AA St. Paul Saints

Saints Pitching Coach Jason Verdugo Named Hamline University Athletic Director

Published on April 24, 2012 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN (April 24, 2012) - One of the most successful pitching coaches in the 19 seasons of St. Paul Saints baseball, Jason Verdugo, is stepping down from his position and will take over as Athletic Director of Hamline University, the school he has been head coach at for the past 11 seasons.

The 37-year-old Verdugo helped guide the Saints to the fifth-best ERA in the American Association (4.59) in 2011. Pitching was a strong component to the team's Championship Series run. During his six seasons as pitching coach the Saints team ERA was 4.42, while reaching the playoffs in four of the six years.

"Leaving the Saints is one of the most difficult decisions I had to make in taking this job," said Verdugo. "I can't thank the ownership and the front office enough. They were an integral part in my development, not just professionally, but personally. My association with the Saints is something I'm proud of. I'm going to miss the day to day interaction."

Verdugo left for one season, in 2008, to take over as manager of the Evansville Otters in the Frontier League. After one season with the Otters he decided to rejoin the Saints in 2009 and be closer to his family. His entire Saints career was spent with manager George Tsamis.

"George has meant a lot to my career," said Verdugo. "He gave me a chance after four years out of baseball and showed a ton of loyalty. He gave me the opportunity to pitch a few times and we experienced a championship together. My development as a head coach at Hamline and pitching coach with the Saints was enhanced by George. I am forever indebted to him."

"Jason will definitely be missed here," said Tsamis. "He did an excellent job for us and he has become a great friend."

While with the Saints nine of his pitchers have had their contract purchased by a Major League organization, including Brandon Kintzler, who went on to pitch in the big leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers. Two of his former players with Hamline, who played for the Saints, also had their contracts purchased: pitcher Kyle Foster and infielder Dan Kaczrowski.

"I truly feel he played a big part in helping our pitchers move back on to Major League Organizations," said Tsamis. "From Brandon Kintzler, to Tanner Scheppers, to Matt Meyer, Caleb Thielbar and the list goes on. He did such an excellent job developing Kyle Foster and turning him into one of the top pitchers in our league."

Verdugo came out of a four-year retirement in 2004 to pitch for the Saints and helped guide them to the franchise's fourth championship including a four-hit shutout against Schaumburg in Game 4 of the Northern League Championship Series. He was 5-5 with a 4.07 ERA in 17 games. He hurled four complete games including a shutout.

While with Hamline Verdugo has taken the baseball program to heights they had never reached. In 2011 they put together their most successful season in school history, capturing the MIAC tournament title and advancing to the NCAA tournament. At the Whitewaters Regionals Hamline won its first-ever NCAA tournament game, defeating #7 ranked St. Scholastica 3-2 in 13 innings. Hamline finished the season 29-15, the fifth 20+ win season by Verdugo's squad in the last six seasons. Under Verdugo, the Pipers have set three school records for wins in a season and his squads have had six total 20+ win seasons. His players have received 21 Academic All-Conference awards, 21 All-MIAC accolades, nine Midwest All-Region honors and two Academic All-American awards.

For the past eight years Verdugo has also served as director of compliance for all of Hamline's 19 sports teams and has spent the past 11 years involved in fundraising for Hamline's athletic program. From 2004-2007, Verdugo was assistant athletic director for Hamline.

"I'm excited," said Verdugo. "It's a great opportunity for me professionally. At this point in my career I could have never imagined, at 37, I would be an Athletic Director. I'm honored by the vote of confidence by President Hanson and the support I've gotten from my peers in the building."

Since 2005 the only other pitching coach the Saints had was during the 2008 season when Mitch Wylie took over for Verdugo when he managed the Otters.

Saints tickets continue to be a tremendous value. Tickets are $5 for general admission, $8 for outfield reserved and $12 for infield reserved. Friday Home Games with Post-Game Fireworks (except July 1, August 26) are an additional $2 per ticket. Saints Special Event Home Games with Post-Game Fireworks (July 1, August 26) are an additional $3 per ticket. Tickets purchased on the Day of the Game are an additional $1 per ticket. Children under the age of 12 and seniors 65 and older receive $1 off the admission price. Children under 2 that don't require a seat are free.

Saints Box Office Hours on non-gamedays are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. On gamedays, the Box Office will open at 9 a.m. Sunday through Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday and will remain open until 15 minutes following each game.

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