UD Asst. Coach Munson Named to USA National Team Staff
May 22, 2013 | J.Crane
DUBUQUE, IOWA – University of Dubuque Baseball Assistant Coach Eric Munson has been named to the 2013 USA Baseball 18 and Under National Team coaching staff. Munson, a first year assistant for the Spartans, coached the hitters and catchers this past season. The 18U National Team will compete in Taichung, Chinese Taipei as a part of the IBAF AAA/18U World Cup from August 30 to September 8.
“We are extremely excited for Coach Munson’s opportunity to coach with the USA 18U National Team this summer," said UD Head Coach Paul Wyczawski. "Eric did a tremendous job for us this past year at the Univ. of Dubuque and his on field expertise will be a huge asset to the team. It is a great honor for both him and the Spartan baseball program. We look forward to following the success of the team throughout the summer.”
Munson, a USA Baseball Collegiate National Team alum from 1997 and 1998 and Golden Spikes Award finalist will join the staff of Wright State University head coach Rob Cooper. Munson and Cooper coached together as on-field coaches during the inaugural 17U National Team Development Program.
"We continually look to raise the bar higher in regards to the coaching staffs and administrators who lead our athletes in competitions each year," said Paul Seiler, USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO. "This year is no exception, and we are thrilled to see alumni of our programs return to help manage and coach for their respective clubs."
A first round selection (#3 overall) by the Detroit Tigers in 1999, Munson spend parts of nine seasons in the major leagues with the Tigers, Tampa Bay Rays, Houston Astros, and Oakland Athletics. While at the University of Southern California he was named The Sporting News National Freshman of the Year (1997) and a First Team National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association All-American (1999).
The 2013 Spartans finished the season with an 11-25 overall record and 9-19 in the Iowa Conference. UD was in contention for the final spot in the IIAC Tournament up until the final day of the regular season. Dubuque played a number of tight games, finishing with a 6-13 record in games decided by 2 runs or less. Offensively, the Spartans had three hitters named All-Iowa Conference.
2013 18U National Team Schedule |
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| Date | Opponent/Event | Venue | Location |
| June 19-23 | Tournament of Stars presented by Major League Baseball |
National Training Complex | Cary, N.C. |
| August 16-21 | 18U National Team Trials | TBD | Los Angeles, Calif. |
| August 22-25 | National Team Identification Series | National Training Complex | Cary, N.C. |
| August 23-29 | 18U National Team Training & Exhibition Games | TBD |
Los Angeles, Calif. / Taiwan |
| August 30 - September 8 | IBAF AAA/18U World Cup | Taichung, Taiwan | Taichung, Taiwan |
