Conte to retire as Vulcans’ coach after 29 years
By John Sacco
For the Observer-Reporter
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
After 29 seasons, PennWest California University baseball coach Mike Conte has announced his retirement, which will be effective in August, according to a University administrator.
Conte, coming off one his finest seasons as the Vulcans’ coach, one in which they advanced to the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference championship game and the NCAA Division II tournament, finished his career with an 802-548-4 record, a .596 winning percentage.
The Vulcans had a regular-season school record 38 wins in 2025 and went 38-15 overall and 19-8 in the PSAC.
Cal has had only three coaches since its inaugural season in 1960 – Mitch Bailey (1960-79), Chuck Gismondi (1980-1996) and Conte (1997-2025).
Conte was not immediately available for comment.
Dr. Karen Hjerpe said Saturday she had no indication of Conte’s retirement until he recently announced it.
“No, we had discussions with regards to when might be the time but he did not make a decision until, I would say, a week-and-a-half ago.”
Hjerpe added a successor could be named Wednesday.
“We have some things in place and will be ready to make an announcement then,” Hjerpe said.
As for Conte, Hjerpe said he’s difficult to replace,
“He’s ethical. He’s fair. I think he’s so well respected by his peers within the coaching community,” Hjerpe said. “I know he has great friends within the conference. But you know when he steps on the field, you’re going to have a quality team in front of you. You know they’re going to be respectful to the other team in how they play and what they say.
“He’s difficult to replace. He’s just built such a tradition and an impacted so many lives of the student-athletes. The ones who leave, transfer, graduate or who don’t want to play anymore are always so complementary of him and his coaching style.”
Prior to becoming head coach, Conte served as an assistant coach to Gismondi, who set then-school records for wins and games coached.
A Brownsville native, Conte was a two-time all-conference outfielder at Virginia Tech. As a junior, he led the team with a .352 average and received an offer to play with the Baltimore Orioles. He finished his career and still ranks fifth in Virginia Tech history with 43 career home runs.
Following the 1989 college season, he was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 19th round and played five seasons in the A’s minor-league system before retiring.
Conte resides in California with his wife Jamie. The couple have four children – Louden, Jessie, Payton and Nina – and a grandchild.