The 2025 season is Chuck Ristano’s second as head baseball coach at the U.S. Naval Academy. Named on June 17, 2023, he became only the sixth coach to lead the program in 85 years. In his debut season, he revitalized the Midshipmen, leading them to their first winning season since 2021 and advancing to the Patriot League Championship Series for the first time since 2019.
Ristano’s aggressive coaching style set new records for the Midshipmen, including a program-high 89 hit-by-pitches, the third-most stolen bases (86), and the third-best fielding percentage (.981) in team history, which also ranked seventh in Division I for 2024. His leadership also saw shortstop Eduardo Diaz earn the Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year for the second time, with starter Tyler Grenn making the All-Patriot League First Team, and infielder Brock Murtha and reliever Nolan Jorgenson receiving second-team honors.
Individually, Diaz tied the program’s single-game hit record with six hits against Saint Joseph’s, and closer Landon Kruer set a new career saves record with 25. Ristano’s extensive Division I coaching experience has seen him develop numerous award-winning players, with nine conference award winners, 27 All-Americans, and 51 all-conference selections among his accolades.
During his 13 years as a pitching coach in the Big East and Atlantic Coast Conferences, Ristano helped Notre Dame to three NCAA Tournaments and a College World Series appearance. At Florida State in 2023, he guided Jackson Baumeister to All-ACC honors, with Baumeister striking out the third-most batters in the ACC and being selected in the second round of the MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles.
Ristano’s role at Florida State involved all aspects of roster management, recruiting, player development, technology integration, and academics, along with being the program’s liaison with MLB scouts. At Notre Dame, his 12-year tenure produced 17 MLB Draft picks, 13 all-conference pitchers, and several seasons with earned run averages under 4.00.
The 2022 season was particularly noteworthy for Ristano and Notre Dame, as the team reached the College World Series, achieved a 41-win season, and eliminated No. 1 seed Tennessee in the Super Regionals. The pitching staff ranked among the best in the nation, leading the ACC in ERA and hits allowed per nine innings while setting a school record for strikeouts.
In 2021, Notre Dame’s pitching staff ranked third in the ACC with a 3.95 team ERA, contributing to the team’s first Super Regional appearance since 2002. The shortened 2020 season saw Irish pitchers lead the ACC and rank seventh nationally in hits allowed per nine innings, with standout performances from pitchers like Tommy Vail.
Ristano set a Notre Dame record in the 2017 MLB Draft with five pitchers selected, including three in the first seven rounds. He played a crucial role in the program’s transition from the Big East to the ACC, helping the team reach the 2015 NCAA Tournament, their first in nearly a decade.
Before Notre Dame, Ristano coached at Temple in 2010 and Monmouth from 2006 to 2009, where he helped the Hawks win multiple NEC titles and saw several pitchers drafted and signed to professional contracts. His coaching career began at his alma mater, Sacred Heart, where he helped the team reach their first NEC Tournament and coached award-winning pitchers.
Ristano has also contributed to USA Baseball’s 16U/17U National Team Development Program, identifying and developing elite players for the 18U National Team. Notably, he pitched for Trey Mancini during the 2021 MLB Home Run Derby, where Mancini finished as the runner-up.
A former player himself, Ristano was a four-year letterwinner and two-time captain at Sacred Heart, earning a bachelor’s degree in sports management. He later completed a master’s degree in sports management from Liberty University in 2018.
Ristano’s wife, Lizzy, has been a long-time member of the Notre Dame softball coaching staff and was the 2001 Big EAST Player of the Year. The couple has two children, a daughter named Jane and a son named CJ.
Ristano’s coaching career is distinguished by his ability to develop top-tier talent and lead successful teams. His tenure at Notre Dame is particularly notable for producing MLB-caliber players and achieving significant team accomplishments. Under his guidance, the Irish pitching staff consistently performed at a high level, contributing to the team’s deep postseason runs and historic milestones.
At Notre Dame, Ristano’s impact was immediate and long-lasting. From improving the team’s ERA and strikeout-to-walk ratio in his first year to guiding the Irish to their first College World Series in decades, his strategic approach and player development skills were evident. The 2022 season, in particular, showcased his ability to lead a team to national prominence, with multiple pitchers earning All-American honors and setting school records.
Ristano’s success isn’t limited to on-field performance; he has also excelled in recruiting and player development. His tenure saw the recruitment and development of numerous award-winning players, many of whom went on to professional careers. His ability to identify and nurture talent has been a hallmark of his coaching career, benefiting the programs he has been a part of and the players he has coached.
Beyond his college coaching career, Ristano’s involvement with USA Baseball demonstrates his commitment to developing young talent at the national level. His role in the National Team Development Program underscores his expertise in evaluating and coaching elite players, preparing them for international competition and professional careers.
Ristano’s journey from a player at Sacred Heart to a highly respected coach in Division I baseball is marked by dedication and success. His academic achievements, coupled with his extensive coaching experience, make him a well-rounded leader capable of mentoring both players and staff. His influence extends beyond the baseball field, contributing to the academic and personal development of his players.
His wife, Lizzy, also brings a wealth of experience and success in collegiate athletics. Her long tenure with the Notre Dame softball team and her accolades as a player highlight the couple’s shared commitment to excellence in sports. Together, they balance professional demands with family life, raising their children, Jane and CJ, in a supportive and achievement-oriented environment.
Ristano’s comprehensive approach to coaching, from strategic game management to player development and recruitment, positions him as a significant asset to the U.S. Naval Academy. His first season’s success suggests a promising future for the Midshipmen under his leadership, with potential for continued improvement and championship contention.
The 2025 season builds on the momentum of his inaugural year, aiming to further enhance the team’s performance and solidify their standing in the Patriot League. With his extensive background and proven track record, Ristano is poised to lead the Midshipmen to new heights, fostering a culture of excellence and competitiveness.
As Ristano continues his tenure at the Naval Academy, his focus remains on developing well-rounded athletes who excel both on and off the field. His commitment to integrating advanced technology and analytics into player development and game strategy reflects his forward-thinking approach to coaching. This, combined with his emphasis on academic success and personal growth, ensures that his players are prepared for future challenges, whether in professional sports or other career paths.
Ristano’s story is one of perseverance, expertise, and a deep love for the game of baseball. His achievements as a coach and mentor are a testament to his skills and dedication, making him a standout figure in the world of collegiate baseball. His impact on the Naval Academy’s baseball program is already evident, and his future endeavors promise continued success and growth for the Midshipmen.
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