From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — UAB announced the hiring of its next head baseball coach on Wednesday morning.
UAB head baseball coach Casey Dunn. Image from UAB Athletics
According to a release from UAB Sports, longtime Samford skipper Casey Dunn has accepted the same position with the Blazers, becoming the program’s sixth head coach.
“We are thrilled to welcome Casey Dunn into our UAB family,” Ingram said. “His relationships in Birmingham and around the country, along with his track record of success made him an ideal choice. I am confident that UAB can be a dominant force in baseball if we provide the resources necessary for success. We have plans to invest in our facilities in a way that puts our coaches and student-athletes in a position to win championships.”
Dunn takes over on the Southside after 17 years with the Bulldogs, the last of which ended with the school’s third-ever NCAA Tournament run. Dunn also notched his third Southern Conference Tournament championship of the last eight years in 2021. He is Samford’s all-time winningest coach with a record of 530-422.
The Bulldogs have posted seven straight 30-plus win seasons under Dunn, who is the son of legendary Vestavia Hills baseball coach Sammy Dunn.
“I am excited about the opportunity to be the next head baseball coach at UAB,” Dunn said. Samford has and will always hold a special place in my heart. I look forward to the challenge of building a championship team in Conference USA. The vision that Mark has for baseball is one that excites me, and I look forward to working beside him to bring it to reality. To all the former players and supporters, it’s time to get on board and help take UAB to new heights.”
Prior to Samford, Dunn started the baseball program at Spain Park High School in Hoover. In three years at Spain Park, he posted a record of 53-41. Dunn’s teams also won two Jefferson County titles, a co-region championship and made two state playoff appearances.
In 2002, Dunn was named the Over-the-Mountain Coach of the Year and earned Coach of the Year in 2003 by The Birmingham News.
Dunn played four seasons at Auburn (1996-99). As a senior, he earned All-American honors as a catcher after batting .379 with a Southeastern Conference-leading 81 RBI.
Following the conclusion of his collegiate playing career, Dunn played two seasons in the Kansas City Royals organization.
