MIAMI, Feb. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- St. Thomas University (www.stu.edu/) baseball program started the 2012 season in style with LSU Head Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri on hand for the retiring of his No. 1 jersey, which the coach wore in his six seasons as coach of the STU Bobcats. 

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120203/DC47635)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100709/STULOGO)

Sacrificing a Tigers baseball practice back in Baton Rouge to return to St. Thomas, Coach Mainieri was on a whirlwind schedule on opening night for the Bobcats.  The 2009 NCAA National Coach of the Year spoke to the team in the baseball clubhouse, accepted his Hall of Fame ring, received a framed No. 1 jersey, and witnessed his jersey unveiled on the left field wall, all before throwing the ceremonial first pitch of the 2012 season.

Inspired by Coach Mainieri, the Bobcats went on to defeat Florida Memorial, 10-5, to start the season 1-0.

About Paul Mainieri:

• M.S. Sports Administration, Class of 1982
• Head Baseball Coach, St. Thomas University, 1983-88
• Director of Athletics, St. Thomas University, 1986-88
• Career Record at STU (6 seasons): 179-121-2 (.596)
• Overall Career Record (29 seasons): 211-104-2 (.669)
• Winningest Coach in St. Thomas history
• Set school record with 37 wins in 1984
• Sunshine State Conference Coach of the Year, 1984
• Team led nation with .340 team batting avg., 1987
• Four of six Bobcat teams ranked in NCAA DII top-ten
• Bobcat teams averaged over 30 wins per season
• 15 Bobcat players entered pro baseball
• 2008, 2009 National Coach of the Year
• 2009 LSU team won College World Series

SOURCE St. Thomas University

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