NIACC' Hergert accepts Phillies' pitching position
MASON CITY - NIACC's Travis Hergert is headed to professional baseball.
Hergert, who coached the Trojans for seven seasons, will be the Philadelphia Phillies' assistant pitching coordinator.
"This a life changing opportunity," Hergert said, "and I'm excited to join the Phillies' organization."
Hergert was 260-146-1 in his seven seasons at the helm of the NIACC baseball program and led the Trojans to three NJCAA Region XI titles, three NJCAA North Plains District titles and three trips to the NJCAA Division II World Series.
Hergert took over the NIACC baseball program from Todd Rima in 2013 and led the Trojans to the NJCAA Division II World Series in his first season as head coach. The Trojans also qualified for the World Series in 2015 and 2016.
"NIACC has meant everything to me and my family," Hergert said. "It truly is a special place that has given me the opportunity to grow.
"There have been many former players, coaches and staff that have made this day possible. I am forever grateful for the chance I received 15 years ago and will always cherish the memories made."
Hergert was honored with the 2013, 2015, and 2016 ABCA/NJCAA Division II North Plains District coach of the year and won the 2-year college coach of the year by the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association in 2013, 2015 and 2016.
During Hergert's tenure as head coach, eight players have heard their names called in the MLB Draft.
In 2019, former NIACC ace Brandon Williamson was selected in the second round by the Seattle Mariners out of Texas Christian University. Also being selected was Bryce Ball in the 26th round by the Atlanta Braves out of Dallas Baptist University and pitcher Harrison Beethe in the 39th round by the Milwaukee Brewers.
The 2016 squad shattered the record books with a 47-16 record and a third trip to the NJCAA Division II World Series. The Trojans tied for the ICCAC regular season title with a 22-6 record.
Nine players from the 2016 team signed with NCAA Division I schools. Iowa signee and ICCAC Player of the Year Malique Ziegler was selected in the 22nd round in the MLB draft by the San Francisco Giants, the programs first ever draft pick. Ziegler was awarded NJCAA 1st-team All-American honors, the second first team selection in program history.
In 2016, the Trojans led the nation with 130 home runs. Shortstop Robbie Glendinning became the school's all-time leader in home runs (195), doubles (42), RBI (141).
Hergert's milestone wins
No. Date Opponent Score
1 3-9-13 Ontario Blue Jays 12-1
50 4-22-14 Wartburg JV 9-3
100 5-10-15 Iowa Central 9-6 (10)
150 5-16-16 Southeastern 16-3
200 3-27-18 Southeastern 8-5
250 4-26-19 Iowa Central 6-5
Note: Wins No. 100 and 150 for Hergert came at the NJCAA Region XI tournament in Waterloo.
All-Americans under Hergert (3)
2015 - Robbie Glendinning (Second-team infield)
2016 - Malique Ziegler (First-team outfield)
2019 - Fox Leum (Third-team infield)
Hergert's MLB draft picks (8)
2016 - Malique Ziegler (22nd round San Francisco Giants)
2017 - Robbie Glendinning (21st round Pittsburgh Pirates)
2018 - Luke Becker (9th round San Diego Padres)
2019 - Evan Reifert (30th round Texas Rangers)
2018 - Brandon Williamson (36th round Milwaukee Brewers)
2019 - Brandon Williamson (2nd round Seattle Mariners)
2019 - Bryce Ball (24th round Atlanta Braves)
2019 - Harrison Beethe (39th round Milwaukee Brewers)
