July 9, 2008
IOWA CITY – University of Iowa Head Baseball Coach Jack Dahm announced today the hiring of Chris Maliszewski as the Hawkeyes’ new pitching coach. Maliszewski replaces Nick Zumsande, who was Iowa’s pitching coach the previous five seasons.
Maliszewski returns to his alma mater after serving two seasons as the outfield and catching instructor and recruiting coordinator at Valparaiso University. In addition to his coaching and recruiting responsibilities, he aided in the Crusaders’ youth camps.
“It is an honor and a privilege to once again be a part of the Hawkeye baseball program,” said Maliszewski. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity provided by the University of Iowa throughout my college baseball experiences. Words can’t describe how excited I am to be able to work with our extremely talented pitching staff and continue working towards our goal of winning the Big Ten championship here at Iowa.”
Prior to joining Valparaiso’s staff, Maliszewski was a volunteer assistant coach for Dahm and the Hawkeyes in 2005 and 2006. Working with the pitching staff in 2005, he helped lead the Black and Gold to one of their most successful seasons in the program’s history, posting a 19-13 Big Ten mark.
He was a four-year letterwinner with the Hawkeyes, posting a 7-10 career record with three saves. As a sophomore, he earned the victory over Illinois, sending Iowa to the conference tournament for the first time since 1991. He graduated from Iowa in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in health, leisure and sports studies.
“Chris has demonstrated all the qualities to be an outstanding coach,” said Dahm. “He has an incredible energy level and passion for the game that rubs off on everybody around him. I was fortunate enough to have coached Chris and now have him join our coaching staff. Chris has always had goals of helping Iowa win Big Ten championships, making the NCAA Tournament and reaching Omaha ever since the first day he stepped on campus. I truly believe he can help us reach those goals!”
Throughout his brief coaching career, Maliszewski has guided 13 players who signed professional contracts.
Maliszewski has also coached in the Northwoods League, a top collegiate summer league, leading the Mankato Moondog pitching staff in 2004 and serving as the associate head coach of the Madison Mallards in 2005 and 2006. He was named Coach of the Year with Madison after leading the Mallard pitching staff to the best earned run average in league history.
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