Ben Greenspan Named Head Baseball Coach
8/18/2023 3:55:00 PM | Baseball
Evanston, Ill. – Ben Greenspan has been named Northwestern's head baseball coach, Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Derrick Gragg announced on Friday.
"We're thrilled to welcome Ben, Janine, Grayson and Adalyn to the Wildcats family," said Gragg. "After an extensive nationwide search, Ben's experience and coaching prowess quickly set him apart within the candidate pool. At each of his stops, he has consistently showcased his ability to develop both players and programs. With a proven track record of recruiting top talent and fostering growth, we're confident Ben will lead our baseball program to new heights."
Greenspan joins the Wildcats after most recently serving as the Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the University of Michigan during the 2023 season. Before his time in Ann Arbor, Greenspan was an Assistant Coach at California Polytechnic State University in 2022. He has also spent seven seasons (2015-21) as an assistant at Arizona State, and six seasons (2009-14) on the coaching staff at Indiana University.
The nationwide search was led by search firm DHR.
Previously named one of NCAA Baseball's Top Assistant Coaches to watch by D1 Baseball, Greenspan has played a key role in the recruiting and development of top prospects and MLB stars at each stop in his coaching journey.
"I am honored and humbled to be selected as the next Head Baseball Coach at Northwestern," said Greenspan. "My personal and professional beliefs align with the mission and values of Northwestern University, where academically oriented student-athletes strive for excellence on the field and in the classroom. My playing and coaching experience in the Big Ten has provided me with a knowledge of the fierce competition and excellence of the Conference. This is a challenge that I welcome.
"Along the way, many have mentored and supported me in my career aspirations. In particular, I want to thank Tracy Smith, my coach, friend and colleague. I also want to thank my wife Janine who is my partner and confidant. And most certainly, thank you to Dr. Gragg and the Northwestern administration for their faith and confidence in me. There are so many to thank that I would inevitably overlook some, but I will personally reach out to them in the days ahead.
"This program will be built around the student-athletes. My job is to identify, recruit and develop young men to reach their highest potential individually and collectively as a team. This Northwestern Baseball program will be humble, respectful, transparent, competitive and a point of pride for this great institution."
As Michigan's recruiting coordinator in 2023, Greenspan brought in Perfect Game's 31st ranked recruiting class, a drastic improvement from the Wolverine's 85th ranked class in 2022. In his one year at Cal Poly, Greenspan mentored All-Americans Brooks Lee (Twins' 2022 first round pick, MLB.com's No. 18 prospect) and Drew Thorpe (Yankees' 2022 fifth round pick, No. 5 prospect).
Prior to joining Cal Poly, Greenspan spent seven seasons at Arizona State, including the last four as Associate Head Coach. Under his guidance, the Sun Devils earned NCAA regional berths in 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021.
Greenspan oversaw a recruiting machine at Arizona State that netted five consensus Top 10 recruiting classes (Perfect Game, D1Baseball, and Baseball America) in a span of six years between 2016 and 2021. His 2017 recruiting class produced 13 MLB Draft selections, including first round picks Spencer Torkelson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, and Alika Williams.
Along with Torkelson and Williams, Greenspan led the recruitment of Giants' 2019 first round pick Hunter Bishop and class of 2016 recruits Gavin Lux and Bo Bichette, both of whom chose to forgo their Arizona State commitments and play professionally out of high school. 33 of his Arizona State recruits have been selected in the MLB Draft, including eight selections in the 2023 Draft.
Greenspan's coaching acumen was further highlighted during his six-year stint as an assistant coach at Indiana University, including his last year in 2014 as the recruiting coordinator. During his time in Bloomington, the Hoosiers earned three NCAA Tournament appearances, headlined by a trip to the Men's College World Series in 2013.
Working extensively with Indiana's catchers and hitters, he mentored MLB All Star and 2014 No. 4 overall pick Kyle Schwarber, while also aiding in the development of top-three round selections Josh Phegley, Sam Travis and the 2010 Big Ten Player of the Year Alex Dickerson.
As a player, Greenspan played at the University of Connecticut, where he was a catcher and first baseman before transferring to Indiana University. At Indiana, Greenspan was named team captain and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2007, his final season with the team.
He holds a bachelor's degree in Sport Marketing and Management and a master's degree in Sport Administration, both from Indiana.
Greenspan is originally from West Point, N.Y., and is married to his wife, Janine. The pair have two children, Grayson and Adalyn.
