Hannibal-LaGrange selects new coach to lead baseball team

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal-LaGrange University recently hired David Babcock as its head baseball coach. He comes to HLGU after being the head coach for three seasons at North Central University in Minneapolis, Minn.

In a press release, interim athletic director Clay Biggs said, “Coach Babcock is a perfect fit for our athletic department and the culture we are trying to build at HLGU. He is an accomplished coach and recruiter who has a Christ-centered mentality when it comes to leadership.”

In his first two years at NCU, Babcoci brought in the largest two recruiting classes in school history. Before taking the head job in 2019, he spent four years as an assistant coach at NCU, focusing on hitting and defense. During that time, the Rams improved in both batting average and fielding percentage.

Before becoming a part of the North Central coaching staff in 2015, Babcock played for the Rams for two seasons (2014 and 2015). He was twice selected for the all-conference honorable mention team both years. He was also awarded the UMAC Sportsmanship Award for North Central University in 2014. As a senior, Babcock was selected for the NCCAA All-North Central Region team. He was voted team captain.

Before moving to Minnesota to join the Rams, David played for Reedley College and West Hills College in California.

Babcock earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management from NCU and is completing a master’s degree in strategic leadership, which is scheduled to be completed in the summer semester of 2023. David married his wife, Jessica, in 2015. They have a daughter and a son.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to coach at HLGU,” Babcock said. “The campus is beautiful, and the people I have met so far have been very welcoming. It feels like a great fit for me, my wife and our kids. As for the baseball program, I am excited to work with our coaching staff to give our players a great college baseball experience and honor the Lord through serving HLGU and the Hannibal community.”