Bronco Baseball Adds Steve Smith to Coaching Staff - Santa Clara

Posted: Jan 30, 2017

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara baseball head coach Dan O'Brien made a big addition to the coaching staff as former Baylor head coach Steve Smith has joined the Broncos as an assistant coach.

"Coach Smith is one of the best and most successful coaches in our game," head coach Dan O'Brien said. "He immediately elevates our program with his presence. That said, for him to step in and support our program mid year like this says everything you need to know about the person, his character and his willingness to be a servant leader."

Smith is in his first season as an assistant coach at Santa Clara. Prior to becoming a Bronco, Smith was the head coach at Baylor for 21 years and guided the Bears to their most successful 10-year run in the program's history, a 2005 College World Series appearance, and became Baylor's all-time wins leader in all sports. Smith also served as 2008 president of the American Baseball Coaches Association, head coach of the 2005 USA Baseball National Team and pitching coach for the 1998 USA Baseball National Team.

A 2006 Baylor Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, Smith compiled a 744-523-1 career record, all at Baylor. Nationally, he ranks among the top 50 in wins among active coaches in the NCAA with five or more years of experience. On Feb. 23, 2014, against Austin Peay, Smith earned his 700th career win to become the 36th active coach in NCAA Division I baseball to reach the plateau.

"He's simply an outstanding human being," O'Brien said. "While I'm happy to add his baseball wisdom to the staff, I'm even more excited for our ballplayers and the character of men like Coach Smith that surround them every day."

Smith led Baylor to 13 NCAA Regional appearances (2012-09, 2007-05, 2003-1998), four NCAA Super Regional appearances (2012, 2005, 2003, 1999) and one College World Series (2005). With 13 NCAA Regional appearances since 1998, Smith placed Baylor on a list with only 13 other teams. He also coached 45 All-America selections, 13 Academic All-America selections (1 Academic All-American of the Year), 31 All-Region choices, 38 Academic All-District choices, 18 Freshman All-America selections and eight USA Baseball National Team members while at Baylor. Additionally, Smith coached winners of the Golden Spikes Award, Dick Howser Award, Rotary Smith Award and Johnny Bench Award.

The Broncos begin the 2017 baseball season on Feb. 17 with a four-game series against Washington at Stephen Schott Stadium. Tickets can be purchased here.