Point Loma High School alum and former major league baseball star David Wells has officially been appointed head coach of his alma mater’s baseball team.
Wells, known nationally as “Boomer,” has been a pitching coach for the Pointers after a 20-year career, in which the southpaw compiled a 239-157 record in the major leagues, including the 15th perfect game in major league history on May 17, 1998.
“We are very excited to name David as our head coach,” said PLHS athletic director John Murphy. “He is well-liked by our players and they certainly respect his knowledge of the game.”
Murphy gave the Peninsula Beacon exclusive access to the announcement, made June 17, that will likely be reported on in baseball circles nationwide.
Wells has become increasingly involved in Pointer baseball since school officials named the team’s home field at Dana Middle School as David Wells Field in a 2010 ceremony that saw the three-time All-Star choke up as he reminisced about his childhood days growing up in the Ocean Beach and Point Loma areas.
Among Wells’ plans are bringing in major league players, including some well-known stars, to work with his teenage protégés. Wells will have challenges, however, as the fourth coach in the last five years to attempt taking the program from good to greatness.
Murphy also praised outgoing head coach Joe Radovich, who guided the Pointer team to a 7-5 Western League second-place finish before being stunned by a CIF seeding committee that failed to include the PLHS team in area playoffs.
“Joe stepped in and assembled a coaching staff and worked hard to rebuild the teams,” Murphy said. “His philosophy of hard work and dedication to the players has made him one of the most respected coaches in San Diego, and combined with his loyalty to the community, he has served as a role model for our coaches, kids and parents,” he said.
Murphy emphasized Radovich turned the program around during his year at the helm.
“Joe has decided to turn the reins over to David Wells and continue focusing on football, where he has been a valuable assistant for the past seven years,” Murphy said.
Wells will follow on the heels of Jon Posternack (ending in 2011), Jesse Nuñez (2012-13) and Radovich as the Pointer field boss.
