Brad Babcock (1998) - JMU Athletics Hall of Fame - James Madison University Athletics

Brad Babcock

Induction:
1998

Brad Babcock was among college baseball's top coaches while directing the Dukes' program for 19 seasons (1971-89). He compiled a 558-251-4 (.689) record and led the Dukes to five NCAA Tournament appearances, including in 1983 when JMU became the first (and still only) Virginia team to compete in the College World Series.

Babcock joined the JMU staff in the fall of 1970 and also was an assistant football coach, junior varsity basketball coach, intramural director and physical education instructor early in his JMU tenure. As baseball coach, he took the Dukes from a fledgling second-year program in 1971 to being one of the more-highly-respected programs in the East. His second JMU team was his only non-winning squad; 12 of his teams won 30 or more games; and three won 40 or more games. Of his last 14 teams, 12 won 30 or more games.

His 1976 team played in the NCAA Division II Tournament, and his 1980, 1981, 1983 and 1988 teams played in the NCAA Division I Tournament. The 1983 team advanced to the College World Series by compiling a 4-0 record in the Eastern Regional, and 30 of his players signed professional baseball contracts, including Dana Allison and Billy Sample, who played in the major leagues.

Babcock assumed a position in JMU's athletic administration after relinquishing his baseball duties.