Hallenbeck Reaches 300 Win Milestone

Hallenbeck Reaches 300 Win Milestone

Eric Hallenbeck, Garrett College’s Head Men’s Baseball Coach, earned his 300th win on March 30, 2018 with a 12-2 victory over MDJUCO and Region XX opponent – Cecil College.

In his 14th season as the head coach at Garrett College, Hallenbeck has coached and been a part of the following individual and team achievements for Garrett Lakers baseball under his leadership: Golden Glove Award winner, two Big Stick Award winners, NJCAA First Team All-American, NJCAA Academic All-American, and numerous MDJUCO, District 4, and Region XX Team selections. In 2015, the Garrett Lakers baseball team made an appearance to the Division II Region XX Final Four.

Hallenbeck also recruited and coached Allan Bencid, a native of Caracas, Venezuela, who signed with the Baltimore Orioles.  Bencid played the position of catcher for the Garrett Lakers in 2012-13.

“Reaching this milestone is incredibly humbling for me in many ways,” said Hallenbeck of his 300th win.  “I’ve watched numerous players advance to four-year schools, succeed in life, and have families of their own.  I’ve also created and developed lifelong friendships over the years – now that’s what it’s all about.”

“I appreciate the Garrett College community for the opportunity here in McHenry,” continued Hallenbeck.  “I’m proud of what we’ve done here with the Garrett Lakers baseball program and what we will continue to do.”

Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president, said Hallenbeck’s career is defined by much more than just an impressive number of wins.

“Eric is not only a successful coach because of how his teams succeed on the field, but also because of how he helps them succeed off the field,” said Midcap.  “You don’t have to observe Eric with his team long to see how much he cares for his players as people and what an impact he has on their lives.”

“I’m especially thankful to all the players, assistant coaches and parents over the years that have helped the program reach this mark – they are just as much a part of reaching this milestone,” Hallenbeck said.  “The Garrett Baseball family knows all too well how trying times may be – but no matter what, we have always stayed together.”