BASEBALL

2007 will mark John D'Auria's 25th season with the Caltech baseball program and his 17th as head coach. He spent seven seasons as assistant coach (1983-89) before taking over the head coaching position in 1990.

In addition to his coaching duties, D'Auria teaches physical-education classes including golf, volleyball, and baseball, and also oversees the intramural sport programs at Caltech.

Beginning at age 18, D'Auria played two seasons as a pitcher in the Detroit Tigers minor-league system. He was then drafted by the U.S. Army, and following his stint in the military, he returned to the Southland to earn a BS in sociology from Cal State Los Angeles in 1974. He later earned a master's in physical education from Azusa Pacific.

D'Auria resides in Sierra Madre with his wife, Kathy, son Cody, and twins Guy and Amy.

What is important to you as a coach, and what do you like about the job?
It is important to me as a coach that my players always give 100 percent, whether it is at practice or in a game. The other thing is that they improve individually--from the time they enter the program until the time they leave. If these two things are accomplished, then I am doing my job.

What is your philosophy on winning and losing?
My philosophy on winning and losing is probably much different than most coaches. Here at Caltech, competing is probably much more important than winning. In a perfect world, I would win more games than I lose, but here at Tech, that is highly improbable for my baseball team. We play hard and do our best, and however the game comes out, it is not from our lack of effort.

What do you like about being at Caltech?
Caltech is a very unique place that puts a huge amount of emphasis on academics. Being a coach here, I offer the student athletes a way to escape the pressure and rigors of academic life for a short time, on a daily basis. I enjoy the interaction with my players. They actually help put things into perspective, in terms of what is important and what is not. I have kept in touch with many of my players after they have graduated from Caltech, and it is always rewarding to hear how their lives have progressed.

What sports did or do you play?
As a young man I played basketball and baseball. I signed a professional contract with the Detroit Tigers when I was 18 years old. At present, I still like to play competitive racquetball and recreational golf.

Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite athlete is and always will be Muhammad Ali. He was a person that was a true champion and stood up for what he believed, no matter the consequences. He never thought of himself as a role model, but he was to me.

What are your hobbies and interests? What do you do in your spare time?
I still have two teenagers in the house, and they both play sports. My son plays baseball, and my daughter swims, both at Pasadena High School. I like to go watch them compete whenever I can. I also like to play golf in my spare time. And my wife and I go to the theater (Pasadena Playhouse) as much as possible.

If you won $10 million in the lottery, what would you do with the rest of your life?
I would probably travel with my family to many places in the world, and would go first class all the way! I would also play golf at all the courses I couldn't afford before the $10 million!