Heidelberg's 2014 season will be the last for Matt Palm. Heidelberg athletics photo

TIFFIN, Ohio – Heidelberg University head baseball coach and Director of Athletics Matt Palm has decided to step down as coach at the conclusion of the upcoming season. Palm will remain director of athletics while associate head coach Chad Fitzgerald will take the reins of the baseball program.

"It's not easy to make a difficult decision like this. As a husband and a father of four, this is the right move for our family," said Palm, who was named head baseball coach prior to the 2000 season. "This move will afford me the chance to concentrate on the betterment of Heidelberg University through the ideals of Division III athletics -- success in the classroom, on campus and on the field."

In his first 14 seasons, Palm has guided the Heidelberg baseball program from obscurity to national prominence, highlighted by a trip to the Division III Baseball Championships in Appleton, Wis, in 2010. The Student Princes have won 20 or more games every year under Palm.

"It seems like I just got here yesterday, but Heidelberg has become my home," said Palm, a 1995 graduate of the College of Wooster. "It is a great pleasure to be a part of this community."

Entering his final campaign, Palm's career record stands at 428-196-2, a winning percentage of .690. On the all-time OAC coaches list, Palm's 428 victories stand sixth. Palm's teams have claimed five regular season trophies and four OAC tournament titles.

Accompanying their success on the diamond, Palm's student-athletes have excelled in the classroom. Since 2000, 44 Student Princes have received Academic All-OAC recognition. Twelve students have received Academic All-Region accolades, including Aaron Fischer, who was named a CoSIDA First Team Academic All-American. At the 2010 Baseball Championships, Nathan James received the inaugural NCAA Elite 88 award.

"Both President Huntington and I are both excited about Matt's decision to assume the AD position full time," said Dustin Brentlinger, Dean of Student Affairs. "The baseball program's success demonstrates Matt's ability to build an outstanding program. This will give Matt the ability to focus his attention on strengthening our whole athletic program and the Heidelberg community."

Since his appointment as athletic director in 2008, Palm has played an instrumental role in the continual improvement of the university's athletic facilities. Under his guidance, the strength and stability of the athletic staff has been astounding.

"Making this move will allow me the opportunity to become more involved with the enhancement of our academic support and fundraising for our teams," said Palm. "My goal is to give our coaches more time to focus on the holistic enrichment of our student-athletes."

Fitzgerald, currently the associate head coach, has been a part of the baseball program since 2007. Working primarily with pitchers, Fitzgerald has mentored one of the nation's top pitching staffs.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to take over a program that has enjoyed sustained success," said Fitzgerald, who earned his undergraduate degree at Seton Hill. "We will carry on the traditions of Heidelberg baseball and continue to bring dynamic student-athletes into our community."

"Coach Fitzgerald understands Heidelberg University and knows our program," said Palm. "I look forward to watching him put his stamp on 'Berg baseball. I have confidence in him and I know he will do a tremendous job."

Jimmy Roesinger, currently in his second season as a graduate assistant, will move into the role of the full-time assistant. Assistant coach Keith Theis will also remain on the staff. Following the season, Fitzgerald will hire a new graduate assistant. Effective immediately, Fitzgerald will assume the role as the lead recruiter.

"This year's focus is not about me leaving. It's about this year's group," said Palm. "Last year, unfortunate injuries held us back. Now that we are healthy, our job is to mix the new faces in with the experienced players. Our goal is to get back to OAC tournament and to regain our status as one of the top teams in the region."

Heidelberg baseball will open up the 2014 season with 10 games in Florida. Following a three-game series at Manchester, the Student Princes will return to Peaceful Valley for their home opener on March 18 against Adrian.