On June 27, 2006, Dan McDonnell was named the 18th head coach of the University of Louisville baseball team. And on June 15, 2007, McDonnell and the Cardinals took the field at Omaha for game one of the 2007 College World Series.

Not bad for 353 days on the job.Dan-McDonnell-UofLCardGame

Last season, McDonnell’s team would win 51 games, the most ever in a single season, and return to Omaha for the second time in seven years.

On Tuesday, Dan McDonnell would become the winningest baseball coach in UofL history, winning his 320th and 321st games with the sweep of a doubleheader over Western Illinois at Jim Patterson Stadium.

He surpassed his predecessor Lelo Prado who compiled a 320-301-1 from 1996 to 2006. Dr. John Heldman was coach from 1937 to 1966, with a 309-149-4 record.

The goal for his current team, which has won 12 of its first 16 games, is to get back to Omaha again. Tom Jurich is on the same page, but also wants him to break Heldman’s longevity record as well.

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By Charlie Springer

Charlie Springer is a former Louisville editor and sportswriter, a public affairs consultant, a UofL grad and longtime fan.

2 thoughts on “McDonnell winningest Louisville baseball coach”
  1. Fantastic job coach McDonnell, thanks to you and all your players, staff and the administration for a job well done.
    I am proud to be a CARD especially with your success on the field and even more importantly in the classroom.

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