Coastal Carolina baseball coach Gary Gilmore says he’ll retire after 2024 season
Legendary baseball coach Gary Gilmore says next season will be his last at the helm of Coastal Carolina.
Gilmore, 65, has been the head coach of the Chanticleers since 1996 and led Coastal to the 2016 College World Series title.
“Next year is my last year no matter what,” Gilmore said unprompted in a Monday evening radio interview with the SportsTalk Media Network.
Asked to confirm and elaborate on those comments, Gilmore continued: “Absolutely, yes sir. I’ve done this 38 years. I’m getting old. I’ve got four little grandsons. With this cancer mess ... I love baseball but it occupies 24/7 of your life to a large degree. It’s been incredible. I can’t imagine spending a better life than the one I’ve had.”
Gilmore has been battling cancer in his liver and pancreas since learning of his diagnosis in 2020.
Gilmore has won 1,079 games at Coastal, the most in school history, and was named the 2016 National Coach of the Year by several organizations. Over his career at Coastal Carolina, his alma mater, Gilmore’s program has produced 38 All-American players and 11 Conference Players of the Year.
Gilmore is in the midst of another successful campaign, leading the Chanticleers (39-19) to the Sun Belt regular season title and the No. 10 national seed in the NCAA Tournament.
For the fifth time under Gilmore, Coastal will play host to an NCAA Regional. Duke, UNC Wilmington and Rider will participate in the Conway Regional, June 2nd through June 5th at Springs Brooks Stadium.
“I just think it’s the right time and I hope the Lord keeps letting me be healthy so I can do it one more time,” Gilmore said. “I have an incredibly fond affection for this group of players. So many of them have a chance to come back. If we can add a few pieces, I think we can be a force to be reckoned with next year. That’ll be enough for me.
“I’ve got to coach my grandkids up a little bit, have some fun. I owe my wife a few years here to make up for all the things that baseball has caused me to miss.”
This story was originally published May 30, 2023 at 10:17 AM.