University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Jeffrey A. Camarati
Mike Fox Has His No. 30 Retired
May 21, 2022 | Baseball
CHAPEL HILL – Friday night was a special night at Boshamer Stadium as the Diamond Heels celebrated the career of former head coach Mike Fox, retiring his number 30 to display on the façade of the stadium with four other players who were previously award the honor.
A 1978 graduate of the University of North Carolina, Fox returned to his alma mater in 1998, compiling a 948-406-1 record and ending his 22-year tenure as the school's winnigest all-time coach.
"I am overwhelmed," Fox said during the pregame ceremony. "I have been unbelievably blessed. I said when I retired that I was able to do what I loved, at a place that I loved with people that I loved.
"I've been a Tar Heel since I was [a little boy]. To be able to come here, play here… there is something special about coaching at your alma mater. I thank God every day that I was here."
Fox led Carolina to ACC titles in 2007, 20013 and 2019 with seven trips to the College World Series, reaching the championship round in 2006 and 2007. The Tar Heels became the first ACC school to make consecutive trips to Omaha (2006-09) with his guidance.
He was named Baseball America's National Coach of the Year in 2008 and ACC Coach of the Year in 2018.
"Coach Fox cultivated a program that allowed me and all my teammates to have a one of kind experience," former Tar Heel pitcher Kent Emmanuel said. "I hope he knows how we all appreciate him."
"He embodies what it means to be a true Tar Heel," UNC letterman Zac Gallen said. "It was an honor to be around him, learn from him and play for him. The true privilege has been his friendship long after at time at Carolina was over."
Fox spent 15 years as the head coach at Division III North Carolina Wesleyan in Rocky Mount prior to returning to his alma mater, making eight College World Series appearances and winning the Division III national title in 1989.
He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2017 and completed his 37-year coaching career with 1,437 wins, retiring as the 12th winningest coach in college baseball history.
Mike Fox's #30 was painted on the field in his honor.
A 1978 graduate of the University of North Carolina, Fox returned to his alma mater in 1998, compiling a 948-406-1 record and ending his 22-year tenure as the school's winnigest all-time coach.
"I am overwhelmed," Fox said during the pregame ceremony. "I have been unbelievably blessed. I said when I retired that I was able to do what I loved, at a place that I loved with people that I loved.
"I've been a Tar Heel since I was [a little boy]. To be able to come here, play here… there is something special about coaching at your alma mater. I thank God every day that I was here."
Fox led Carolina to ACC titles in 2007, 20013 and 2019 with seven trips to the College World Series, reaching the championship round in 2006 and 2007. The Tar Heels became the first ACC school to make consecutive trips to Omaha (2006-09) with his guidance.
He was named Baseball America's National Coach of the Year in 2008 and ACC Coach of the Year in 2018.
"Coach Fox cultivated a program that allowed me and all my teammates to have a one of kind experience," former Tar Heel pitcher Kent Emmanuel said. "I hope he knows how we all appreciate him."
"He embodies what it means to be a true Tar Heel," UNC letterman Zac Gallen said. "It was an honor to be around him, learn from him and play for him. The true privilege has been his friendship long after at time at Carolina was over."
Fox spent 15 years as the head coach at Division III North Carolina Wesleyan in Rocky Mount prior to returning to his alma mater, making eight College World Series appearances and winning the Division III national title in 1989.
He was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2017 and completed his 37-year coaching career with 1,437 wins, retiring as the 12th winningest coach in college baseball history.
Mike Fox's #30 was painted on the field in his honor.
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