TEANECK, N.J. – Fairleigh Dickinson University Director of Athletics Bradford D. Hurlbut announced this morning, June 20, 2019, the appointment of Rob DiToma as the 12th head coach of the FDU baseball program. DiToma arrives in Teaneck following six seasons as a member of the Fordham baseball coaching staff, most recently serving as associate head coach for the past two seasons.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rob DiToma to our FDU family as the new head baseball coach,” announced Hurlbut. “Rob’s track record for helping build successful programs in the New York Metropolitan Area, coupled with his leadership and vision, make him the right man to lead Knights baseball into the future. Whether it was in the classroom, the community or on the field, Rob has been extremely successful at every step of his journey.”
“We are excited that Rob is bringing those gifts to our student-athletes, our baseball family and the FDU community,” continued Hurlbut. “Coach DiToma is widely considered to be one of the brightest young coaches in collegiate baseball.”
This past season, DiToma helped guide Fordham to an Atlantic 10 Championship and back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1998. DiToma’s offensive philosophies have paid dividends on the basepaths as the Rams have led the nation in stolen bases each of the past two seasons.
“I want to thank Brad Hurlbut, and the entire athletics department of Fairleigh Dickinson University for entrusting me with baseball program,” said DiToma. “The vision, direction and culture that Brad has created was evident in the interview process and I cannot be more excited to be a part of the future of Fairleigh Dickinson. It has been an amazing journey and lifelong dream of mine to be the head coach of a Division I baseball program and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity that I have been given here. I look forward to getting started!”
With DiToma on board, the team has amassed 73 wins over the last two seasons including 31 victories in A-10 Conference play. In addition to his role as associate head coach, DiToma has also enjoyed success as the recruiting coordinator for the Rams. DiToma’s recruiting efforts have landed perennial award-winning talent including the 2018 A-10 Rookie of the Year, a 2019 ABCA All-American and a 2019 MLB Draft selection. Since 2015, nine Fordham baseball players have gone on to sign Major League Baseball contracts.
Prior to Fordham, DiToma spent four years at Iona College, serving as the team’s hitting instructor and recruiting coordinator. In four seasons at Iona, DiToma guided Iona’s offense to some of its most productive seasons in the last decade. In 2010, the Gaels posted their highest batting average, slugging percentage, and scored the most runs in the previous 10 seasons. Four of his hitters from that team received All-MAAC honors including three first team honorees.
Under the direction of DiToma, the program started the Iona Elite Skills Camp, an instructional camp designed to help high school players and provide these players an excellent opportunity to receive position specific instruction.
Before his four-year stint at Iona, DiToma coached for one season at Siena and one at Temple. The 2005 Mercy College graduate earned a master’s degree in physical education from Manhattanville College in 2007, where he also served on the coaching staff and helped the team win the 2007 Skyline Conference Championship.
On the field, DiToma played four seasons at Mercy as the starting second baseman, serving as team captain as a senior. As a junior, he batted .309 and was an All-NYCAC selection.
The 2020 campaign marks the 70th season for FDU baseball, which began in 1950.
