AMCC 25TH ANNIVERSARY THEN & NOW SERIES: ZACH FOSTER, PITT-BRADFORD

Baseball has always been a part of Bradford’s identity. The old oil boomtown that produced Hall of Fame baseball player Rube Waddell and hosted a minor league baseball team, has had a long history with the sport, and Pitt-Bradford head baseball coach Zach Foster is part of that legacy.

Born and raised in Bradford, Foster starred for Bradford Area High School, and when it came time to choose where he wanted to continue his baseball career, he chose to stay close to home and play at Pitt-Bradford.  

“I chose Pitt-Bradford for many reasons, including being close to home, having the opportunity to continue to play baseball and to have the opportunity to receive a Pitt degree,” said Foster.

While with the Panthers, Foster was a two-way player, splitting time on the mound and in the infield. Following his junior season, Foster received the call of a lifetime as he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 49th round of the 2008 MLB draft. This made Foster the first AMCC baseball player to be drafted by a major league organization.

Foster credits many throughout the Pitt-Bradford baseball program for helping him get drafted. “The way our coaching staff promoted me to the pro scouts, and how my teammates pushed me to consistently be better truly aided me getting drafted,” he explained.

Foster spent five years in the Pirates organization, reaching the AA level to play for the Altoona Curve in 2012. In his minor league career, Foster compiled a 13-16 record out of the bullpen with a 4.17 era and 168 strikeouts.

“I have played a lot of baseball with players who have gone on to sign multiyear million dollar contracts, but the most vivid memories I have of the game are those from my time with my teammates and coaches at Pitt-Bradford,” said Foster when asked about his memories around baseball.

In 2013, Foster rejoined his alma mater, becoming an Assistant Baseball Coach while working full-time out of the admissions office. In 2016, Foster took over the baseball program when his former coach Bret Butler accepted a role as the university’s athletic director.

In his 4+ seasons as the head coach, the Panthers have picked up 59 wins and made two appearances in the AMCC Playoffs. Along with some team success, Foster has had a hand in several players receiving nationwide honors and getting opportunities continue their baseball careers after Pitt-Bradford. 

“After my playing career ended, I knew I had a home back at Pitt-Bradford,” said Foster. “Now my goal is to help my players by working with them to earn the opportunity to fulfill their dream of playing professional baseball as I was able to.”

In 2014 Aaron Cressley became the second Pitt-Bradford baseball player drafted, as he was taken in the 26th round by the San Diego Padres. Foster served as his pitching coach for his junior season, after which he was drafted.

Four other Panthers who played under Coach Foster were able to earn spots playing for independent league teams after completing their eligibility

Austin Parent won the 2018 AMCC Player of the Year, led the nation in batting average (.496) and on base percentage (.616) and was named to the NCAA All-American team. On the back of this season he earned a roster spot with the California City Whiptails of the Pecos league in 2019. Ryan Boyer used a graduate transfer to complete his eligibility at Division I Canisius, and is currently pitching for the Milwaukee Milkmen of the AAPB. Additionally 2021 graduate Sam Dreistadt played for the Alpine Cowboys of the Pecos League and 2014 graduate Derek Meyer also spent two seasons in the Pecos League.

 “My time at Pitt-Bradford helped to mold me into a professional,” said Foster. “While I came here to play baseball, what I did not realize was how big of a support system I gained with our team and coaching staff, which I still can rely on to this day.”