Bobby Pierce
Bio
A Marianna, Florida native, Bobby Pierce returns to Chipola where his hall of fame coaching career began to join Coach Jeff Johnson's staff as Assistant Coach. In 1982, Pierce was named the Head Coach at then, Chipola Junior College following his graduation from the University of Alabama. At the age of 23, he became the youngest head coach in Florida junior college history and led the Indians to the Florida Junior College Championship. His team finished his first season with a record of 41-15 and Pierce was named Panhandle Conference and Florida Junior College Coach of the Year. Chipola won four Panhandle Conference championships, earned five state tournament berths, with one title, and won 40 or more games four times under Pierce. In addition, more than 75 percent of his players signed scholarships at four-year institutions, more than 95 percent of which eventually earned their degrees. In seven seasons, Pierce’s squads at Chipola posted a 259-95 overall record.
 
University of Alabama
After the 1989 season, Pierce returned to his alma mater as Alabama’s top assistant coach. In five years, he served as recruiting coordinator, coached the offense and outfielders, served as third base coach, and coordinated the program’s summer camps. During his stay, Pierce coached his first Division I All-American, outfielder Joe Vitiello, who went on to enjoy a seven-year career in the Major Leagues. Vitiello was one of 16 players from Alabama to advance into professional baseball during Pierce’s time there.
 
UAH
After five seasons as an assistant coach, Pierce was named the first head baseball coach at the University of Alabama-Huntsville (UAH). In a short time, Pierce established himself, and the Charger baseball program, as one of the best in the nation. Pierce coached several All-Conference, All-Region and All-American players while at UAH and 10 players went on to have professional careers after playing at UAH. Pierce served on the Division II All-America Committee in each of his last two years at UAH. During his time in Huntsville, Pierce posted a 276-108 record in seven seasons. He guided the Chargers to the 2001 Gulf South Conference title and four NCAA regional tournament appearances after founding the program in 1995. His squads also won three GSC East Division crowns and advanced to the conference tournament championship game four times. He was named the GSC’s 2001 Coach of the Year after helping the Chargers finish 41-17 and earn a top 10 national ranking.
 
Troy University
Pierce coached for 13 years at Troy University, where he became the school's all-time winningest coach. Pierce retired as head coach at Troy in 2015 after winning four regular season conference titles (Atlantic Sun- 2005; Sun Belt- 2006, 2011, 2013) and one Sun Belt Conference tournament title (2006) while posting a record of 450-313. He coached Troy to multiple winning seasons, including three 40+ win seasons. Pierce also led the program to four NCAA Regionals (2006, 2007, 2011, 2013). Of the four NCAA Regionals that the Trojans played in under Pierce, the final one in 2013 might be the most memorable. Troy defeated Pierce’s alma mater, Alabama, twice, including a walk-off walk to eliminate the Crimson Tide and send Troy to the Regional Final against Florida State. In his 13 seasons with the Trojans, Pierce produced six consecutive seasons with a national award winner, had 15 All-Americans, 3 Academic All-Americans, and sent 29 players on to professional baseball. 
 
Playing Career
Pierce was no stranger to Troy when he arrived as head coach in 2003. He originally enrolled at Troy as a freshman in the fall of 1977 before transferring to South Florida Community College in January 1978. He played the 1979 season at Wallace Community College in Dothan and then signed with the University of Alabama in 1980. As a senior co-captain in 1981, Pierce set numerous school records as an All-SEC outfielder. Pierce was honored after his playing career by being named to the Crimson Tide’s All-Century team.
 
Hall of Fame Inductions
In January 2010, Pierce was honored by his peers for his career of dedication to the sport of baseball with induction into the Alabama Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. He entered the Troy Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015 with Mrs. Betty Riddle, wife of Troy legendary coach, Chase Riddle. In 2018, Pierce was inducted into the Troy University Sports Hall of Fame.

Pierce is married to the former Kay Walls of Chipley, Florida. The couple have three children, Lance (Lindsay), Lauren Brooks (Beau) and Logan (Brittany). They also have six grandchildren - Park, Kullen, Palmer, Brody, Maddie Grace, & Kash.