PC baseball coach Marine steps down

Porterville College baseball coach Del Marine is stepping down after four years to be with family in San Diego. Marine is a part-time faculty member at the college.

“I just want to express my thanks for the opportunity PC gave me to be a head coach,” Marine said in a statement. “It was an excellent learning experience and the relationship I was able to develop with the players, high school coaches and college administrators will be fondly remembered. I look forward to the next chapter in my coaching career, which I hope to be with a professional team.”

PC athletic director Eric Mendoza said a search for a new coach is under way while assuring that the program hopes to maintain local recruits.

Marine intends to see through the rest of the semester, meeting with current players and transitioning sophomores onto other, four-year schools. Under Marine’s guidance, eight of the 10 sophomores are expected to receive scholarships.

“We are extremely proud of the way our baseball program has represented the college and community under Del’s leadership,” Mendoza said. “Our administration supports Del’s decision to be with his family and pursue other opportunities. We will miss him and are certain he will have a bright future.”

In his first two seasons at PC, Marine led the Pirates to third-place finishes in the Central Valley Conference.

The last two seasons saw a dip in the standings, including this year’s 7-29 overall record (6-18 CVC).

In 2009, Marine was recognized by the college with the “Community Outreach Award” for his involvement with youth camps and clinics throughout the city.

Marine carries a solid resume, beginning with a standout high school career at El Camino Real (Woodland Hills). Marine would go on to put in a seven-year career with the Detroit Tigers and Seattle Mariners organizations, progressing up to Toledo’s (Ohio) Triple-A squad.

Marine began his coaching career as an assistant for Redwood High in Visalia for six years.

Assistant coach Steve Cox also has 14 years of pro experience and joined Marine as co-coach in 2007.