WILMINGTON, N.C. – UNCW Head Baseball Coach Mark Scalf, the school’s all-time leader in victories, will complete his final lineup card at the end of the 2019 season.
Scalf announced his retirement Wednesday afternoon, but plans to spend his 28th season with the Seahawks the same way he started – with clipboard in hand and perched atop the steps on the home dugout at Brooks Field.
“It’s been an honor to coach college baseball at my alma mater throughout my career,’” said Scalf. “I’ve been blessed to work with hundreds of quality young men who were motivated to be their best as students, athletes and members of the community. I would like to thank the numerous administrators I have had the good fortune to work with along with outstanding assistant coaches who have had a huge impact on the development of the program and those involved. I will always cherish those relationships forged over the last 40 years. Lastly, and most important, I’d like to thank my wife Allyson and my daughters Madison and Jordan for their encouragement and support they’ve given during my career.”
The veteran head coach has compiled a 909-676-1 record, with nine NCAA Tournament appearances in the last 16 seasons. The Seahawks have won nine Colonial Athletic Association regular season championships and five CAA Tournament titles with Scalf as head coach, including last year’s crown in Harrisonburg, Va.
The Seahawks have been a model of consistency under Scalf’s watch, recording 20 consecutive winning seasons and seven campaigns with 40-or-more victories.
With seven players drafted or signed as free agents in each of the last two seasons, the Seahawks have featured 82 players who have played professionally during Scalf’s tenure. Seven have reached the major leagues.
A native of Cary, N.C., Scalf began his association with the Seahawks as a freshman infielder in 1977 and rejoined the program as an assistant coach on Bobby Guthrie’s staff in 1984. Scalf was elevated to head coach in June of 1991.
Scalf has been named CAA Coach-of-the-Year seven times. He was tabbed as the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Regional Coach-of-the-Year on five occasions, including last season. He has served as an assistant coach for Team USA (2003, 2007) twice.
“It’s been an honor to work with a college baseball legend the last seven years,” said UNCW Director of Athletics Jimmy Bass. “He’s had an unwavering commitment to the university and has made his program a vital part of its educational mission. We wish Mark, his wife Allyson and his entire family the best of luck as he moves onto the next phase of his life.”
The Seahawks open the new season on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, when they play host to Saint Joseph’s at 4 p.m.
UNCW will hold a press conference on Thursday at 1:15 p.m. in the Trask Coliseum Media Room.
