Former Triple-A player Adam Pavkovich has joined the Irish staff as it's volunteer assistant coach.

Adam Pavkovich Named Baseball Volunteer Assistant Coach

Sept. 11, 2013

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Former University of Alabama standout and veteran professional baseball player Adam Pavkovich has joined the University of Notre Dame baseball program as the volunteer assistant coach, head coach Mik Aoki announced Tuesday.

Pavkovich comes to the Irish after one year as an assistant coach at the University of Alabama Huntsville (2013) and two years at Alabama as a student assistant (2010-2012). In his role with the Irish, Pavkovich will work with infielders and hitters as well as coordinate camps.

“First I want to thank Mik (Aoki) for this great opportunity,” said Pavkovich. “My family and I are thrilled to become part of the University of Notre Dame family. The rich history and great tradition of academics and athletics are what makes this institution so special and I’m looking forward to joining this staff. I hope I can instill some of my collegiate and professional experience into our guys so they can learn and grow as student-athletes.”

“Adam brings a wealth of playing experience and knowledge having played at a high level in college at Alabama in the SEC and by playing professional baseball, getting all the way up to Triple-A,” said Aoki. “I think he’s a good communicator and will be able to share those experiences with the players. I thought it was important to bring someone on staff that has professional playing experience. We want our student-athletes developing and having opportunities at the end of their college careers to play professional baseball, so to have a guy that has done it and be able to communicate to our kids what it takes to get to the level is very valuable.”

While at the University of Alabama Huntsville, Pavkovich was responsible for coaching third base, working with the infielders, assisting with hitting development and helping coordinate the recruiting efforts. In just a year he helped develop seven all-conference players and one player of the year award winner.

In his return to Alabama after playing professionally, Pavkovich was responsible for coaching first base, working with infield and outfield defense and assisting with hitting mechanics, approaches and philosophy. The 2010 Crimson Tide team appeared in the Southeastern Conference Tournament and traveled to the Tallahassee NCAA Regional. In 2011 and 2012, Pavkovich helped centerfielder Taylor Dugas earn all-SEC honors and an ABCA Rawlings Gold Glove Award before being selected in the eighth round of the Major League Baseball draft.

An 11th round draft pick, Pavkovich enjoyed an eight-year professional baseball career with the Los Angeles Angels organization. During his time with the Angels, he worked with some of the best baseball minds in the game including Angels’ manager Mike Scioscia, hitting coach Jim Eppard and former hitting coach Mickey Hatcher. He played in 708 career minor league games, turning in his best year in 2008 as he batted .280 with 22 home runs and 80 RBI for Triple-A Salt Lake City. During the offseason of 2008, Pavkovich played for the historic Licey Tigres of the Dominican winter league. He twice earned invites to MLB Spring Training, the first time in 2008 and again in 2009.

Pavkovich began his coaching career at IMG Academies (2007-2010) in Sarasota, Fla., as a special instructor at a nationally ranked high school program during his off seasons. While at IMG, he tutored shortstop Tyler Pastornicky of the Atlanta Braves (fifth round draft pick) and catcher JR Murphy of the New York Yankees (second round draft pick).

Prior to his professional career, Pavkovich played shortstop for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He led the Tide to two SEC Tournament championships and NCAA Regional appearances in 2002 and 2003. His best year came in 2003, when he batted .338 with 11 home runs, 55 RBI and an SEC-leading 27 doubles.

A standout in the classroom, Pavkovich earned CoSIDA/GTE Academic All-District IV honors in 2003 and was routinely on the Dean’s List and the SEC and Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. After returning to the Tide in 2010, Pavkovich worked to complete his degree, earning a B.S. in Commerce and Business Administration as an accounting major with a minor in computer science in 2012.

A native of Venice, FL., Pavkovich married Lindsay Devore in October 2010 and welcomed their first child, Presley Grace Pavkovich, in July of 2011.

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–ND–