Jeremy Handel
Staff Writer
SMC Head Baseball Coach Tim Wallace has had a long and successful career, racking up numerous accolades over the years. One other thing he’s piled up is wins; enough, in fact, to be ranked among the top 5 active coaches with the most wins in college baseball at any level.
According to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), Wallace ranked fourth among active coaches following the 2024 season with 1,351 wins over the course of his 33-year career. His total placed him third for active coaches in junior college at the time.
“I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach the guys I did and appreciate the fact that they bought into the same vision for the program that I saw,” Wallace said of his success over the years. “I get credit for the record, but the kids did all of the work.”
In addition to wins, Wallace has earned several accolades during his career, including 12 NJCAA Region 10 titles, eight Region 10 Coach of the Year awards, six Eastern District Coach of the Year awards, and seven trips to NJCAA Division I JUCO World Series, including three in a row from 2012 – 2014.
Wallace said his most important achievement has been the quality young men who have come through the program. He’s proud to have helped them succeed both on and off the field. Under his coaching, 18 players were named NJCAA All-Americans, hundreds have gone on to NCAA Division 1 programs, and more than 150 have signed professional contracts, including four-time all-star Orlando Hudson.
As SMC transitions to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and four-year athletic programs, Wallace said he is excited for the change. He thinks the baseball program will benefit greatly from the move to four-year athletics.
“The change and uncertainty do bring a renewed sense of excitement, and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” he said. “I believe we’ve pulled together a quality team that will represent SMC well, both on the field and in the classroom and community.”
With the move to the NAIA, Wallace leaves behind a strong legacy at the junior college level, including induction into the NJCAA Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2014. Wallace is also a member of SMC’s Hall of Honor. Prior to coaching, he also enjoyed a successful playing career, including seven years in professional baseball. He is also a member of the Wofford College Hall of Fame for his years playing for the Terriers.
“It’s been a tremendous time so far, and I look forward to continuing to coach and teach the great young men who come through this program,” Wallace said.