American Baseball Coaches Association History

On June 29, 1945, a group of college baseball coaches gathered in New York City to formulate ideas to promote and improve of the collegiate game. Coach Eppy Barnes, Colgate University, and coach Joe Bedenk, Pennsylvania State University, originated the idea that college baseball needed organization and direction. Prior to 1945, a survey revealed that only one-third of the more than 600 colleges were playing baseball. More than 140 coaches responded to the survey approving the formation of a college baseball coaching organization.

The first meeting was held at the New York Athletic Club on June 29, 1945. Twenty-seven coaches were in attendance. Presentations were made urging college coaches to organize so they could better promote the game, help gather national statistics and cooperate with professional baseball. Among the speakers was former college coach and President of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Branch Rickey. It was determined that a constitution would be written and that the name of the new organization was to be named the American Association of College Baseball Coaches (AACBC). It was voted that each member would pay dues, which were set at five dollars for active members and two dollars for allied members.

The first elected officers were: President - Eppy Barnes, Colgate University; First Vice President - Ray Fisher, University of Michigan; Second Vice President - Clint Evans, University of California; Third Vice President - Red Rolfe, Yale University; and Secretary/Treasurer - George "Lefty" James, Cornell University.

The founding fathers decided they would hold meetings (conventions) each year and they would be held in conjunction with the NCAA meeting.

The officers elected at the July 1945 meeting were selected to serve one more year, making Eppy Barnes has been the only president of the organization to serve two terms.

The second convention of the AACBC was held January 1946 in St. Louis with approximately 60 members in attendance. Topics of discussion included: All-America teams, a playoff system, promotion of the game, creation of conferences and leagues, and concerns with early signings by professional baseball.

Since those early years, the Association has grown to more than 15,000 members with members hailing from 41 different countries. By 1980, the AACBC's membership had broadened significantly to include coaches other than just college members. At the January 1981 convention in Miami, the membership voted to officially change the name of the Association to the present name of the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA).

Throughout its history, the American Baseball Coaches Association has been shaped by many of the game’s most respected amateur coaches. A significant number of these leaders have served as ABCA President, guiding the Association through periods of growth, change, and continued advancement of the coaching profession.

Active coaches are eligible to be elected by the membership as Fourth Vice President, beginning a multi-year leadership path that progresses through the Vice President roles and ultimately to the presidency. This structure ensures continuity, experience, and a deep understanding of the Association’s mission at the highest leadership level.

Only the ABCA’s first President, Eppy Barnes, served more than one term, holding the position for two years. Since that time, the Association has elected a new President annually. ABCA Presidents have represented all divisions - NCAA I, II & III, NAIA, Junior College and High School. Those who have served have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and dedication to both the Association and the coaching profession. Their efforts have played a vital role in elevating the standing and respect of baseball coaches nationwide.

In addition to its elected officers, the ABCA has been guided by five full-time Executive Directors: Lee Eilbracht (1978-87), Jerry Miles (1987-91), Dick Bergquist (1991-94), Dave Keilitz (1994-2014) and Craig Keilitz (2014-present), whose leadership has provided long-term stability and direction.

In 1983, the ABCA Board of Directors was established as the governing body of the Association. The Board is responsible for setting general policy, directing the business and affairs of the ABCA, overseeing Constitution/Bylaw Amendments, and providing overall governance for the organization. 

The Board of Directors is composed of all Past Presidents, the current President, and the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Vice Presidents of the Association. In addition, the Board includes three members of the Executive Committee selected from among the Divisional Chairs, along with the Chair of the ABCA Diversity in Baseball Committee. The three Divisional Chair representatives are elected to the Board by the Executive Committee. Prior to 1983, the Association's governing body was known as the Executive Committee.

John Winkin of the University of Maine, was elected as the Board's first chairman and served from 1983-85. Since that time, the ABCA has guided by the following Chairmen: Chuck Brayton, Washington State University (1986-88); Jack Stallings, Georgia Southern University (1989-91); Bud Daniel, University of Wyoming (1992-94); Bill Arce, Claremont-Mudd College (1995-97); Carroll Land, Point Loma Nazarene University (1998-2003); Glen Tuckett, Brigham Young University (2004-09); Jack Kaiser, St. John's University (2010-12); Mark Johnson, Texas A&M/Sam Houston State (2013-18); Keith Madison, University of Kentucky (2019-2024); and John Casey (2025-Present).

