Mitch Gaspard Resigns As Crimson Tide Baseball Head Coach
Former U.A. head baseball coach Mitch Gaspard
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
University of Alabama Director of Athletics Bill Battle has announced the resignation of Alabama baseball head coach Mitch Gaspard from his position at the university effective immediately.
Battle said, "Mitch and I met last Friday to discuss how the season has gone
and possibilities for postseason play. At that time, he
expressed to me his wishes to resign as baseball coach.
Gaspard informed the Crimson Tide baseball team and his staff of his decision yesterday afternoon. As the head coach at Alabama, Gaspard posted a 234-193 (.548) record.
Battle offered praise for Gaspard, his spirit and his character, saying, "In seven seasons as our head coach, Mitch always represented us with class. He always fielded highly competitive teams and always conducted our program the right way. He has always been guided by the right principles, the kind of values you seek in a head coach and mentor of young people
.
"Mitch leaves the program in good shape. He was a major factor in us being able to rebuild Sewell-Thomas Stadium into the nation's finest baseball facility and his players have competed hard and handled themselves well on and off the field. I am most appreciative of the leadership Mitch has provided and his effort and drive to prepare our team to compete at the highest levels on and off the field.
"Mitch and his family - his wife, Kim, and his daughters, Brae and Paeton - have spent much of their lives as part of the Crimson Tide family. They are first-class people in every way and have been wonderful representatives not only of our baseball program, but our entire Athletics Department and The University of Alabama.
"As a coach and, more importantly, as a man, Mitch gave his all to our program. I have the highest respect for him and his family, and all of us wish them nothing but the best."
Gaspard ranks among the 10-best winning percentages for all Alabama baseball coaches with a .548 percentile. He was 234-193 in seven seasons, missing the NCAA Tournament three of those seven.
Gaspard took the helm of the Alabama baseball team from previous head coach Jim Wells prior to the 2010 season. The Tide reached the Super Regional round, but has not accomplished that fete since. Alabama was able to make the NCAA regionals in 2011, 2013 and 2014.
Alabama did not make the tournament again this season, with many thinking there was a possibility of an at-large selection with the 15-15 Southeastern Conference season record.
In his statement, Gaspard said, "Last Friday afternoon, I notified our Director of Athletics, Bill Battle, of my intention to resign as head baseball coach at The University of Alabama at the conclusion of this season. It's a decision that has not been an easy one, but something that I have been considering for a while now.
"We have consistently fielded a competitive program in the nation's finest conference throughout our seven seasons at Alabama, but I feel this is the right time to make a change - not only for me, but for the program as a whole. I think a good foundation has been set for whoever takes over the program. And, with our new stadium, the chance to recruit at a high level is definitely there.
"I am thankful to so many people who made the opportunities that I have had possible. My family has been so incredibly devoted to me and my career, and I am looking forward to being able to spend more quality time with my wife and daughters as we embark on the next chapter of our life together.
"One of the special things about sports is the family bond you can develop over the course of your career. That has definitely been the case in my life, and will continue to be so. To our Alabama baseball family - our players and their families; our coaches and their families; and to all our fans and boosters who faithfully support the Crimson Tide, I want to express my undying gratitude for the privilege of leading your program."
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
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Gaspard Writes Letter To Bama Baseball Fans
Former University of Alabama men's baseball head coach Mitch Gaspard released a letter to Crimson Tide baseball fans yesterday afternoon.
In that letter Gaspard explained his decision to resign as Alabama's baseball coach. He spoke of his Friday meeting with Alabama Directory of Athletics Bill Battle when he tendered his resignation from the head coaching position he has held since 2009.
In the letter, Gaspard wrote, "As a former head head coach, Bill understands the pressures involved
in the job to a degree that many do not. He gets the
reality of what we all go through -- the reality that being a coach is
more than just a day job. It truly is a way of life."
Gaspard said he has been thinking on this for quite some time, and that his eventual decision to actually leave was contemplated for the "last few weeks and months."
