LSU baseball will start their 2011-2012 season with a home run — the hiring of Alan Dunn as pitching coach. Dunn not only has more than 20 years of experience, but has also proven he has what it takes to mold great players, with more than 25 of his pitchers advancing to the major league.
Dunn started as an assistant coach at Vanderbilt but quickly found his stride with pitching, becoming the pitching coach on four single A teams throughout the nineties, all affiliated with the Chicago Cubs.
Dunn then moved to double A, coaching the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx from 1998 to 2005, when he moved to the majors. The Diamond Jaxx were also affiliated with the Cubs.
In 2006 Dunn became the pitching coach of the triple A Iowa Cubs. After a year he was promoted to the Chicago Cubs’ minor league pitching coordinator.
From 2007 to 2010, Dunn worked as the bullpen coach for the Baltimore Orioles, helping relief pitchers warm up. Since 2011, he has been the Orioles’ minor league pitching coordinator.
In a press conference June 10, Paul Mainieri, LSU head coach, said he wanted former pitching coach David Grewe’s replacement to be someone with experience, ability and recruiting prowess.
When Mainieri inquired about Dunn, he heard praise from many people who have worked with and around him, including former LSU player Ryan Theriot, second baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals.
In a June 10 news conference, Mainieri talked about the difficulties LSU had last season, from the change in bat material (which limits home runs) to running an all freshman rotation, which isn’t common in the SEC.
According to Mainieri, bat material changes have emphasized pitching in college baseball.
Mainieri also addressed Dunn’s recruiting ability, saying he has the intelligence, knowledge and experience to persuade potential players.
“I think he’s a perfect fit, and it will help us in recruiting as time goes on,” Mainieri said.
Dunn outlined his plans for LSU’s pitchers and said college baseball is becoming a more power pitching game.
Dunn is also excited to be back in collegiate baseball.
“To have an opportunity to come to LSU, it was obviously icing on the cake,”he said. “It’s where my heart is. I feel like that’s my passion.”
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Contact Cameron Warren at [email protected]