The Board of Directors meets twice annually at the ABCA Convention and also convenes twice during the NCAA Division I College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. In addition, several conference calls are held throughout the year by the Standing Committee, which is chaired by the Chairman of the Board.

The current Executive Committee addresses issues arising from each division (NCAA Division I, II and III, NAIA, Junior College, Pacific Association Division, High School, Travel and Youth Baseball). They also discuss issues brought forth by ABCA committees or the general membership. Issues involving policy decisions, Constitution or Bylaw changes, or significant financial considerations are forwarded to the Board of Directors with recommendations from the Executive Committee.

Each January, the ABCA hosts the largest baseball convention in the world, drawing nearly 8,000 coaches and more than 10,000 total attendees when including exhibitors, conference representatives, and league administrators. Held at rotating locations throughout the United States, the ABCA Convention spans four days of nonstop baseball education, collaboration, and connection.

The Convention traditionally opens with a full slate of committee meetings, where more than 20 ABCA committees—including the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and Standing Committee—convene to address key issues and initiatives. The opening evening is dedicated to divisional business meetings, with actions and recommendations flowing to the Executive Committee and appropriate governing bodies.

The educational experience at the ABCA Convention is built around three primary stages: the Main Stage, the Youth Coaches Session, and the Expo Theater, with programming running continuously throughout the Convention.

The Main Stage features more than 20 clinic presentations, delivered by some of the most knowledgeable and respected coaches in the game. Each Main Stage presentation is followed by a live question-and-answer session, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with presenters and dive deeper into a wide range of coaching topics.

The Youth Coaches Session, held on Friday and Saturday, provides instruction specifically designed for coaches working with youth-age players up to age 14. Similar to the Main Stage, every Youth Coaches Session presentation includes a dedicated Q&A period, creating an interactive learning environment focused on player development, practice organization, and age-appropriate instruction.

The Expo Theater offers an additional educational platform, featuring presentations from ABCA Partners and exhibiting companies that highlight new ideas, innovations, and best practices impacting the game.

Beyond these primary stages, the Convention also includes panel discussions, workshops, and interactive forums that encourage dialogue, idea-sharing, and deeper exploration of key coaching topics across all levels of baseball.

Complementing the educational programming is the ABCA Trade Show, which is the largest baseball marketplace in the world, bringing together more than 400 companies and approximately 3,000 company representatives across over 235,000 square feet of exhibit space. Attendees have the opportunity to explore, compare, and evaluate the latest equipment, technology, and services shaping the game, often gaining access to Convention-only pricing, special offers, and exclusive discounts. Many of the sport’s newest products, innovations, and technologies are unveiled at the ABCA Convention, making the Trade Show a must-visit destination for coaches, administrators, and programs at every level.

Throughout the Convention, the ABCA also recognizes excellence across the game through multiple award celebrations, including presentations during the Opening Ceremony. These moments honor outstanding coaches, contributors, and leaders who have made a lasting impact on baseball. One of the most distinguished traditions is the ABCA Hall of Fame Banquet, where the newest members of the ABCA Hall of Fame are formally inducted. The evening also features the presentation of the ABCA/Wilson Lefty Gomez Award, recognizing an individual whose contributions have left an enduring mark on the sport of baseball.

Throughout its history, the American Baseball Coaches Association has developed programs and services that have played a significant role in the growth and advancement of amateur baseball at every level of the game.

College World Series
The College World Series was originally founded by the ABCA, then known as the American Association of Collegiate Baseball Coaches (AACBC), following the first meeting in 1945. The inaugural AACBC College World Series was held in June 1947 at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was a two-team series with the University of California defeating Yale University the first two games of a two-out-of-three series. The next year, the AACBC requested $5,000 from the NCAA for the College World Series, which was also held in Kalamazoo. In 1949, the AACBC expanded the tournament to four teams and the series moved to Wichita, Kansas. In 1950, the College World Series moved to Omaha, Nebraska, expanded to eight teams, and has remained there ever since. Today the CWS is conducted by the NCAA, but the ABCA was the group behind the start of this popular series and continues to assist in support of this iconic championship..