Here is a look at the letter, posted on the Alabama Baseball Twitter account:
Alabama Baseball
A letter to Alabama baseball fans from @MitchGaspard #RollTide
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Alabama Men's Golf
Robby Shelton Ends 2016 Sixth At NCAA Golf Championships
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Announces He Is Turning Pro
UA Golfer Robby Shelton
Photo Credit: RollTide.com
University of Alabama junior golfer Robby Shelton completed play yesterday at the 2016 NCAA Men's Golf Championships tied for sixth
overall. Shelton recorded a four-day total of 1-over par 281 (70-66-72-73). He shot a 3-over par 73 on his final day of amateur competition. Following
the event, Shelton announced his intentions to turn professional.
"I want to thank everyone out there," Shelton said. "I especially want to thank coach (Jay) Seawell,
coach (Jon) Howell and my teammates. It's been the best three years of
my life and it's very emotional for me. I feel I will always be a part
of the Crimson Tide family."
Battling gusty winds throughout yesterday afternoon's final round, Shelton struggled from the very beginning. He eventually slipped from his tie in fourth to settle for a tie at sixth place when the day ended.
Shelton said, "It was a tough round for sure. I was 1-over par through
the first three holes, then I got an eagle on the fourth hole which
created some excitement, I guess. But after that, I couldn't make a
putt. It stinks that's how it went today, but I just couldn't make a
putt. Despite that, it was a fun round and having coach Seawell with me
throughout was a great experience. Walking down the 18th fairway, both
coach Seawell and I were emotional. It was a special moment."
The 72-hole total of 281 by Shelton during the championships ranks second in Alabama golf history. Only one player carded a better total, former standout golfer Michael Thompson, shooting 5-under 275 at the 2007 NCAA Championships. This was also Shelton's second
top-10 finish at an NCAA Championship, finishing in a tie for third in 2014.
Head men's golf coach Jay Seawell commented, "I enjoyed this last walk with Robby. He's simply a
phenomenal player. I thought he played really well and had just one
hiccup which came on the 10th hole when he just got out of position and
couldn't get back and made a double. His putter was ice cold, but that
was par for what happened to us as a team this week.
"I am just so proud of Robby and the way he handled himself. He's a
class young man who I've had the fortune of coaching. I've watched him
since he was a little kid at 13 years old. When he hit his drive on 18
right down the middle, he turned to me and said `thank you.' We had some
tears at that point. I am just truly thankful. He's a champion and I
think he represents what the University of Alabama is all about."
The Wilmer, Alabama native leaves the Alabama golf program with a school
record seven victories, three of which came this season. Shelton holds the Alabama career records in stroke average (70.44) and average vs. par
(-0.72). His 67 career rounds of par or better (out of 103 total
rounds played) rank third in Alabama golf history. Shelton also has three
of the four lowest single-season scoring averages. He had 17 top-five finishes as well as 31 top-20 finishes in 34 career tournaments.
Congratulations, Robby. And thanks for the memories.
Robby Shelton
Photo Credit: RollTide.com/Amelia B. Barton
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History Of UA's Denny Chimes
History Of UA's Denny Chimes
Denny Chimes. Many don't realize the significance nor history of the University of Alabama historic landmark.
Denny Chimes is located on the south side of what is known as "The Quad" at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It stands 115-feet (35 m) tall, as one named in honor of George H. Denny who served as University of Alabama president from 1912-1936, and then again in 1941.
One of the most visible landmarks on the campus of the University of Alabama, the landmark is equipped with a 25-bell carillon.
The original idea for the bell tower came about in 1919 as a war memorial for those who fought in World War I. Due to a lack of funding, however, the vision never came to pass.
It was not until the late 1920s that university students were successful in raising the needed funds to construct a tower. It was not, however, to be constructed as a war memorial. It was changed to pay honor to university president George Denny when a rumor surfaced that he was planning to leave the University of Alabama to return to his native state of Virginia.
More to come over the next several days concerning Denny Chimes. Hope you will join me, as well as enjoy it. Roll Tide!