***
I have known Ben for many years. I have watched him grow from a player to coach and now a good friend. This is such a great match for the coach and institution. Ben is a genuine human being with great communication and teaching skills. He gets his coaching skills honestly. He was raised in a collegiate athletic environment and made himself into Division 1 player with intelligence, hard work, and investment. He has served in every imaginable position in college coaching and shaped the lives of many players. Congratulations to Northwestern for recognizing a loyal and trusted assistant coach that will impact a program and its university in a very favorable way.
Tracy Smith: Head Coach at Michigan
I know I speak on behalf of the entire Michigan Baseball Family when I say, 'Congratulations to Ben and his family on his new position as Head Baseball Coach at Northwestern University.' I would be lying if I said it was not bittersweet. On one hand, I could not be happier for him because he has earned the opportunity through years of dedicating himself to the players and schools he has served. His reputation in the industry speaks for itself. He is ready for this opportunity! On the other hand, it is tough when you lose someone you have been with for so long. Ben played for me and then coached with me at three different schools spanning 16 years. I have watched him grow from a 'college kid' playing ball to one of the 'best assistant coaches' in the country. I can't wait to see the impact he makes at his new school and the Big Ten Conference.
John Savage: Head Coach at UCLA
Ben is an excellent choice to lead the Northwestern baseball program. He is an experienced, motivated, competitive, trustworthy coach that will be great for any player who has interest in joining the university. He has seen the entire country regarding player evaluation and will lead Northwestern Baseball with championship excellence."
Jason Kelly: Head Coach at Washington
Ben Greenspan is a home run hire for Northwestern baseball! Ben is a talented leader, recruiter and developer of young men. The Wildcats are getting an incredible baseball coach and more importantly an incredible person! Congrats BG!
Spencer Torkelson: Current Detroit Tigers 1B, former player at Arizona State
BG is the one that recruited me. He saw something that a lot of college coaches passed on, and to that I am forever grateful. He knows this game very well and has taught me a lot that I still carry with me today.
Kyle Schwarber: Current Philadelphia Phillies OF, former player at Indiana
The Greenspan family will be the perfect fit for the Northwestern Baseball program. BG's knowledge of the game, what it takes to win in the Big Ten/national stage, and how to get the best performance out of his players are things that he will bring to Northwestern Baseball. He will bring a team together and mold them into men for the next step in a baseball career and post-baseball. The impact he had on my career and others at Indiana was massive, and the lessons learned are things that I carry still to this day.
"We're thrilled to welcome Ben, Janine, Grayson and Adalyn to the Wildcats family," said Gragg. "After an extensive nationwide search, Ben's experience and coaching prowess quickly set him apart within the candidate pool. At each of his stops, he has consistently showcased his ability to develop both players and programs. With a proven track record of recruiting top talent and fostering growth, we're confident Ben will lead our baseball program to new heights."
Greenspan joins the Wildcats after most recently serving as the Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the University of Michigan during the 2023 season. Before his time in Ann Arbor, Greenspan was an Assistant Coach at California Polytechnic State University in 2022. He has also spent seven seasons (2015-21) as an assistant at Arizona State, and six seasons (2009-14) on the coaching staff at Indiana University.
The nationwide search was led by search firm DHR.
Previously named one of NCAA Baseball's Top Assistant Coaches to watch by D1 Baseball, Greenspan has played a key role in the recruiting and development of top prospects and MLB stars at each stop in his coaching journey.
"I am honored and humbled to be selected as the next Head Baseball Coach at Northwestern," said Greenspan. "My personal and professional beliefs align with the mission and values of Northwestern University, where academically oriented student-athletes strive for excellence on the field and in the classroom. My playing and coaching experience in the Big Ten has provided me with a knowledge of the fierce competition and excellence of the Conference. This is a challenge that I welcome.
"Along the way, many have mentored and supported me in my career aspirations. In particular, I want to thank Tracy Smith, my coach, friend and colleague. I also want to thank my wife Janine who is my partner and confidant. And most certainly, thank you to Dr. Gragg and the Northwestern administration for their faith and confidence in me. There are so many to thank that I would inevitably overlook some, but I will personally reach out to them in the days ahead.
"This program will be built around the student-athletes. My job is to identify, recruit and develop young men to reach their highest potential individually and collectively as a team. This Northwestern Baseball program will be humble, respectful, transparent, competitive and a point of pride for this great institution."
As Michigan's recruiting coordinator in 2023, Greenspan brought in Perfect Game's 31st ranked recruiting class, a drastic improvement from the Wolverine's 85th ranked class in 2022. In his one year at Cal Poly, Greenspan mentored All-Americans Brooks Lee (Twins' 2022 first round pick, MLB.com's No. 18 prospect) and Drew Thorpe (Yankees' 2022 fifth round pick, No. 5 prospect).
