Driggers has taken the place of former Bulldog coach, Brent Fronbarger, who stepped down from his position at the end of the 2014 season.
“I am looking forward to the challenge ahead and what God has in plan for this university and the baseball team,” Driggers said. “I am very blessed and excited to be the head coach at Union University.”
Junior third basemen, Trae Bain, said, “When I heard about the new coach, I was anxious to get back to school to see what he had in store for us. … I am looking forward to the upcoming season with the new coaching staff. They all seem like great coaches that know what they are talking about.”
Driggers said he is looking forward to leading the team as the university transitions into the Gulf South Conference and NCAA Division II.
“Union has a long-standing tradition of baseball and I intend on continuing that tradition as we transition into NCAA DII,” Driggers said. “I want to evaluate where we are as a team now, develop the players to the best of their ability, and improve facilities to compete with other NCAA DII teams.”
Driggers has a long history of both playing and coaching baseball. He began his baseball career playing in little league teams. From there, he transitioned into playing for his middle school and high school teams. Driggers was drafted right after high school to play for the L.A. Dodgers. He played for the Dodgers for two years.
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to teach and coach,” Driggers said. “I was influenced by good coaches and teachers who directed my path to pursue coaching as a career.”
After playing for the Dodgers, Driggers pursued a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from the University of Central Florida. He went on to receive a Masters of Education from McNeese State (La.) University.
Upon receiving his masters, Driggers began his coaching career. He has coached for middle school, high school, college and minor league teams in his forty-three years of coaching. In 2009, he began a four year coaching job for the NCAA DIII team at Wheaton College. Afterward, he made the move to East Texas Baptist University where he coached for two years beginning in 2013.
“The interaction with the players on a daily basis is my favorite part about coaching,” Driggers said. “Interacting and watching each player grow as a baseball player and a young man is extremely rewarding.”
Driggers and his wife, Sharon, have three children and six grand-children. He said he values his family and thoroughly enjoys the time he gets to spend with them.
In his spare time, Driggers enjoys hunting, golfing and volunteering.
