The Warner Pacific Athletic Department is proud to announce that baseball will be the newest addition to the sports offered at Warner Pacific University starting in 2025! Student athletes are encouraged to apply to WPU this fall and be a part of the revival of an exciting legacy of Knight Athletics.
“I am excited to add another team in the athletics department,” Athletic Director, Matt Gregg said. “Many people don’t realize that we had a baseball team here a long time ago. I am hopeful that we can get some alumni back here cheering on our new players once we are up and running.”
Warner Pacific’s baseball history includes some legends. The most notable player that played for the Knights was Darcy Fast who after being drafted in 1965 by the New York Yankees in the 7th round, opted to play college ball at Warner Pacific College. Fast played for the Knights through the 1967 season until being drafted again by the Chicago Cubs this time in the 6th round.
The Knights will join a stacked Cascade Collegiate Conference as part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
In addition, the Warner Pacific Athletic Department is proud to announce the signing of new Head Baseball Coach, Jeff Bard, into the WPU family.
Jeff played at North Eugene HS from 1989 – 93 and continued on at Lane Community College. In 1999, he assumed the Head Coaching responsibilities for the Eugene Nighthawks. In five seasons, the semi-pro team won three championships, two state championships and a regional tournament title. In 2002, he joined the staff at North Eugene HS and played an important role for eight years working with offense, hitters and catchers. After obtaining his Bachelor’s degree, Jeff moved to Portland and became a Graduate Assistant at Concordia University in 2008 with specific responsibility working with catchers and hitters. He was promoted to Associate Head Coach in 2016 where he coached through 2019. In 2020 Jeff accepted a position as Associate Head Coach at Clackamas Community College. Jeff plays an important role with Rose City Baseball Club as co-founder and Director of Baseball Development.
“Jeff is a baseball guy through and through,” Athletic Director Mat Gregg said. “We are lucky to have him. He is very connected in the baseball world and will bring a great group of young men in right away.
Jeff hails from Eugene, Oregon where he played high school baseball at North Eugene High School. During his summers there, he played for the Eugene Challengers and then continued on at Lane Community College. Jeff established his own team The Eugene Night Hawks. The organization focused on current college players and past college and professional players. In five seasons, the team won three championships, two state championships, a regional title, and placed at the national tournament.
Jeff and his wife, Xochitl have six energetic and very busy daughters: Mili, Musiq, Jay, McCain, Ripken and Catcher. Outside of baseball, Jeff loves to hunt, fish, travel and spend time outdoors.
“I am beyond excited and blessed to join the staff and community at Warner Pacific University,” Bard said. “Adding baseball at Warner Pacific fills a void for college baseball in the city of Portland. I look forward to building a successful baseball program and providing a great opportunity to many student-athletes, their families, and our fans. We expect many great seasons as we grow in faith, in community, and as a team.”