Fenster Named USA Baseball Coach Educator of the Year
Dec 23 | Baseball
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Darren Fenster, the Rutgers baseball all-time hits leader, was named Coach Educator of the Year by USA Baseball. The New Jersey native is the first winner of the award.
"Fenster draws upon his professional baseball career as a player and coach to provide unique and insightful educational content for the Sport Development Blog," the USA Baseball press release cites. "Titled FUNdamental Skills Friday, his contributions assist coaches, parents and leagues in developing young players and improving their experience within the game of baseball."
A two-time All-America shortstop and four-year starter for the Scarlet Knights (1997-2000), Fenster is a member of the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame. He holds the program records for hits (315), doubles (65), at bats (818) and single-season hits (101 in 2000).
As a senior in 2000, Fenster was a consensus First Team All-American, hitting .433. That year, Rutgers posted its first-ever 40-win season and was ranked as high as No. 14 nationally. The 2000 Big East Player of the Year, NCBWA District II Player of the Year and captain and MVP of a team that featured three future Major Leaguers and a first round draft choice, Fenster was also a finalist for the prestigious Dick Howser Trophy, presented annually to the nation's top collegiate player. Drafted in the 12th round by the Kansas City Royals in 2000, Fenster advanced to the Double-A level in the Royals' system before he suffered a career-ending injury.
Following his playing days, Fenster returned to Rutgers to become director of baseball operations for head coach Fred Hill and helped the program win the 2007 Big East title. He then became an assistant coach for RU before moving to the professional level.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding baseball, follow the program on Twitter (@RutgersBaseball), Instagram (@rutgersbaseball) and Facebook (/BaseballRU). For additional updates, please download the Scarlet Knights App via the app store or play store.
"Fenster draws upon his professional baseball career as a player and coach to provide unique and insightful educational content for the Sport Development Blog," the USA Baseball press release cites. "Titled FUNdamental Skills Friday, his contributions assist coaches, parents and leagues in developing young players and improving their experience within the game of baseball."
Fenster has been with the Boston Red Sox organization since 2012 and was promoted to minor league outfield and baserunning coordinator last January. He started off as the hitting coach at A Greenville before taking over as manager for Gulf Coast League Red Sox (2013), A Greenville (2014-17) and Double-A Portland (2018).Thank you, @USABaseball! It's an absolute privilege to be a part of an organization who shares so much passion for growing our game. https://t.co/Tomi8MnruA
— Darren Fenster (@CoachYourKids) December 22, 2019
A two-time All-America shortstop and four-year starter for the Scarlet Knights (1997-2000), Fenster is a member of the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame. He holds the program records for hits (315), doubles (65), at bats (818) and single-season hits (101 in 2000).
As a senior in 2000, Fenster was a consensus First Team All-American, hitting .433. That year, Rutgers posted its first-ever 40-win season and was ranked as high as No. 14 nationally. The 2000 Big East Player of the Year, NCBWA District II Player of the Year and captain and MVP of a team that featured three future Major Leaguers and a first round draft choice, Fenster was also a finalist for the prestigious Dick Howser Trophy, presented annually to the nation's top collegiate player. Drafted in the 12th round by the Kansas City Royals in 2000, Fenster advanced to the Double-A level in the Royals' system before he suffered a career-ending injury.
Following his playing days, Fenster returned to Rutgers to become director of baseball operations for head coach Fred Hill and helped the program win the 2007 Big East title. He then became an assistant coach for RU before moving to the professional level.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. For specific updates regarding baseball, follow the program on Twitter (@RutgersBaseball), Instagram (@rutgersbaseball) and Facebook (/BaseballRU). For additional updates, please download the Scarlet Knights App via the app store or play store.
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