DOVER – Delaware State's, Jean-Paul Blandin, who served as the Head Baseball coach for 23 years, announced Friday that he will retire following the 2024 season.
"I would like to thank The DSU Community for accepting me as part of the Hornet Family over the past 25 years," Blandin said. "I will always be grateful for the opportunity to build relationships with the students, faculty, and administration and will always take much pride in saying that I will always be a Hornet!"
Blandin served as an assistant coach at the University of San Francisco in 1998. Blandin was also an undergraduate assistant at his alma mater, Wilmington (Del.) College, during the 1994 season. That year, Wilmington qualified for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) World Series in Des Moines, Iowa. As a player at Wilmington, Blandin help lead the 1992 Wildcats to a fourth-place finish in the 18-team NAIA World Series. He also earned a letter during the 1993 season.
"I would like to give a special thank you to Coach Tripp Keister for hiring me as his assistant baseball coach and former President Dr. Delauder for supporting me to take over as Head Coach back in the early 2000s."
"Also, to Dr. Alecia Shields-Gadson and President Allen for their support and work in finding the Hornet Baseball Program a new home in Downtown Dover and a new conference home in the NEC."
"Thank you for your unwavering commitment and countless memories on the diamond," said Dr. Alecia Shields-Gadson.
"You have been an inspiration over the years and we wish you well in your next stage of life's journey"
During the duration of the MEAC's sponsorship of baseball, Blandin had seven regular season MEAC championships, made three MEAC tournament Championship appearances, was a 2x time MEAC Coach of the Year, had four MEAC Players of the Year, two MEAC Pitchers of the Year, and two MEAC Rookies of the Year.
"To the Hornet Baseball supporters; specifically, Ramon Apellaniz for his continued support over the years. All of the assistant coaches, student-athletes, and parents for their support and service to the Hornet Baseball Program. I wish all of you great success, Joy, and Peace!!"
Blandin compiled a 259-159 = .620 winning percentage MEAC regular season play- through 2022 record. Two school records in wins and one tie (2001-37), (2002-40), (2012-40).
Throughout the seasons, Blandin had some NCAA statical leaders in scoring (2001), pitching(ERA) (2001), Stolen Bases (2013), Batting Average, and on-base percentage (2014). Blandin reached 500 career wins last year in a doubleheader sweep against Norfolk State.
Blandin coached seven players drafted into the MLB and two players who signed free agent MLB affiliated Contracts.
Coach Blandin is the winningest coach in the history of Delaware State athletics and has left his legacy at Delaware State University.
