CSUSM to Name Baseball Field in Honor of Founding Coach

CSUSM to Name Baseball Field in Honor of Founding Coach

By Debby Clark

CSUSM will name its baseball field the Dennis A. Pugh Baseball Field during a ceremony on April 12 to honor the program's founding coach.

Cal State San Marcos will honor Dennis and Marilyn Pugh by naming its baseball field the "Dennis A. Pugh Baseball Field" during a ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 12. As the founding coach of CSUSM's baseball program, Coach Pugh built more than a winning program - he built a culture that shaped generations of student-athletes.

Coach Pugh, who died in 2020 at the age of 73, launched CSUSM's baseball program in 2007 and quickly built it into a competitive force. Under his leadership, the Cougars achieved eight winning seasons in 10 years, earned 282 victories and made three NAIA tournament appearances. His 2015 team set a program record with 36 wins, securing CSUSM's third Association of Independent Institutions (A.I.I.) conference championship in five seasons.

"Coach Pugh's dedication to excellence, both on and off the field, has left an indelible mark on our university and the community," CSUSM President Ellen Neufeldt said. "By naming this field in his honor, we ensure that his legacy continues to inspire future generations of Cougars."

Beyond wins and championships, Pugh helped develop talent that rose to the professional ranks. Three of his student-athletes were drafted by Major League Baseball teams, while four others signed as free agents - a testament to his ability to cultivate top-tier talent.

Pugh also oversaw the construction of CSUSM's baseball field, which opened in 2011. Marilyn and Dennis further supported the program with a philanthropic gift to upgrade the batting cages, create a modular training facility, and establish an endowed fund to maintain the baseball facilities. Thanks to their generous support, combined with community members who recognized his profound impact, CSUSM is able to name the field in his honor, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire generations of student-athletes.

"It was a genuine honor to coach alongside Dennis for nine years," said Art Warren, former assistant baseball coach at CSUSM. "He was an icon in San Diego as both a baseball and football coach and was well-known for how much he cared about his students."

Before his time at CSUSM, Pugh was already a legend in the San Diego baseball scene. As the head coach at Mission Bay High School from 1979 to 2006, he led the team to 10 San Diego Section finals appearances and secured eight section championships. Additionally, he coached football at Mission Bay for 13 seasons, accumulating 86 wins and two San Diego Section titles. Even after retiring from CSUSM in 2016, Coach Pugh returned to Mission Bay High School in 2017 and remained active in the program until his death.

"I am forever grateful for the lasting impact that Coach Pugh left on my life," said Brandon Bentson, a former student-athlete. "Having the field named after him is a tremendous honor and testament to his legacy at Cal State San Marcos."

The naming of the field serves as a fitting tribute to a man whose impact on the game and the lives of his players will be felt for generations. CSUSM invites the community, alumni and former players to attend the ceremony and celebrate Pugh's enduring legacy. Visit the RSVPwebpage to join this event.

Dennis Pugh launched CSUSM's baseball program in 2007. The university will name its baseball field the Dennis A. Pugh Baseball Field during a ceremony on April 12.

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