HONOLULU – The University of Hawai‘i Athletics Department and baseball head coach Mike Trapasso will part ways, Athletics Director David Matlin announced today. Trapasso’s contract ends on August 31, 2021, and will not be renewed.
“We have decided to make a change in leadership with our baseball program,” Matlin said. “Mike has been a true ambassador for the Rainbow Warrior baseball program through his 20 seasons as head coach and we are proud of his accomplishments on and off the diamond. He is a true Rainbow Warrior and always tried to do what was best for the program. We will always appreciate Mike as a coach and a mentor to our student-athletes.”
Trapasso completed his 20th season at the helm of the Rainbow Warrior program on Sunday finishing 24-26 overall and 16-24 (8th) in the Big West Conference. He concluded his career at UH with a 536-531 record, posted 12 winning seasons, and reached the 30-win mark eight times.
Some of his career accomplishments also include:
● Led the 2006 team to its first NCAA Regional since 1992 and a second appearance in 2010
● Recruited and mentored 43 MLB Draft picks
● Mentored three All-American selections, 27 All-Big West selections, 52 All-WAC selections and 80 academic all-conference selections
● Named 2006 National Coach of the Year (National Baseball Foundation) and finalist for National Coach of the Year (College Baseball Insider)
● Named three-time WAC Coach of the Year (2004, 2006, 2011)
Trapasso, a native of St. Louis, Mo., took the helm from legendary coach Les Murakami in 2002. Before arriving in Honolulu, he served as an assistant coach at Missouri (1989-91), South Florida (1992-94) and Georgia Tech (1995-01).
The former pitcher played at Oklahoma State where he led the Big Eight and finished fifth nationally in ERA (1.42). He was a four-time MLB draft pick and member of the 1983 Team USA squad. Trapasso played professionally in the minor leagues for the Atlanta Braves (1985-86) and St. Louis Cardinals (1987).
The search for a replacement will begin immediately.