All-America and Awards Programs
In 1949, the Association established its first All-America team, beginning a long tradition of recognizing excellence in baseball. Since that time, ABCA All-America teams have been selected in each division of the ABCA: NCAA Divisions I, II & III, NAIA, NJCAA Divisions I, II & III, Pacific Association Division, and High School.

In partnership with Rawlings Sporting Goods, the ABCA presents All-America, Gold Glove, and All-Region Teams, as well as National Position Player and Pitcher of the Year awards. Each division has its own All-America/Coach of the Year Committee, with regional chairs overseeing nominations and voting. Each year, more than 1,500 student-athletes and hundreds of coaches are recognized through these programs.

Beyond All-America honors, the ABCA recognizes coaching excellence through a wide range of awards, including ABCA/ATEC National Coach of the Year Awards, ABCA/Soldier Sports Assistant Coach of the Year Awards, Century Club, Lifetime Membership, ABCA Hall of Fame, ABCA/Wilson Lefty Gomez Award, Youth and Travel Baseball Service Awards and the ABCA Team Academic Excellence Award.

Youth Baseball & Coaching Education
The ABCA has long been committed to the success and growth of baseball at the youth level. Over the years, thousands of young people have participated in ABCA-sponsored youth clinics, including long-standing events at the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho, and NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado.

The Association also hosts ABCA Barnstormers Regional Coaching Clinics, one-day educational events designed for high school, travel baseball, and youth coaches, providing practical instruction and professional development at the regional level.

Advocacy & Partnerships
A major role of the ABCA has been its ongoing collaboration with the governing bodies that oversee the levels of baseball represented by its membership. These include the NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, and the National Federation of State High School Associations, along with the Collegiate Commissioners Association, Major League Baseball, USA Baseball, youth leagues, and baseball federations around the world.

Through these relationships, the ABCA works to advocate for coaches and student-athletes, support the growth of the game, and help ensure the best possible playing, learning, and working environments across baseball.

It remains the Association’s mission to work collaboratively with these organizations so that coaches, players, and student-athletes can continue to thrive and the game of baseball can continue to grow and improve.

First and foremost, the ABCA strives for inclusion, ethics, sportsmanship and integrity to the highest degree. hese principles were discussed and emphasized at the Association’s very first meeting in 1945, and they continue to guide the ABCA’s mission and actions today.

To reinforce these values, the ABCA Board of Directors unanimously adopted a statement entitled "ABCA Statement on Sportsmanship, Values and Ideals" and the ABCA Code of Ethics. The Association also established an ABCA Ethics Committee, which meets annually at the ABCA Convention. As part of its ongoing educational efforts, the ABCA regularly includes Convention programming focused on ethics and leadership, featuring speakers such as Jon Gordon, Nathan Whitaker, John O'Leary and Pat Williams.

The Ethics in Coaching Award was established in 2009, with its first recipient being Mark Johnson, then head coach at Sam Houston State University. In 2017, the award was renamed the ABCA Dave Keilitz Ethics in Coaching Award in honor of longtime Executive Director and former Central Michigan University head coach Dave Keilitz. The award has been presented annually at the ABCA Convention to recognize individuals who exemplify the highest standards of ethical leadership in coaching.

Ethics and sportsmanship remain central to the ABCA’s identity and continue to be treated as a top organizational priority.

The Association is equally committed to diversity and inclusion within baseball and the coaching profession. The ABCA Diversity in Baseball Committee works to research, develop, and implement initiatives that help expand opportunities for coaches and players. The Chair of the committee serves on both the ABCA Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, ensuring these efforts remain integrated into the Association’s leadership and decision-making.

The committee also hosts Diversity in Baseball Workshops at the ABCA Convention and supports youth-focused initiatives throughout the year, including clinics in partnership with Major League Baseball Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI).

Throughout its long and proud history, the ABCA has remained dedicated to strengthening the coaching profession, supporting student-athletes, and promoting the values that make baseball a positive and lasting force for everyone involved in the game.