Biola’s all-time winningest head baseball coach will step down after the 2013 season.

John Verhoeven, who coached Biola to 13 NAIA National Tournaments — including three NAIA World Series appearances and five Golden State Athletic Conference titles — will be coaching his 16th and final season starting in February.

“We all had a feeling this day would come,” said former second baseman Vinnie Fayard, who graduated last year, “but we wish it never did.”

An icon of Biola athletics

Brought in from Loyola Marymount University before the 1998 season, Verhoeven immediately ignited Biola baseball, recording a .653 win percentage over his next 15 seasons. Prior to his hiring, baseball had just 13 winning seasons in the previous 38 years.

Verhoeven will leave as an icon of Biola athletics, the head figure of one of the athletic program’s most successful teams. An inspiration to his players, both current and former, Verhoeven set an example in the dugout that helped produce a consistent winning team.

“We want to play for [Verhoeven],” senior center fielder Benji Sutherland said.

Professional experience brings professional atmosphere to team

Verhoeven played five major league seasons with three teams — The California Angels, Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins — from 1977-1981 before retiring from baseball in 1982 with a career ERA of 3.76 in 99 games.

His professional experience brought similar mentalities to the college atmosphere, having a clear effect on his players’ futures. In 15 years, 20 former players have signed major league contracts, 13 of which were selected in Major League Baseball’s draft.

“He brings a professional approach to the team,” junior infielder David McNeill said. “He expected us to have a winning mindset and it started from the top with him.

“He believes in his players and sets a godly example for us on a regular basis,” McNeill said.