Chris Maliszewski

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Position: Pitching Coach Experience: Fourth Year

Chris Maliszewski completed his third season as the Hawkeyes' pitching coach in 2011. In addition to his role as pitching coach, Maliszewski is also responsible for the team's travel arrangements and assists in the youth summer camps.

In 2011, Maliszewski guided his pitching staff to one of the best seasons on the mound in Hawkeye history. Iowa registered an ERA of 4.22, the lowest since 1980 (4.14). Starting lefty Jarred Hippen earned second team all-conference laurels for the second consecutive year. Starting LHP Matt Dermody and Hippen, ranked first and third in the Big Ten, respectively, in strikeouts during the regular season. Hippen, who has thrown eight complete games in the last two seasons under Maliszewski's tutelage, nearly threw a perfect game against Minnesota, allowing only one hit. In addition, Maliszewski helped guide newcomers Tim Fangman and Patrick Lala to successful first years in the Black and Gold. Fangman finished in the top ten in the Big Ten in numerous categories, including ERA, opposing batting average, games finished, hits allowed, runs allowed and walks allowed.

Maliszewski had three players he coached or recruited drafted in 2011. Junior starting left-handed pitcher Matt Dermody was selected by the Colorado Rockies in the 29th round (888th pick) and incoming recruits Sasha Kuebel and Nick Hibbing were also selected. Kuebel was picked by the Oakland Athletics in the 31st round (946) and Hibbing was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 42nd round (1262).

In 2010, Maliszewski and his pitching staff helped propel Iowa to a third place finish in the conference, as well as earning the school's eighth Big Ten Tournament appearance. The Hawkeyes finished as the runner-up in the tournament after winning three games -- the first tournament wins for Iowa since 1990.

Maliszewski mentored his young pitching staff to improved numbers in his second campaign. Under his tutelage, the Hawkeyes posted improved numbers in wins, ERA, saves, walks, wild pitches and opposing batting average. Iowa's talented arms helped the Hawkeyes to a late surge, winning 11 of their last 14 games. Individually, pitcher Jarred Hippen was named to the all-tournament team, as well as garnering second team all-league accolades. In addition to Hippen's accomplishments, closer Kevin Lee broke the school single-season record with 13 saves - nearly double the saves Iowa had as a team in 2009.

On the heels of the 2010 success, the Hawkeyes' 2011 recruiting class was once again rated the best in the Big Ten by Perfect Game USA. The class was ranked fourth-best in the Midwest and 48th-best nationally.

In his first season, the team's ERA in Big Ten play improved 1.45 points from 2008 to 2009. Furthermore, Hawkeye pitchers recorded nearly 20 less walks then the season before and over 30 strikeouts more than in 2008.

Maliszewski has had six pitchers get drafted the last two years; Steve Turnbull, Kyle Heim and Mike Schurz in 2009 and Zach Robertson, Patrick Schatz and recruit Patrick Lala in 2010. All signed professional contracts, except Lala who pitched for Iowa in 2011.

Maliszewski returned to his alma mater after serving two seasons as the outfield and catching instructor and recruiting coordinator at Valparaiso University. In addition to his coaching and recruiting responsibilities, he aided in the Crusaders' youth camps.

"It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Hawkeye baseball program," said Maliszewski. "I am extremely grateful for the opportunity provided by the University of Iowa throughout my college baseball experiences. Words can't describe how excited I am to work with our extremely talented pitching staff and continue working towards our goal of winning the Big Ten championship here at Iowa."

Prior to joining Valparaiso's staff, Maliszewski was a volunteer assistant coach for Dahm and the Hawkeyes in 2005 and 2006. Working with the pitching staff in 2005, he helped lead the Black and Gold to one of their most successful seasons in the program's history, posting a 19-13 Big Ten mark.

He was a four-year letterwinner with the Hawkeyes, posting a 7-10 career record with three saves. As a sophomore, he earned the victory over Illinois, sending Iowa to the conference tournament for the first time since 1991. He graduated from Iowa in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in health, leisure and sports studies.

"Chris has demonstrated all the qualities to be an outstanding coach," said Dahm. "He has an incredible energy level and passion for the game that rubs off on everybody around him. I was fortunate enough to have coached Chris and now have him join our coaching staff. Chris has always had goals of helping Iowa win Big Ten championships, making the NCAA Tournament and reaching Omaha ever since the first day he stepped on campus. I truly believe he can help us reach those goals!"

Throughout his seven-year coaching career, Maliszewski has guided 22 players who signed professional contracts.

Maliszewski has also coached in the Northwoods League, a top collegiate summer league, leading the Mankato Moondog pitching staff in 2004 and serving as the associate head coach of the Madison Mallards in 2005 and 2006. He was named Coach of the Year with Madison after leading the Mallard pitching staff to the best earned run average in league history.