TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - University of Alabama baseball head coach Mitch Gaspard has resigned from his position effective immediately, Director of Athletics Bill Battle announced Monday.

"Mitch and I met last Friday to discuss how the season has gone and possibilities for postseason play," Battle said. "At that time, he expressed to me his wishes to resign as baseball coach.

"While that conversation was supposed to serve as a prelude to our annual postseason discussion on the state of the program, I accepted his resignation only on the basis that it would not officially be in effect until our season had formally concluded. It's clear to me that Mitch had made up his mind, and I respect his wishes."

Gaspard informed the Alabama team and his staff of his decision Monday afternoon. Gaspard accumulated a 234-193 (.548) record as Alabama's head coach.

"In seven seasons as our head coach, Mitch always represented us with class," Battle said. "He always fielded highly competitive teams and always conducted our program the right way. He has always been guided by the right principles, the kind of values you seek in a head coach and mentor of young people.

"Mitch leaves the program in good shape. He was a major factor in us being able to rebuild Sewell-Thomas Stadium into the nation's finest baseball facility and his players have competed hard and handled themselves well on and off the field. I am most appreciative of the leadership Mitch has provided and his effort and drive to prepare our team to compete at the highest levels on and off the field.

"Mitch and his family - his wife, Kim, and his daughters, Brae and Paeton - have spent much of their lives as part of the Crimson Tide family. They are first-class people in every way and have been wonderful representatives not only of our baseball program, but our entire Athletics Department and The University of Alabama.

"As a coach and, more importantly, as a man, Mitch gave his all to our program. I have the highest respect for him and his family, and all of us wish them nothing but the best."

Gaspard's .548 winning percentage ranks among the 10 best winning percentages for Alabama baseball coaches.

"Last Friday afternoon, I notified our Director of Athletics, Bill Battle , of my intention to resign as head baseball coach at The University of Alabama at the conclusion of this season," Gaspard said. "It's a decision that has not been an easy one, but something that I have been considering for a while now.

"We have consistently fielded a competitive program in the nation's finest conference throughout our seven seasons at Alabama, but I feel this is the right time to make a change - not only for me, but for the program as a whole. I think a good foundation has been set for whoever takes over the program. And, with our new stadium, the chance to recruit at a high level is definitely there.

"I am thankful to so many people who made the opportunities that I have had possible. My family has been so incredibly devoted to me and my career, and I am looking forward to being able to spend more quality time with my wife and daughters as we embark on the next chapter of our life together.

"One of the special things about sports is the family bond you can develop over the course of your career. That has definitely been the case in my life, and will continue to be so. To our Alabama baseball family - our players and their families; our coaches and their families; and to all our fans and boosters who faithfully support the Crimson Tide, I want to express my undying gratitude for the privilege of leading your program."

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