Jerry Stitt
Jerry Stitt is the former head baseball coach of the University of Arizona Wildcats, a position that he held for six seasons (1996-2002). During his tenure at the helm of the Wildcats' diamond efforts, he returned the program to nationally elite status. Prior to that, Stitt served as the Wildcats associate head coach for four years (1992-1996). Originally, Stitt joined the UA coaching staff in 1978 and had worked with the outfielders and as hitting instructor while serving as an assistant. After three last-place finishes in the Pac-10 South, Stitt led the Wildcats to a pair of winning seasons thanks to improved pitching and defense and, under his direct tutelage, the continued success of Arizona hitters. His 2001 team finished with 33 wins. Year in and year out, the Wildcats consistently ranked among the nation's leaders in doubles, triples, homers, runs scored, and slugging percentage. The Wildcats hit below .300 just three times in his 20 years as batting coach. Among the major leaguers who learned from Stitt while at Arizona are Kenny Lofton, J.T. Snow, Casey Candaele, Terry Francona, Jack Daugherty, and Ron Hassey. Widely regarded as one of the top hitting teams in the nation, the Wildcats batted an impressive .327 under his guidance as an assistant and head coach. Fifty-seven players were drafted by the major leagues during his tenure at Arizona.
