Credited with elevating Florida Southern to a national level, Hal Smeltzly began his career at FSC as a player before taking over as head coach following his graduation in 1957.
In 20 years as head baseball coach, Smeltzly compiled a 391-166 (.702) record and won three NCAA Div. II national championships as well as six regional crowns.
Smeltzly was named National Coach of the Year in 1972. Active in amateur baseball, he coached Team USA to second place finishes in the 1972 World Amateur Tournament and 1975 Pan-Am Games. He was instrumental in having baseball included as a medal sport in the Olympics.
Named Director of Athletics at FSC in 1972, Smeltzly watched over and guided the athletic program to 18 NCAA Div. II national championships, while maintaining an 85 percent graduation rate among student-athletes. He also was one of the leaders in forming the Sunshine State Conference.
Smeltzly is a member of the Royal Dutch Sports, Sunshine State Conference, Florida Sports, Polk County Sports and Florida Southern College Baseball Halls of Fame. His No. 7 jersey is retired.
