HACKETTSTOWN, NJ — Centenary University has tapped a former Major League Baseball pitcher to lead its baseball program as the Cyclones prepare for a future move to the United East Conference.
Tim Bausher has been named head coach of the Centenary University baseball team, university officials announced on Wednesday
The right-handed Pennsylvanian brings both professional playing and collegiate coaching experience to Hackettstown. He played professional baseball from 2001 through 2008 and reached the Major Leagues in 2005 after being called up by the Boston Red Sox.
During his professional career, Bausher also spent time in the Seattle Mariners, Milwaukee Brewers, Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals organizations.
"At Centenary University, we believe athletics is a powerful experience for developing leaders and transforming lives," Centenary President John Schol said. "Coach Tim Bausher brings a remarkable combination of professional achievement, coaching success, and commitment to student development that will strengthen our baseball program and elevate the experience of every student-athlete he serves."
Bausher comes to Centenary after serving as pitching coach at NCAA Division II Pace University since 2019. During his tenure, the Setters captured the first conference championship in program history in 2023 before winning another conference title in 2025.
According to Centenary, Bausher's coaching approach emphasizes fitness, discipline, teamwork, preparation, collaboration, and positive reinforcement.
"He has lived this game at every level, and that kind of experience paired with a genuine commitment to developing players, character, and whole student-athlete is exactly who we want leading our program," Centenary Director of Athletics Dan Armida said.
Bausher inherits a Cyclones team that reached several milestones during the 2026 season, including becoming the first team in program history to host the Atlantic East Conference Championship Tournament.
The coaching change also comes as Centenary prepares for a conference move. The university is scheduled to join the United East Conference on July 1, 2027, opening up new competition for the Hackettstown athletic program.
Bausher said he was "honored and excited" to take over the Cyclones.
"I feel humbled by the opportunity to run an NCAA college program," Bausher said. "The leadership from the University and athletic department are exceptional, and I look forward to developing our baseball players as students and athletes."
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