Dear Cal Baseball Alums,    

As you know, Mike Neu has been named Cal’s new head baseball coach. The Cal Baseball Foundation is thrilled that Mike will be returning to Cal to lead our Program.

Cal Athletics requested the Cal Baseball Foundation to form a Search Committee to evaluate candidates. The Committee of Brad Brian, Jim Darby, Dan Deaver, Ann Flemer, John Hughes, Jesse Ingram, and Dan McInerny identified evaluation criteria reflecting the important qualities of Cal next head coach. These include: an individual of high character who supports a competitive culture and a strong commitment to team play; a clear communicator of expectations for athletic and academic success who is well-respected in the baseball world; a successful recruiter with Division I head coaching experience who can build a strong brand for Cal Baseball; an individual who understands and supports the program’s fund raising plans involving stronger alumni relationships; and a coach with the ability to recruit and retain a solid team of assistant coaches.

The Committee expended great effort to conduct a comprehensive process and reviewed numerous candidates before selecting four individuals for interviews. While all four candidates were well qualified for the position, the Committee determined that Mike Neu was at the top of the list when measured against all of the criteria.      

We want to thank the many of you took the time to provide input to the Search Committee and Cal’s Athletic Director. You have clearly expressed your support for Mike as a coach with high values who cherishes this opportunity to lead the Cal Baseball program. Mike fully embraces Cal and its rich baseball history. He also has the drive to create a winning program that will return to the College World Series, graduate our players, and engage our alumni.

The purpose of Cal Baseball Foundation is to ensure the existence of a top-tier intercollegiate baseball program on the Cal campus — a program of which our past, present and future Bears can be proud. With Mike Neu at the helm, we have the right coach to engage a cohesive Alumni base that will step up to support the program as owners and stewards of Cal’s Baseball legacy.

As Cal Baseball alums, we are all members of the same team! Mike will give his all and we need to do the same for him. We ask you to support Cal Baseball – make a financial contribution, show up at events, find program sponsors, or give your time to help make Cal Baseball be the best it can be. When you get the opportunity, please take a moment and welcome Mike back to Cal!

Thank you for your past and future support for Cal Baseball!                                                                                                                                       

John Hughes and Jesse Ingram

Alumni Relations Coordinators, Cal Baseball Foundation