Prior to joining Cal Poly, Greenspan spent seven seasons at Arizona State, including the last four as Associate Head Coach. Under his guidance, the Sun Devils earned NCAA regional berths in 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2021.
Greenspan oversaw a recruiting machine at Arizona State that netted five consensus Top 10 recruiting classes (Perfect Game, D1Baseball, and Baseball America) in a span of six years between 2016 and 2021. His 2017 recruiting class produced 13 MLB Draft selections, including first round picks Spencer Torkelson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, and Alika Williams.
Along with Torkelson and Williams, Greenspan led the recruitment of Giants' 2019 first round pick Hunter Bishop and class of 2016 recruits Gavin Lux and Bo Bichette, both of whom chose to forgo their Arizona State commitments and play professionally out of high school. 33 of his Arizona State recruits have been selected in the MLB Draft, including eight selections in the 2023 Draft.
Greenspan's coaching acumen was further highlighted during his six-year stint as an assistant coach at Indiana University, including his last year in 2014 as the recruiting coordinator. During his time in Bloomington, the Hoosiers earned three NCAA Tournament appearances, headlined by a trip to the Men's College World Series in 2013.
Working extensively with Indiana's catchers and hitters, he mentored MLB All Star and 2014 No. 4 overall pick Kyle Schwarber, while also aiding in the development of top-three round selections Josh Phegley, Sam Travis and the 2010 Big Ten Player of the Year Alex Dickerson.
As a player, Greenspan played at the University of Connecticut, where he was a catcher and first baseman before transferring to Indiana University. At Indiana, Greenspan was named team captain and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2007, his final season with the team.
He holds a bachelor's degree in Sport Marketing and Management and a master's degree in Sport Administration, both from Indiana.
Greenspan is originally from West Point, N.Y., and is married to his wife, Janine. The pair have two children, Grayson and Adalyn.
***
What They're Saying About Greenspan
Tim Corbin, Vanderbilt Head Baseball CoachI have known Ben for many years. I have watched him grow from a player to coach and now a good friend. This is such a great match for the coach and institution. Ben is a genuine human being with great communication and teaching skills. He gets his coaching skills honestly. He was raised in a collegiate athletic environment and made himself into Division 1 player with intelligence, hard work, and investment. He has served in every imaginable position in college coaching and shaped the lives of many players. Congratulations to Northwestern for recognizing a loyal and trusted assistant coach that will impact a program and its university in a very favorable way.
Tracy Smith: Head Coach at Michigan
I know I speak on behalf of the entire Michigan Baseball Family when I say, 'Congratulations to Ben and his family on his new position as Head Baseball Coach at Northwestern University.' I would be lying if I said it was not bittersweet. On one hand, I could not be happier for him because he has earned the opportunity through years of dedicating himself to the players and schools he has served. His reputation in the industry speaks for itself. He is ready for this opportunity! On the other hand, it is tough when you lose someone you have been with for so long. Ben played for me and then coached with me at three different schools spanning 16 years. I have watched him grow from a 'college kid' playing ball to one of the 'best assistant coaches' in the country. I can't wait to see the impact he makes at his new school and the Big Ten Conference.
John Savage: Head Coach at UCLA
Ben is an excellent choice to lead the Northwestern baseball program. He is an experienced, motivated, competitive, trustworthy coach that will be great for any player who has interest in joining the university. He has seen the entire country regarding player evaluation and will lead Northwestern Baseball with championship excellence."
Jason Kelly: Head Coach at Washington
Ben Greenspan is a home run hire for Northwestern baseball! Ben is a talented leader, recruiter and developer of young men. The Wildcats are getting an incredible baseball coach and more importantly an incredible person! Congrats BG!
Spencer Torkelson: Current Detroit Tigers 1B, former player at Arizona State
BG is the one that recruited me. He saw something that a lot of college coaches passed on, and to that I am forever grateful. He knows this game very well and has taught me a lot that I still carry with me today.
Kyle Schwarber: Current Philadelphia Phillies OF, former player at Indiana
The Greenspan family will be the perfect fit for the Northwestern Baseball program. BG's knowledge of the game, what it takes to win in the Big Ten/national stage, and how to get the best performance out of his players are things that he will bring to Northwestern Baseball. He will bring a team together and mold them into men for the next step in a baseball career and post-baseball. The impact he had on my career and others at Indiana was massive, and the lessons learned are things that I carry still to this day.
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