David Esquer announced as new head baseball coach at Stanford

Stanford's new head baseball coach is not a stranger to success at Sunken Diamond. David Esquer will take over the Stanford program at his alma mater -- where he won a national championship in 1987 -- after 18 seasons leading the rival Golden Bears across the bay at Cal.

Former Stanford head coach mark Marquess stepped down after this past season, his 41st pacing the dugout while wearing his No. 9 jersey. Marquess won 1,627 games at Stanford and Esquer was part of some of the most important, including Nine's first national championship run.

"Stanford has made a great choice in David," Marquess said. "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."

Esquer played shortstop for Marquess from 1984-1987 and was an assistant coach under Marquess for six seasons from 1991-1996. The Cardinal reached the postseason five of those years and finished fifth at the 1995 College World Series. He was an assistant for three years at Pepperdine before taking over the Cal job in 2000.

""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."

Esquer's most successful year at Cal was also one that saw the program teeter on the edge of oblivion due to the dire financial situation of Cal athletics. In 2011 Cal made a spirited run to the College World Series despite also needing desperate fundraising to save the program.

Esquer was named the National Coach of the Year for his efforts that season, but in the long view the year was considered by some to be a major setback because of the drawn out drama of the program possibly shutting down. Recruiting was affected and it wasn't until 2015 that Cal got back to the postseason. In 18 seasons at Cal he compiled a record of 525-467-2 (.528) and the Golden Bears' best finish in conference was they twice tied for third place (2001 and 2015).

"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," Marquess said. "I am excited for him and the future of Stanford baseball."

The Cardinal are coming off an emotional final season with Marquess as the skipper.

Stanford earned a No. 8 national seed in 2017 after a 21-2 record to end the regular season. The Cardinal were motivated to send off Marquess with one last trip to Omaha, but Stanford was eliminated by familiar foe Cal State Fullerton in the regional round.

Ten Cardinal players were drafted -- a modern day record for the program since the draft was expanded to 40 rounds -- and Stanford expects to say farewell to several starters: first baseman Matt Winaker, center fielder Jack Klein, catcher Alex Dunlap (who missed about six weeks due to injury), outfielder Quinn Brodey, Saturday pitcher Andrew Summerville, Sunday pitcher Chris Castellanos and All-American closer Colton Hock.

Relief pitchers Brett Hanewich and Keith Weisenberg were also drafted. Tyler Thorne, who was critical as the pitching bridge to reach Hock and a good closer in his own right, signed with the Brewers.

But Esquer has his first good news as head coach with Tristan Beck expected to return for his junior season. The former Freshman All-American missed his sophomore season with a stress fracture in his lower back. He was drafted in the 29th round by the New York Yankees but he will return to The Farm and join rising junior Kris Bubic as a formidable duo in the rotation.

Bubic took over as the staff's ace when Beck wen down with injury and finished the season 7-6 with a 2.79 ERA. Beck was 6-5 with a 2.48 ERA his freshman year.

The Cardinal return several talented players in the lineup, led by third baseman Mikey Diekroeger, DH Daniel Bakst, shortstop Nico Hoerner and second baseman Duke Kinamon. Rising sophomore catcher Maverick Handley may be a future star behind the plate and Brandon Wulff provided a power bat in the last month of the season.

Former Cardinal who played with or were coached by Esquer see him finding success as the head coach on The Farm.

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."