MINNEAPOLIS -- Brock Peterson, who has been a member of the Augsburg University baseball coaching staff since 2021, has been named the team's new head coach, the university announced on Tuesday.
 
Peterson served for two seasons (2021-22) as a graduate assistant and recruiting coordinator for the baseball team, then continued as an assistant coach in 2023. Peterson also served Augsburg in the admissions department, as an assistant director of transfer admissions, before his full-time head coaching appointment.
 
"My family and I are incredibly excited for this opportunity. Since joining Augsburg as a graduate assistant in 2020-21 and remaining on staff since, I've had the opportunity of experiencing the rich tradition of Augsburg Athletics and our baseball program. I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue building on that," Peterson said. "We have a special group of players, and I'm excited to continue working alongside them and our coaching staff as we head into the fall. While we're eager to welcome a talented incoming class, it's our returning players who will help set the standard and lead this program forward. I couldn't ask for a better group to take on that responsibility."
 
Peterson began his collegiate baseball career at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, where he was named to the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference Academic All-Conference squad in 2015.
 
He transferred to Gustavus Adolphus College, where he played in 111 of a possible 114 games in three seasons as an infielder (2016-18). He earned All-MIAC Defensive Team honors as a third baseman in 2016, and was named to the Academic All-MIAC squad in both 2016 and 2017. Peterson hit .299 in his Gustie career. Peterson's father, Ross Peterson, was the baseball head coach for the Gusties from 1991-93.
 
"Through his work in admissions and athletics, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to our students and to the mission of Augsburg," said Augsburg Athletic Director Amy Cooper. "Brock possesses the qualities we were seeking in our next leader. He is student-athlete centered, relationship driven, and brings a tremendous baseball IQ and passion for player development. He understands our culture, values collaboration, and has a clear vision for continuing to move Augsburg baseball forward. Perhaps most importantly, Brock believes in the power of athletics to transform lives and is committed to creating an outstanding experience for our student athletes both on and off the field."
 
A native of Cannon Falls, Minn., Peterson began his professional career at the Wabasso (Minn.) Public Schools in 2018-19, teaching health and physical education while coaching junior high football and baseball, and junior varsity basketball. He also served as an event management intern at Viterbo University (Wis.) in 2019-20.
 
Peterson received his Bachelor's degree in Physical Education (K-12) and Health Education (5-12), with a minor in coaching, from Gustavus in 2018. He earned his Master of Arts in Leadership degree from Augsburg in 2022.
 
The 12th head coach in Augsburg baseball history, Peterson succeeds Keith Bateman, who coached the Auggies for 23 seasons (2004-26). He resigned in June to accept a position as Associate Athletic Director at Concordia College-Moorhead.
 
"What makes college baseball so special is the relationships that are built every day and the opportunity to compete together. Our commitment to growing as students, athletes, and people will continue to be the foundation of our program, and that daily pursuit of excellence will drive success both on and off the field," Peterson said. "Augsburg University and the Auggie baseball program are exactly where I want to be. I'm honored by this opportunity and excited to continue building a program that our players, alumni, and university can be proud of. I can't wait to get to work."