University of Memphis Athletics
Tigers to Retire Chad Zurcher’s Jersey April 2 vs. Tulane
Mar 29, 2022 | Baseball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – One of the best to ever suit up for the Memphis Tigers baseball program will be honored Saturday prior to the Tigers' game vs. Tulane. Chad Zurcher, who played for Memphis from 2008-11 and earned numerous accolades on and off the field, will have his jersey retired before the matchup with the Green Wave.
"It's crazy, it's just unbelievable," said Zurcher. "I had one offer coming out of high school and it was from Coach Rock. I respected and trusted the coaching staff so much that it was an easy decision to join the Tigers and it worked out great with an unbelievable experience and lifelong friendships."
A 31st round draft pick by the New York Mets in the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft, Zurcher was one of the top hitters in the nation in his final season with the Tigers. As he led the country with a .443 batting average, Zurcher was named the 2011 Conference USA Player of the Year. Zurcher was also named an All-American on the field and an Academic All-American off the field. A two-time All-Conference USA selection, Zurcher sits fourth in program history with 252 career hits.
"I'm so thankful to the University of Memphis and all the coaches that I played for throughout my time with the Tigers, for all that they've done for me both on and off the field," said Zurcher. "The lasting memories they helped create will only continue to grow as I do my best to continue to support the program and be a part of what is going to come in the future for Memphis Tigers baseball."
Named a semifinalist for both the Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy, Zurcher's 2011 season was one of the best in program history. In 55 games for the Tigers, Zurcher added 21 extra base hits and 34 RBIs to his NCAA-leading .443 batting average. He also the team in OBP (.547) and SLG (.557).
"What a special honor for a special Tiger, a long overdue jersey retirement, and I'm very excited that we can honor Chad while I'm still the head coach here" said Memphis head coach Daron Schoenrock. "From the moment I sat in Chad's living room on a recruiting home visit, I knew that Chad possessed extraordinary leadership skills, toughness, and the drive to excel in all he did. Never in my wildest dreams did I forecast the outstanding career he worked hard to put together at Memphis, but I know our program was elevated because of Chad's decision to become a Tiger, and I hope his life is elevated because he was and always will be a Tiger."
Saturday's is scheduled for 2 p.m. with the jersey retirement ceremony scheduled to take place prior to first pitch.
Season tickets and single game tickets are available for purchase at www.gotigersgo.com/tigersbaseballtickets.
For the most up-to-date schedule, visit www.GoTigersGo.com.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Baseball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
"It's crazy, it's just unbelievable," said Zurcher. "I had one offer coming out of high school and it was from Coach Rock. I respected and trusted the coaching staff so much that it was an easy decision to join the Tigers and it worked out great with an unbelievable experience and lifelong friendships."
A 31st round draft pick by the New York Mets in the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft, Zurcher was one of the top hitters in the nation in his final season with the Tigers. As he led the country with a .443 batting average, Zurcher was named the 2011 Conference USA Player of the Year. Zurcher was also named an All-American on the field and an Academic All-American off the field. A two-time All-Conference USA selection, Zurcher sits fourth in program history with 252 career hits.
"I'm so thankful to the University of Memphis and all the coaches that I played for throughout my time with the Tigers, for all that they've done for me both on and off the field," said Zurcher. "The lasting memories they helped create will only continue to grow as I do my best to continue to support the program and be a part of what is going to come in the future for Memphis Tigers baseball."
Named a semifinalist for both the Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy, Zurcher's 2011 season was one of the best in program history. In 55 games for the Tigers, Zurcher added 21 extra base hits and 34 RBIs to his NCAA-leading .443 batting average. He also the team in OBP (.547) and SLG (.557).
"What a special honor for a special Tiger, a long overdue jersey retirement, and I'm very excited that we can honor Chad while I'm still the head coach here" said Memphis head coach Daron Schoenrock. "From the moment I sat in Chad's living room on a recruiting home visit, I knew that Chad possessed extraordinary leadership skills, toughness, and the drive to excel in all he did. Never in my wildest dreams did I forecast the outstanding career he worked hard to put together at Memphis, but I know our program was elevated because of Chad's decision to become a Tiger, and I hope his life is elevated because he was and always will be a Tiger."
Saturday's is scheduled for 2 p.m. with the jersey retirement ceremony scheduled to take place prior to first pitch.
Season tickets and single game tickets are available for purchase at www.gotigersgo.com/tigersbaseballtickets.
For the most up-to-date schedule, visit www.GoTigersGo.com.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Baseball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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