Bushnell University

Tommy Richards was hired in January 2021 to serve as the head coach for the newly launched Bushnell University baseball team and in just two short years has developed a program which is successful in all aspects of Bushnell's Tri-Athlete model, on the field, in the classroom, and as champions of character. 

Richards impact was felt immediately as the debut team in 2022 won the Cascade Collegiate Conference Team of Character award and missed out on the CCC playoffs by just two games. 

After an inaugural season that saw 11 wins, Richards strong recruiting and coach efforts led to more than double the wins in year two as the team went 23-25, including an 11-13 mark in the CCC and another near-miss from the conference tournament. The team had five and six-game winning streaks during the season and picked up their first-ever win against an NAIA Top-25 team, defeating No. 16 Lewis-Clark State, 12-8. 

Coach Richards came to Bushnell after spending the previous six seasons as a top collegiate assistant including stints at NCAA DIII Whitman College (Walla Walla, Washington) and Lindenwood University–Belleville, an NAIA school in Illinois. Richards spent four seasons at Whitman where his primary roles included leading the offense and infield units, coordinating the recruitment of prospective student-athletes, and developing and administering the strength and conditioning program. The program has improved win totals in every year, culminating in a 29-win season in 2019.
 
Richards was a four-year letter winner at Washington State University from 2009-2012 and was drafted in the 24th round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2012. While playing for the Cougars, he spent two summers playing for the West Coast League's Bend Elks in his hometown. In 2009, Richards helped push the Elks to the playoffs and in 2010 he batted .364 to capture the WCL batting title and earn league MVP honors. 

After three seasons in professional baseball, he began his coaching career at Lindenwood - Belleville.

Richards earned his bachelors degree in social sciences from Washington State University and went on to receive an MBA from Lindenwood University. 

Coach Richards lives in Eugene with his wife Jessica and their children, Hank, George, and Lou. 

What his players have said: 

Jack Horn: "Tommy has meant the world to me both as a coach and a mentor. He is a guy that you feel drawn towards and willing to run through fire for. He is a fantastic, knowledgeable coach and every day that I spend around him is a privilege."

Tenacious Tommy Richards ready to revive Bushnell Baseball (February 5, 2021 | West Coast League News)