STANFORD, Calif. – David Esquer '87 was named Stanford's Clarke and Elizabeth Nelson Director of Baseball, as announced by Jaquish & Kenniger Director of Athletics Bernard Muir on Friday.
Esquer will be the 21st head coach in program history, succeeding Mark Marquess, who retired after 41 years at the helm of the Cardinal. Esquer played under Marquess on Stanford's 1987 national championship team, and served as an assistant on The Farm from 1991-96. He spent the last 18 years as the head coach at Cal, where he was the 2011 National Coach of the Year, and led the Bears to five NCAA Regionals and the 2011 College World Series.
"I am ecstatic to welcome Coach Esquer back to The Farm," Muir said. "His passion for Stanford University and the Stanford baseball program is undeniable, and his intimate understanding of the unique brand of scholar-athleticism that has been a hallmark of our baseball program for so many years makes him a perfect fit for this role. The future of Stanford baseball is in great hands."
"I am just so happy for this opportunity and so humbled to be following Coach Marquess," Esquer said. "It is incredible to think back to when I came to campus as a walk-on shortstop from Salinas, and to know I will be running the same program. As a coach, I have my own voice, but I will continue to bring the energy that Coach Marquess brought every day, and maintain the legacy of a program that proved you can achieve the highest standards academically and still sustain excellence on the field."
While at Cal, Esquer was 525-467-2 (.528), was named the 2001 Pac-10 Coach of the Year, produced 13 All-Americans and mentored 81 Major League draft picks, including five first-round selections. Brandon Morrow became the highest draft pick in school history when he was the fifth pick overall by the Seattle Mariners in 2006, and, most recently, right-handed pitcher Daulton Jefferies was drafted in the 2016 first round by the Oakland A's.
A shortstop at Stanford from 1984-87, Esquer was a starter on the Cardinal's 1987 College World Series championship team. He earned all-tournament honors after hitting .350 with six RBI in Omaha. He also earned All-Pac-10 Southern Division honors as a senior, batting .318 with 41 RBI and 16 stolen bases. Esquer went on to play professional baseball for four seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, California Angels and Milwaukee Brewers.
Following his playing career, Esquer spent six seasons as an assistant under Coach Marquess. That included five NCAA Regional appearances and a fifth-place finish at the 1995 College World Series.
In three seasons as the top assistant at Pepperdine, Esquer was the program's chief recruiting coordinator as well as hitting instructor, infield coach and handler of the third base coaching duties.
Esquer was a three-sport star and class valedictorian at Palma High School in Salinas. He was tabbed the "Athlete of the Year" at Palma High School after being named team captain and MVP in baseball, football and basketball.
Esquer earned a bachelor's degree in economics and a master's degree in sociology from Stanford in 1987. He and his wife, Lynn, have a daughter, Gabrielle, and son, Xavier.
Quotables
Mark Marquess, Stanford Head Coach (1977-2017)
"Stanford has made a great choice in David. He is a man of integrity, and I think Stanford is very lucky to have him. I know he appreciates the mission of Stanford and its commitment to excellence academically and athletically. He is a great competitor and a real winner. His record speaks for itself. He has had success and longevity in what we feel is the toughest conference in the country, and what he did to save the program at Cal, and then bring them to the World Series, is incredible. I am excited for him and the future of Stanford baseball."
Ruben Amaro, Boston Red Sox First Base Coach (Stanford Baseball, 1984-87)
"I am truly pleased about the news that David will be taking over for Coach 9. I can't think of anyone who can better epitomize the qualities and values of what Stanford is all about than David Esquer. He's prepared, he's conscientious, he's innovative and they're going to get the best that Stanford deserves."
A.J. Hinch, Houston Astros Manager (Stanford Baseball, 1993-96)
"I'm really excited for David, his family, and especially the student-athletes who will benefit from his leadership. I feel energized by this hire. It's always nice to keep it in the Stanford family when you have someone so qualified. David is one of the best people I know. He embodies the Stanford mission. Stanford is a special place with special people, who need special leaders like David."
Kyle Peterson, ESPN College Baseball Analyst (Stanford Baseball, 1995-97)
"David Esquer epitomizes Stanford Baseball and is an outstanding choice to lead the program moving forward. David is a great teacher of the game and has experienced the satisfaction of leading a team to the College World Series. He is also one of a select few that can say they both played and coached in Omaha. His background as a former Stanford player, coach and Head Coach within the Pac-12 provides a base that should excite both players and fans. He is a man of impeccable character and he truly respects the values associated with Stanford Baseball. I could not be more excited for the future of the program. Congrats to David, Lynn and the entire Esquer family. Go Cardinal."