CLOSING TIME
He’s been head man of UNM baseball for past 14 years
UNM baseball head man Ray Birmingham will quit coaching after the 2021 season
Ray Birmingham has spent 43 years building baseball programs in New Mexico. He’s decided that’s long enough.
The University of New Mexico’s 14-year coach made it official Sunday that he’ll retire at the end of this season. UNM announced Birmingham’s decision on social media and on its athletic website. A media conference is scheduled for Monday at Santa Ana Star Field.
Birmingham has posted a 406-320-4 record with the Lobos and led them to five NCAA Regionals appearances, four Mountain West regular-season championships and three conference tournament titles. Prior to Birmingham’s arrival, UNM’s lone NCAA appearance was in 1962.
Neither Birmingham nor UNM athletic director Eddie Nuñez were available for comment Sunday evening. Birmingham, 66, had recently been weighing his coaching future. UNM offered to extend Birmingham’s contract, which expires this year, but he opted for retirement instead.
“I want to thank the people of New Mexico for being so good to me for so long,” Birmingham said in a release. “I have always believed that New Mexico kids can do just as much as anybody else in the country, and I have committed my entire life to prove that and helping them prove that. I have always believed in leaving it better than you found it, and I feel good that I have done that.”
Birmingham recently won his 400th game at UNM, where he has amassed a 406-320-4 record. He also coached at Mayfield High School, University of the Southwest and New Mexico Junior College. His overall collegiate record, 1,224-658-6, includes the most wins in New Mexico history. Birmingham coached NMJC to a JUCO World Series championship in 2005.
Birmingham, who recently noted his coaching career began “when Jimmy Carter was president,” is responsible for vastly upgrading UNM’s baseball facilities. He oversaw construction of the $2.4 million R.D. and Joan Dale Hubbard Clubhouse and spearheaded the additions of stadium lighting, artificial playing surface, new scoreboard and expanded grandstands to Santa Ana Star Field.