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| Scott Brosius brought Linfield a lot of bright moments. 2013 file photo by Ryan Coleman, d3photography.com |
Following Saturday night's year-end celebration of Linfield's third consecutive appearance in the NCAA playoffs, Wildcat alumnus and former Major League Baseball all-star Scott Brosius announced he will not return to the program in 2016 as he seeks a new coaching challenge within the baseball world.
As Brosius departs after eight years as head coach, Linfield president Thomas L. Hellie announced the program's transition back into Scott Carnahan's hands. Carnahan, the program's all-time winningest coach over 24 seasons, has served as the team's pitching coach for the past eight years in addition to fulfilling his role as athletic director.
“It is with very mixed emotions that I step down, as I have a deep love for this school and the baseball program,” Brosius said. “I've come to realize there is never a good time to step away, but only what I feel is the right time. With our three children now graduated, my wife Jennifer and I felt the timing is right to begin our next adventure.”
In eight seasons as head coach, Brosius compiled a 270-96 win-loss record while leading the Wildcats to a national championship, four regional titles and five Northwest Conference crowns. He skippered Linfield to the playoffs a total of six times, including three straight years from 2013-15, for a total postseason record of 29-14. Under his reign, Linfield captured its first NCAA baseball title in 2013 and returned to the Finals in 2014, achieving the first back-to-back national appearances in program history.
Brosius was selected as the West Region Coach of the Year in 2014 and 2013, and was a five-time recipient of the NWC Coach of the Year award.
A three-year letterwinner, two-time all-Northwest Conference honoree and honorable mention NAIA All-American for the Wildcats, Brosius left Linfield after his junior season after being selected by Oakland in the amateur draft. He began his professional career in the minor leagues in 1988 and spent a total of 11 seasons in the major leagues with Oakland and New York, winning three World Series titles with the Yankees in 1998, 1999 and 2000. Brosius was a Golden Glove award recipient, was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1998 World Series, and played in the 1998 All-Star Game.
After concluding his professional career, Brosius returned to Linfield to complete his degree and serve as an assistant coach to Carnahan, his college coach, for five years prior to taking over the program.
“Scott Brosius is not only a great baseball coach, he's also a great human being,” Hellie said. “We are very fortunate that he has worked at Linfield for more than a decade and will always be grateful for how he's changed the lives of our students, faculty, staff and alumni. We are proud that he graduated from Linfield and know that even as he looks to re-enter a career in the Major Leagues, he will remain a Wildcat in his heart.”
With a coaching resume that also includes international experience, Brosius was twice named USA Baseball Coach of the Year for his managerial success with the USA Baseball 18-under National Team. He led the club to a gold medal at the 2011 COPABE Pan American AAA/18U Championships and guided the team to the 2012 IBAF 18U Baseball World Championship.
At Linfield, he coached nine all-Americans and three academic all-Americans among the more than 100 student-athletes that have been part of the junior varsity and varsity programs during his tenure.
“By far the hardest part of this decision is saying goodbye to the players and coaches. Linfield is a special place and the players in our program are special people, so I will greatly miss the time on and off the field with them,” Brosius said. “I will forever be grateful for the opportunities Scott Carnahan has given me as both a student-athlete and coach. Carney and I have a deep friendship and I will miss coaching with him.”
“I really don't have the words to express my gratitude and admiration for the job Scott has done as the head baseball coach. He took a very solid program with a lot of successes and elevated it to an even higher level,” Carnahan said. “His leadership, commitment to excellence and tireless work ethic during his tenure as head coach are difficult to replace. I have the deepest admiration to him for the energy, time and support he has given the program, but more for the tremendous influence he had on all the student-athletes he touched when he coached.
“He is a great person and friend,” Carnahan continued, “and I know whatever the future brings he will be successful and impact the program and lives he touches in the same manner he has done here.”
Linfield graduates 11 seniors, but is expected to return the majority of a program that advanced to the championship game of the regional playoff tournament.
“Linfield baseball has such a deep and successful tradition,” Brosius said. “I feel proud and blessed to have been a part of it, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for the program.”
Carnahan resumes his career as head coach owning a 562-377-2 win-loss record at Linfield. He was named NWC Coach of the Year 11 times and NAIA District 2 Coach of the Year three times while guiding the Wildcats to 11 NWC championships, including five straight between 1992 and 1996.
“On many occasions, Scott Brosius has named two coaches as influencing him more than any others: the Yankees' Joe Torre, and the Wildcats' Scott Carnahan,” Hellie said. “Even as we look forward to watching Coach Brosius in new venues, we are thrilled to have Coach Carnahan leading our team once again.”
“It is with mixed emotions I again fill the role as the head baseball coach at Linfield,” Carnahan said. “I feel honored the college has given me the support and the trust to allow me to finish my career as the head baseball coach at Linfield. We will be committed to sustaining the success we have enjoyed since Roy Helser brought the program to the national spotlight during his coaching career over 65 years ago.”