseball program has set a new program record for highest APR over the past 4 years, as well as set new records for team GPA, number of scholar-athletes, and graduation rate.
On the field, he works with the team’s hitters, catchers, outfielders, as well as coaches third base during the games. As the team’s hitting coach, the program has become one of the best offensive teams in the country. Oliveira helped guide the Aztec hitters to be just one of nine teams in the country to have a .300 or higher team batting average over the 2017 and 2018 seasons.
Oliveira was selected by USA Baseball to manage the 14U SoCal NTIS team in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The games are played every August at the USA Baseball complex in Cary, NC. He guided the team to the gold medal in the 2017 National Team Identification Series.
During the shortened 2020 season, the Aztecs earned wins over Virginia Tech, Coastal Carolina, Cal State Fullerton, Iowa, Nebraska, Long Beach State, Oregon State (twice), UC Irvine and Oklahoma. According to the coaching staff, the 2020 team was arguably the most talented team they’ve had. Prior to the season, Casey Schmitt was named a consensus preseason All-American and also the preseason conference player of the year. Additionally, freshman Caden Miller was named the preseason conference freshman of the year.
Following the abbrievated campaign, Schmitt was named a third-team All-American by Collegiate Baseball magazine and joined outfielder Matt Rudick and pitcher Troy Melton on the All-Mountain West team.
Not to be outdone, Schmitt was selected in the second round of the MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants with the 49th overall pick, while shortstop Anthony Walters was taken by the New York Mets with the 91st selection, giving the Scarlet and Black multiple draft choices for the fourth year in a row and two picks among the top 100 for the first time since 2002. Schmitt was also the highest SDSU player drafted since Stephen Strasburg went No. 1 to the Washington Nationals in 2009.
After the 2019 campaign, a season that saw the Aztecs win 32 games and finish second in the Mountain West, there were a total of four Aztecs drafted, none of whom were previously selected. Logan Boyer (11th round, Dodgers), Julian Escobedo (17th round, Indians), Adrian Mardueno (20th round, Cardinals), and Angelo Armenta (38th round, Rays). There were also five Aztecs named to the all-conference team, including Rudick and Adrian Mardueno, who were first-team honorees, while Schmitt, Mike Jarvis and Justin Goossen-Brown were second-team selections. Additionally, Jaden Fein was named the Co-Freshman of the Year and also a Freshman All-American.
The 2018 season resulted in another Mountain West tournament championship, giving the Aztecs their fitfth title in a six-year span. At the plate, SDSU finished in the nation’s top 20 in numerous statistical categories, including batting average (.301, 14th), doubles (126, 13th), and hits (632, 16th). After the season, five Aztecs were taken in the MLB draft, Dean Nevarez (19th round, Mariners), Jordan Verdon (23rd round, Tigers), Garrett Hill (26th round, Tigers), David Hensley (26th round, Astros), and Chase Calabuig (27th round, A’s). A total of six Aztecs were also named to the All-Mountain West team. Garrett Hill was named the Co-Pitcher of the year and joining him on the first team were Chase Calabuig and Jordan Verdon. Making the second team were Chad Bible, Julian Escobedo and Jacob Erickson. Additionally, Casey Schmitt was a unanimous Freshman All-American after the season.
Nevarez became the third catcher in six years drafted under the tutelage of coach Oliveira, joining Brad Haynal and Seby Zavala, who made his major league debut with the White Sox in 2019 as well.
After a rebuilding year in 2016, the 2017 season was one of the best in program history, highlighted by 42 victories, a Mountain West tournament championship and a regional win over UCLA. The 2017 team sported one of the best offenses in the entire country, ranking nationally in numerous statistical categories, including batting average (.314, 13th), hits (700, 4th), doubles (129, 15th), home runs (62, 42nd), slugging percentage (.468, 25th), on base percentage (.388, 3rd), and runs (421, 29th). The Aztec offense had 10 hitters finish with a batting average with .300 or better, all with career highs. The Aztec defense also set a new program record with a .979 fielding percentage, which ranked 22nd nationally. Additionally, the defense turned 67 double plays, which marked the second-highest total in the nation.
Following the 2017 season, a total of five Aztecs taken in the MLB Draft, including Brett Seeburger (10th round, Cardinals), Alan Trejo (16th round, Rockies), Tyler Adkison (32nd round, Dodgers) and Marcus Reyes (38th round, Blue Jays). Additionally, six SDSU players landed on the all-Mountain West team, led by Danny Sheehan, who was the first Aztec hitter ever to be named the MW Player of the Year. Seeburger, who took home conference Pitcher of the Year honors, was another first-team selection, along with Tyler Adkison and Dominic Purpura, while Trejo and David Hensley garnered second-team accolades. Sheehan and Adkison were also named to the ABCA Rawlings All-American team.
