Fresno State Hires Alum Tom Goodwin as Director of Player Development

Goodwin, a former Bulldog baseball star, returns to his alma mater after a 14-year MLB career and coaching stint with the Red Sox.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:55pm

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Fresno State Baseball has announced the hiring of alum Tom Goodwin as the Director of Player Development ahead of the 2026 season. Goodwin played three seasons for the Bulldogs from 1987-1989, setting the program's record for stolen bases with 164. After his college career, Goodwin went on to play 14 seasons in Major League Baseball and was the first base coach for the 2018 World Series champion Boston Red Sox.

Why it matters

Goodwin's return to Fresno State as a coach represents a homecoming for the Fresno native, who was a standout player for the Bulldogs in the late 1980s. His experience at the highest levels of professional baseball is expected to provide valuable mentorship and development opportunities for the current Fresno State players.

The details

During his three seasons playing for the Bulldogs from 1987-1989, Goodwin set the program record for stolen bases with 164. He also finished his Fresno State career in the top 10 in several other offensive categories, including batting average (.350), at-bats (821), runs (207), hits (287) and triples (13). After his college career, Goodwin was drafted in the first round by the Los Angeles Dodgers and went on to play 14 seasons in Major League Baseball with six different teams. Most recently, he served as the first base coach for the 2018 World Series champion Boston Red Sox.

  • Goodwin played for Fresno State from 1987-1989.
  • Goodwin was inducted into the Bulldog Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995.
  • Goodwin will join the Fresno State coaching staff ahead of the 2026 season.

The players

Tom Goodwin

A Fresno native who played three seasons for the Fresno State Bulldogs from 1987-1989, setting the program record for stolen bases with 164. Goodwin was a first-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers and played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball. He most recently served as the first base coach for the 2018 World Series champion Boston Red Sox.

Fresno State Baseball

The baseball program at Fresno State University, which has a storied history and has produced numerous professional players, including alum Tom Goodwin.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to welcome Tom Goodwin back to Fresno State as our new Director of Player Development. His experience at the highest levels of the game, combined with his deep roots in this community, make him the perfect fit to help develop our student-athletes both on and off the field.”

— Mike Batesole, Fresno State Baseball Head Coach

What’s next

Goodwin will begin his new role with the Fresno State baseball program ahead of the 2026 season, where he will work closely with the coaching staff and players to aid in their development.

The takeaway

The hiring of Fresno State alum Tom Goodwin as the new Director of Player Development represents a homecoming for the local legend, who will bring a wealth of professional experience to help guide the next generation of Bulldogs baseball players.