Doug Smith

Doug Smith graduated from University of California, Riverside in 1975 with bachelor’s degrees in sociology and political science. An outstanding catcher, his senior year was highlighted by his performance in the popular Riverside Baseball Invitational Tournament where he was the leading hitter at .471 and helped the Highlanders to their first-ever title. Following the season, he was named All-CCAA First Team.

Smith served as a part-time assistant coach from 1976 through 1980, while he pursued a Master’s Degree in physical education from Cal Poly Pomona. The 1977 squad won the Highlanders first of two NCAA Division II National Championships. After taking three years off to venture into private business, Smith returned to the Highlanders in 1983 and remained a steady fixture in the UC Riverside dugout for the next 31 years.

He was appointed as the fourth head baseball coach in Highlander history in September 2004. In 10 seasons at the helm, Doug compiled a won-loss record of 272-264, including a 117-117 mark in Big West competition, considered one of the most talented and strongest collegiate baseball leagues. This includes UC Riverside’s first Big West Conference Baseball Championship in 2007, which resulted in a trip to the prestigious NCAA Regionals. After the season, with a program-best conference record of 16-5 in tow, Smith was named Big West Coach of the Year.

In a collegiate career spanning nearly 2,000 games, Smith helped the Highlanders to 10 postseason appearances, including one Division II National Championship, one Big West Conference Title, and two NCAA Division I West Regional appearances. In his career, Smith coached 34 All-American selections and over 200 All-Conference players. During that time, nearly 150 of his players signed to professional contracts and 15 made it to the big leagues. Smith retired on June 3, 2014.

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