Running Home
Sitting in the third row back under harsh auditorium lights, I watched Coach Trimper scramble down the stairs to the podium. His baseball cap covered his graying hair and it was clear from his booming voice that he had been coaching for years. He began introducing himself, something he said has happened a lot in the recent weeks, as the brand new coach for
Stetson baseball. As he told his story about coming from Maine to the Florida heat, I wondered if he’d walked into the wrong room. My fellow sorority sisters seemed confused. Some were intrigued; sports were far from our usual talking points. Others, like me, searched for someone to explain what he was rambling on about. By the time I tuned back in, he was explaining how to retrieve foul balls and understand signals from the umpire. Finally, Megan Schweizer, a senior member who is also on the baseball staff, spoke up and explained. Coach Trimper was here to talk about reviving a love for Stetson baseball and pitch a new program where women volunteer at games as assistants on the field, called Diamond Darlings. As Megan guided him toward logistics, his enthusiasm fell. He kept speaking on the sign up process before leaving on a final sudden exclamation.
“I want to bring the spirit back to Stetson baseball. It starts with you!”
His passion was refreshing, but I didn’t have the slightest clue about baseball, let alone Stetson baseball. By the time he left the auditorium, I was set on finding out. The first lesson I learned was that baseball comes with its backstory; one sophomore pitcher, Jack Perkins, was helpful in explaining.
Before Trimper, Pete Dunn had been coaching Stetson baseball for 37 years when he announced his retirement in late fall. Coming off a massive win at the ASUN conference championship in May, Dunn’s coaching was as strong as ever. Yet a delayed recovery from knee replacement surgery caused him to miss all of fall practice. He chose to step aside, with mixed emotions from the team.
“I was happy for him, that he was able to retire after a championship. I think he had a great career and it was a good time to bring it to a close. I knew we were losing a great coach, but I felt that myself and the team were mature enough to not let it affect how we play on the field.” Perkins said.
Dunn left behind an epic list of accomplishments. During his career, he led the team to the NCAA tournament 17 times and coached nine players to the major leagues. Holding the record for being named league coach of the year a record six times, his shoes would be hard to fill. Yet, by November, the hiring process was in full swing. Perkins told me about why Trimper stood out the first time he met the team:
“[Trimper] met with the team during the interview process at the end of November, but I met him personally when we got back from Christmas break. He was very energetic and excited for the season. We all liked what he brought to the table: his experience from Maine, his energy and his passion to work hard and wanting to win.”
By this point, I was beginning to learn my second lesson about baseball: comparison is the nature of sports. When Trimper was officially announced as the new head coach, stats between Dunn and him were immediately brought out. Trimper, former head coach at the University of Maine, led his team to the American East Conference Tournament nine times and was named America East Coach of the Year in 2013. He also produced 18 players who went onto the major league draft. A former Stetson player remarked that both coaches shared a desire to win and play hard every time, no matter the score. Even Dunn himself was asked to contribute to Trimper’s new biography page for the athletics website.
“I’ve enjoyed competing against Steve’s clubs at Maine the past 11 years and have come to appreciate the preparation, discipline and energy his teams bring to the field,” Dunn said.
Having a grasp on all the stats and stories, I was finally ready to figure out if Trimper really was reigniting a lost spirit. I went full circle back to my sorority sister Megan. She works in the office and has helped first hand with forming the Diamond Darlings program as well as other spirit initiatives. We talked about whether or not Stetson baseball is changing in the face of Coach Trimper’s transition.
“I believe Stetson Baseball still has spirit. The baseball program has been a source of pride for Stetson University for many years with Hatters like Corey Kluber winning the Cy young award in 2014, Jacob DeGrom winning Rookie Of The Year also in 2014, the Hatters winning the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2016 and Stetson Baseball hosting it this year. However, Coach Trimper, as the new Head Coach, is starting a new era and is revamping the baseball spirit. Being in the office, I see the preparation, discipline and energy he has put into his new team. And not just putting this time into the team, but also in to reaching out and getting to know the DeLand and Stetson community.”
I asked her how Trimper’s community outreach has affected the baseball program so far.
“I remember his first couple weeks here, all the meetings with downtown businesses and phone calls to season-ticket holders, alumni, and donors he had. He even went to sorority and fraternity chapters to share his vision for the Greek section during games. I think it’s been a great success! Tailgating for baseball has even become a thing now. One of my favorite new traditions is Diamond Darlings. It’s been another great way for Stetson Students to get involved and even learn a little more about baseball. Coach Trimper’s notable energy, enthusiasm, and drive is going to make an immense impact on the program and its spirit. Stetson Baseball was definitely left in great hands.”
Even considering Coach Dunn’s great successes, I am as hopeful as Megan about Coach Trimper’s goals for spirit. I hear more sorority women planning trips to games and enthusiastic about Diamond Darlings. His plans to add a greek section of seating and partner up on service events are a great step into the future.
