Delgado’s Scheuermann closes in on landmark win

He could have departed 25 years ago for a Division I head coaching job, but he’s glad he stayed. Delgado baseball coach Joe Scheuermann is now 32 wins shy of 1,000.

“Not many junior college baseball coaches get 1,000 wins,” said Scheuermann. “That all of those wins are at Delgado, makes it even more special.”

Scheuermann picked up his 968th victory on Sunday, an 11-5 win over Baton Rouge Community College. The victory clinched the Dolphins’ 12th regional championship in 13 seasons.

Delgado advances to the Southwest regional championship next weekend in Oklahoma. If the Dolphins survive there, they reach the Junior College World Series for the fourth time in five seasons.

Scheuermann said he never considered leaving Delgado. He followed his late father, New Orleans baseball legend Louis “Rags” Scheuermann, as Delgado’s head coach. His wife, mother, two children and his two sisters are fixtures at Kirsch-Rooney Stadium.

For years, their story was one of anonymity, but televised baseball has helped change that. 

On a recent SEC telecast of LSU baseball, the announcers mentioned that the Tigers’ Brandt Broussard played junior college baseball at Delgado.

“After that, I received 12 to 14 emails from players who wanted to know more about our program,” said Scheuermann.

He said what he told them is that he is fair but demanding.

“I am a brutally honest guy to play for,” said Scheuermann. “The new generation doesn’t get coaching. They think it is criticism.”

If you have to wear your hair long, you probably won’t work at Delgado.

“Your hair can’t touch the collar, and it can’t curl,” said Scheuermann.

And, no facial hair is allowed. If your beard is two to three days old, you will be told to shave.

“If it works for the New York Yankees, it works for us,” said Scheuermann.

Scheuermann said he demands commitment, dedication and discipline. It also helps to have pitching. Scheuermann said he has five to seven arms that “don’t give me any worries.” He said in the past, that number has been one or two.

Scheuermann said the NCAA limiting Division I baseball rosters to 35 has helped programs such as his.

“The local baseball community is understanding that junior college baseball is now an option,” said Scheuermann.

Scheuermann said he is often asked how long does he plan to coach? He laughs.

“I’m only 55,” said Scheuermann. “But I look old.”

Ed Daniels is sports director of ABC26 WGNO. He can be reached at [email protected].