NEWBERG, OREGON --- Marty Hunter, who recently finished his 12th season at the helm of the George Fox University baseball program, is stepping down from the position to enjoy retirement, Athletic Director Adam Puckett announced Thursday, June 13.
Hunter, who took over the program in 2008, holds the second-most wins in Bruin baseball history with an overall record of 291-199 (.594).
"It has been a joy to work with Marty over the past several years," Puckett said. "Marty has undoubtedly influenced hundreds of young men's lives during his 35 seasons of coaching baseball. While I am thrilled for Marty as he turns the page toward retirement and spending more time with his family, it is with sadness that we bid farewell to him. Marty will be greatly missed."
During his tenure, Hunter helped lead the Bruins to one Northwest Conference championship, four top-30 national rankings (2008, 2009, 2014 and 2018), and multiple NWC and All-Region player awards. He was also named NWC Coach of the Year once in his career at George Fox.
"It has been a privilege to be a part of the baseball program the past 17 years," Hunter said. "I am indebted to Pat Bailey for bringing me into the Bruin family. Also, to Craig Taylor and Robin Baker for hiring me as head coach and for their guidance and leadership."
Hunter's Bruins made the conference tournament 10 times and never finished outside of fifth during his time as skipper. He arrived at George Fox as an assistant in 2003 and immediately made an impact as an infielders coach. He was promoted to associate head coach in 2005 before taking over the head job in 2008.
"George Fox is a great school, and I am appreciative of the support that is provided by the entire athletic staff and school community," added Hunter. "I am also so grateful for the work ethic, dedication and loyalty of all of our assistant coaches. They pour their hearts and time into the program while still holding down other jobs."
Before joining the George Fox staff, Hunter led Canby (Oregon) High School to a 132-63 record from 1995 to 2002. His teams made the state Class 4A playoffs every year and won Pacific-9 Conference titles in 1997, 1998 and 2002. He was the Pac-9 Coach of the Year in 1997, 1998, 2001 and 2002. He also continued as a teacher at Canby while working with the Bruin baseball team.
He also coached Bend (Oregon) High School from 1991 to 1994, recording an overall record of 68-40. He helped guide Bend to two Intermountain Conference titles (1991 and 1992), and he was named Coach of the Year in the conference in both seasons.
All told, Hunter ends his 35-year baseball coaching career with an overall record of 491-302 (.620).
"It has been humbling to be a part of the lives of all the players and parents who have made the decision to be a part of our team," Hunter said. "The program is about the players, and I feel honored to have been a part of our players' journey. Moving on, I look forward to the future challenges and experiences that will be a part of the next chapter."
A graduate of Gresham (Oregon) High School, Hunter attended Linfield College, where he received two letters as a football cornerback and three as a second baseman and catcher on the baseball team. He earned both dual business and health degrees from Linfield in 1984, then worked at Gladstone, Gresham and West Albany high schools, all in Oregon, before landing in Bend. He completed a master of education degree from Linfield in 1991.