In his second year as a collegiate coach in 2015, Oliveira helped the Aztecs to their third consecutive Mountain West championship and second straight season with over 40 wins as the Scarlet and Black finished with 41 victories. Five players were also drafted by MLB clubs, including Bubba Derby (6th round, A’s), Steven Pallares (10th round, A’s), Seby Zavala (12th round, White Sox), Mark Seyler (19th round, Yankees) and Ty France (34th round, Padres). In addition, SDSU set a program-record with seven players meriting all-MW recognition. France, Sheehan, Derby and Seyler were first-team honorees, while Calabuig, Zavala and Steven Pallares received second-team distinction.
Oliveira, who focuses on the catchers, coached Seby Zavala to his best season as an Aztec in 2015. Zavala, who hit .290 with 14 home runs, 67 RBIs and threw out 47 percent of would-be base stealers, was named Most Valuable Player at the MW Championships before he was drafted in the 12th round by the Chicago White Sox. Additionally, Calabuig garnered Freshman All-America accolades, while Sheehan was named a finalist for the Brooks Wallace award, which goes to the top shortstop in the country.
The 2014 season was Oliveira’s first as a collegiate coach after he was hired by the legendary Tony Gwynn in August 2013. Oliveira made an immediate impact as he helped lead San Diego State to a 42-win season and a Mountain West tournament championship, including the best win percentage in 30 years of the program. A total of six Aztecs taken in the MLB draft after the season, Michael Cederoth (3rd round, Twins), Greg Allen (6th round, Indians), Brad Haynal (18th round, Marlins), Tim Zier (21st round, Phillies), Brandon Thomas (24th round, Royals), Justin Hepner (38th round, Marlins). Additionally, shortstop Evan Potter signed a free agent contract with the Giants.
Following the season, Cederoth was named a second-team All-American by te National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, while France was tabbed a third-team All-American by Baseball American. In addition, France, Derby, Zier and Cederoth earned first-team All-MW honors following , while Haynal was a second-team all-conference pick.
Under Oliveira's tutelage, Haynal enjoyed his best season as a collegian in 2014, hitting .313 with 12 home runs and 50 RBI while throwing out a league-leading 53 percent of attempted base stealers. Fueled by Haynal's leadership, San Diego State claimed the Mountain West championship, as the Aztec catcher was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
Prior to his arrival at SDSU, Oliveira served as a manager in the Northwoods League for the Battle Creek Bombers during the summer of 2013, guiding a team that boasted six MLB Draft picks the following year.
Prior to his stint in Battle Creek, Oliveira was a player in the Baltimore Orioles organization, the team that drafted him in the 15th round out of the University of the Pacific in June 2010. During his time as a professional player, he competed for Orioles affiliates Aberdeen in the New York-Penn League, Delmarva in the South Atlantic League and Frederick in the Carolina League.
Oliveira spent his first off-season back at the University of the Pacific finishing his master’s degree in education, making him the only active professional player to have his master’s degree at the time.
A four-year letterwinner at the University of the Pacific (2006-2010), Oliveira was a three-time all-Big West Conference selection. He was also named to the 2009 Johnny Bench Award Watch List, an honor presented to the top collegiate catcher in the country. In addition, Oliveira still ranks among in the top 10 in numerous statistical categories at UOP, including games played, at bats, triples, walks and total bases. Oliveira earned his bachelor’s degree in communication from Pacific in 2009, as well as his master’s degree in education. He also received his teaching credential from Pacific in 2011.
Oliveira resides in San Diego with his wife Hillary and son Hudson.
Oliveira’s Career Coaching Accomplishments
3 MLB players
(Ty France-San Diego Padres, Greg Allen-Cleveland Indians, Seby Zavala- Chicago White Sox)
33 MLB draft picks
34 All-Conference Selections
6 All-Americans
4 Freshman All-Americans
2017 Mountain West Player of the Year
2019 Mountain West Freshman of the Year
Nationally Ranked Recruiting Classes
2014 – 19th by Baseball America
2015 – 17th by Perfect Game
2016 – 27th by D1Baseball.com
2017 – 14th by Perfect Game
2018 – 39th by Baseball America
2019 – 20th by Perfect Game
2020 – 22nd by Perfect Game
NCAA Regional Appearances
2014 – Lafayette Regional
2015 – Lake Elsinore Regional
2017 – Long Beach Regional
2018 – Corvallis Regional