It is nearly impossible to discuss the Columbia University's rich baseball history without mentioning the name of Andy Coakley, the second most winningest baseball coach in Columbia history.
After his professional playing career ended, Coakley coached at Williams College from 1911 to 1913 before arriving at Columbia.
It took little time before his impact was felt on the Lions' baseball program. In 1916, just his second year at the helm of the team, Coakley led his team to a 17-1-1 record. During his 37 years as head coach of the Lions, Coakley posted a record of 306-289-11.
The Eastern Intercollegiate Baseball League, made up of the eight Ivy League institutions, Army and Navy, was formed in 1930. Under the guidance of Coakley, Columbia won the league championship in 1933, 1934, and again in 1944.
The most famous player to have come under Coakley's tutelage was Lou Gehrig in the early 1920's.
In 1954, the Holy Cross alumnus was inducted into the Helms Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame.
