Oct. 28, 2002

Columbia, S.C. – South Carolina baseball assistant coach Jim Toman has been named the 2002 ABCA/Baseball America Assistant Coach of the Year. Now in his seventh season at South Carolina, Toman will be honored at the ABCA Honors Luncheon on Saturday, January 4, 2003 in San Diego.

“For a long time Coach Toman has been one of the top recruiters and evaluators of talent in the country,” said head coach Ray Tanner. “I’m delighted to see him being honored.”

Toman is entering his 14th season working with Coach Tanner, beginning at N.C. State and continuing through to South Carolina. Along with pitching coach Jerry Meyers, Toman has been on the staff here at South Carolina since Coach Tanner became head coach in the 1997 season.

“While I am honored to receive this recognition from the ABCA and Baseball America, this award is more aptly a reflection of our entire program, players and coaches, then it is on Jim Toman,” said Coach Toman. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Carolina baseball program.”

Toman’s duties at Carolina including recruiting coordinator, coaching the catchers and serving as third base coach. Over the last three seasons, South Carolina’s incoming recruiting classes have been ranked in the top 10 in the nation. Collegiate Baseball ranked this season’s class eighth in the nation, the 2001 class 10th in the nation, and the 2000 class eighth in the nation.

Since his arrival at South Carolina, Toman has also coached four catchers that have signed professional baseball contracts. Tim Whittaker, a third team All-American choice in 2001 signed with the Toronto Blue Jays. Brandon Pack signed in 2000 with the Texas Rangers, Ryan Bordenick in 1998 with the Milwaukee Brewers and Rob Streicher in 1997 with the Montreal Expos. Carolina’s current catcher junior Landon Powell was catcher this off-season for the Team USA National Baseball.