SANTA CLARA, Calif. – John Savage, head coach at UCLA for the last nine seasons, led the Bruins to their first national title in baseball in June of 2013 at the College World Series in Omaha, Neb. They took down Mississippi State 8-0 to seal the title.
Savage, however, was a Bronco long before he was a Bruin. He pitched at Santa Clara from 1983-86 and was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 16th rounds of the MLB Draft. During his time on the Mission campus, Savage learned much about the game of baseball that has helped in his coaching career.
"My experience at Santa Clara University was invaluable to me and helped make me into the coach that I am today," said Savage. "Coach McClain and Coach Oldham were instrumental in my success as a baseball player and I am forever grateful for the opportunity I had to play baseball there."
Savage also has a connection to the current Bronco coaching staff. Santa Clara head coach Dan O'Brien was at UC San Diego when Savage was coaching at UC Irvine and the two got to know each other.
"Coach Savage is a former Bronco who, like many other Santa Clara graduates, has become one of the best in the country in his field," said O'Brien. "Those who know him and are aware of his work ethic are not surprised. It is great to see him earn the respect he deserves in the baseball community. We are certainly proud of, and happy for, John as he continues to represent the best of Santa Clara and Bronco Baseball Alumni."