Coaching Staff

Dan Ramsay, Head Coach
Email Coach Ramsay at: dramsay10@whitworth.edu

For the eighth time since 1955, Whitworth University has selected a former Pirate player to take over as head coach of the baseball team. Dan Ramsay, who completed his playing eligibility in 2008, is staying in the dugout as the head coach.

Ramsay followed Keith Ward, who stepped down in April after concluding his 11th season as head coach of the Pirates.

“I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity that Whitworth University is providing me,” said Ramsay. “My goal is to put a staff together that will share a common focus, and that our players will be able to utilize their experience and apply it to their lives beyond the game of baseball.”

Ramsay was an Honorable Mention All-Northwest Conference catcher for the Pirates in 2008 and a Second Team All-NWC selection in 2007 during his two seasons playing for Whitworth.

Since Paul Merkel was named Whitworth’s head coach for the 1955 season, eight of the nine Pirate head coaches have been alumni of the school, covering 50 years of the 53-year period. That list includes Merkel (1955-71 and 1978-79), Spike Grosvenor (1972-73 and 1975-77), Bob Huber (1974), Dave Vaughn (1980-81), McQuilkin (1985-90), Randy Russell (1991-93), Rod Taylor (1994-97) and Ward (1998-2007). The only coach that did not graduate from Whitworth was Steve Brown (1982-84).

Mike Dotson, Pitching Coach
Mike Dotson, who played at Merced Junior College and San Jose State University (1989-1992), completed his first season as an assistant with the Whitworth baseball program in the spring of 2008. While at Merced College Mike lettered in baseball for two years and cross country one year. While at SJSU Mike was a starter as well as a relief pitcher. In addition to his collegiate experience Mike played one year in the Jayhawk League for the Nevada (Mo.) Griffons and spring training ball in the Phillies organization.

Prior to coming to Whitworth Mike served as baseball coach at Riverside High School for two years (2006-2007), Los Banos (Calif.) High School for five years (2000-2005) and Atwater (Calif.) High School for two years (1998-1999).

Jeff Walker , Asst. Coach
Jeff Walker will begin his first season as an assistant on the Pirates staff this year. Jeff graduated from Gonzaga University where he majored in business administration. From Spokane, Jeff graduated from Mead High School and came through the Spokane Northstars American Legion baseball program. Jeff will work primarily with the infielders this season.

 

Jon Whiteside , Volunteer Coach
Jon Whiteside, a two year letter-winner at Whitworth and 2008 team captain, will join the Pirate coaching staff this year as a volunteer assistant. Prior to his two seasons at Whitworth, Jon played his first two years for the Community Colleges of Spokane. He is originally from Yakima.