Baseball

 

The Penn State Greater Allegheny baseball program is under the direction of sixth-year Head Coach, Jim Chester. Chester took over the baseball program in July of 2007.  Immediately after inheriting a team coming off a 0-9 season, Chester led the Nittany Lions to 140 wins, two PSUAC League Championships, and one PSUAC Tournament Championship over the past five years.

In the spring of 2009, Greater Allegheny shattered the school record for wins with 35. The Nittany Lions also secured its second consecutive bid to the USCAA National Championships. The program also saw its first win over an NCAA II institution on March 9, 2009 with a 6-0 victory over Ohio Valley University (WV) in Cocoa Beach, FL. They also got their first win over a NCAA Division III school on March 10, 2009 with a 12-7 defeat of Norwich University (VT).

In the spring of 2010, the Lions got off to a rocky 2-6 start. Greater Allegheny would win 20 of its next 22 contests to capture the PSUAC Regular Season Championship, while posting a perfect 16-0 conference record. The Lions also secured their third consecutive USCAA National Tournament appearance, finishing 5th in the 10-team tournament. Freshman Mike Visloski was also selected as the PSUAC Player of the Year, while Chester was selected as the Coach of the Year.

The spring of 2011 saw Greater Allegheny win 30 games, while claiming the PSUAC League and Tournament Championships. The Lions also made their fourth consecutive apperance in the USCAA World Series, placing 3rd in the 10-team field. Freshman Zak Schmidt and Scott Dierdorf claimed the player and pitcher of the year awards for the conference. Chester was also selected for his second consecutive Coach of the Year honor.

GA entered the 2012 season with high expectations, and would finish with a 28-15 overall record.  Their 15-6 conference record placed them third for the regular season, with an early playoff exit also earning them third in the conference tournament.  The 15 conference victories marked the fourth straight season that a Chester-led GA team won at least 15 PSUAC games in a season.  The team also set the all-time mark for most consecutive wins, with 15.  Six players were named All-Conference, with three of those being named to USCAA All-American Teams.

Chester came to Penn State Greater Allegheny after serving as Head Coach at NJCAA Division II, Mercyhurst North East.  During Chester’s tenure, the Saints instantly became a force in the Western New York Athletic Conference (WYNAC). The Saints finished the 2007 season with 25 wins, seven All-Region 3 performers, and one NJCAA Academic All-American.

During his four-year playing career at Thiel College, Chester led the Tomcats to the school’s first Presidents Athletic Conference Championship (PAC) since 1981. In 2003, Chester garnered Third Team ABCA Mid-East Region All-American Honors, second consecutive First Team All-PAC recognition, and a spot on PAC’s Academic Honor Roll.

Chester earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Thiel College in 2003 and received his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Seton Hill University in 2005.

Chester is a nine-year member of the American Baseball Coaches Association, and currently serves as an associate scout for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Head Coaching Experience

^ PSUAC League Champions

* PSUAC Tournament Champions