Willie Bloomquist Battles to Restore ASU Baseball Glory

TEMPE, Ariz. — Willie Bloomquist, the head coach of Arizona State University’s baseball team, has stepped back into the game he loves with an ambitious aim: to reclaim the glory of the Sun Devils baseball program. After spending time in retirement as a special assistant to the team’s president and CEO, Bloomquist accepted the coaching role ahead of the 2022 season, driven by a passion for ASU that could not be ignored.

“That’s why I came back,” Bloomquist, 47, said. “This program means that much to me that I’m willing to risk what I have. I’m willing to give up, I guess, retired life to try to get that swag back in the program.”

Four seasons into his tenure, Bloomquist has the Sun Devils poised for success. The team boasts an overall record of 20-9 and sits second in the Big 12 standings with a conference record of 7-2, trailing only Oklahoma State. As they head into a critical series against rival Arizona on April 4, they are ranked 24th in the nation.

“Our guys are playing their asses off right now and it’s noticeable,” Bloomquist said. “They’re playing with a little bit of swag and a little bit of confidence.”

Bloomquist, who was named the Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1999, faces his share of challenges as a first-time head coach. The landscape of college baseball has evolved drastically; he contends with issues such as the NCAA‘s transfer portal and name, image, and likeness (NIL) rules that complicate recruiting and player retention.

“You can’t blame them on some accounts, but then you sit here and go, ‘OK, well where do I get the money to pay them?’” Bloomquist said in reference to losing talent to programs that can offer financial incentives.

Despite his frustrations, Bloomquist remains determined to build a culture of hard work and commitment within the team. “Most old-time coaches are pulling their hair out saying, ‘Man, this isn’t college sports,’” he shared, lamenting the changes in the game he once knew.

Bloomquist emphasizes the importance of dedication to the program. “You’re not coming in here to be a show pony; you’re coming here to play for the program,” he asserted.

As changes continue to affect ASU athletics, including a new athletic director and a conference realignment, Bloomquist acknowledges the need for adaptability. “You’ve got a choice,” he said. “You can adapt or you’re going to die.”

Bloomquist’s commitment to ASU and its baseball tradition illustrates a dedication to restoring pride and competitiveness. He recalls the Sun Devils’ past successes under coaches like Jim Brock and Pat Murphy, aspiring to reignite that same spirit in today’s players.

“This is why I came to Arizona State — to try to get this atmosphere back,” he said. “These kids are going to play hard.”

For more updates on ASU baseball and Willie Bloomquist, follow McManaman on X, formerly Twitter: @azbobbymac, or listen to him live every Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN 620 (KTAR-AM).