Former Pepperdine and big league catcher Chad Kreuter has been named head coach of the University of Southern California Trojans, taking over for father-in-law Mike Gillespie.
“This is a marvelous opportunity for Chad,” Gillespie told the Associated Press. “I’m delighted to know that this stays in the family. USC baseball is in great hands and we can look forward to a great future.”
Kreuter will become just the fourth USC baseball coach in the last 77 years. Gillespie succeeded Rod Dedeaux in 1987.
The 41-year-old Kreuter is managing the Colorado Rockies’ Class A affiliate in Modesto, Calif. The Nuts are 28-25 in the California League.
Kreuter was USC’s director of baseball operations in 2005. He played at Pepperdine from 1983-85 before beginning his professional career.
“I’m excited to have this opportunity to coach a program with the best history in all of college baseball,” he said. “It’s an honor to take over after two of the game’s greatest coaches sat in this seat. I’m looking forward to continuing USC’s tradition of excellence.”
In his major league career, Krueter played for the Anaheim Angels, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals. He retired in 2003.
06-03-2006
