Baseball
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
- Email:
- Jon.Strauss@csulb.edu
Jon Strauss, a Long Beach State alumnus and member of the 1993 College World Series team, returned to his alma mater in July 2025 to join TJ Bruce's coaching staff. With more than 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, Strauss brings a decorated résumé highlighted by player development, NCAA postseason success, and a deep legacy within the Dirtbags program.
Strauss spent the 2025 season as the pitching coach at CSUN before rejoining Long Beach State for his fourth coaching stint. He previously served on the Dirtbags' staff from 1995–2000, in 2006, and again from 2008–09, helping the program to three Big West Conference titles, three NCAA Tournament appearances, and a third-place finish at the 1998 College World Series. In 2008 alone, five of his pitchers were selected in the first five rounds of the MLB Draft, including Big West Pitcher of the Year Andrew Liebel.
From 2016 to 2022, Strauss was the pitching coach at Baylor University, guiding the Bears to three consecutive NCAA Regional appearances (2017–2019). His 2017 staff featured All-American closer Troy Montemayor and Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Montana Parsons. Under his leadership, Baylor posted the Big 12’s lowest ERA in 2018, and Cody Bradford earned Pitcher of the Year honors. In total, five Baylor pitchers received All-Big 12 recognition, and three—Bradford, Kyle Hill, and Luke Boyd—were selected in the MLB Draft.
Prior to Baylor, Strauss spent six seasons (2010–15) at Pepperdine as pitching coach and recruiting coordinator. During that tenure, he helped the Waves claim two West Coast Conference regular-season titles, two WCC Tournament championships, three NCAA Regional appearances, and a Super Regional berth. Twelve of his pitchers were drafted during that time.
Strauss’s coaching journey also includes roles at San José State, Loyola Marymount, and a highly successful head coaching run at Glendale College, where he compiled a 66–25 record, won two league titles, and was twice named Western State Conference Coach of the Year.
Over the course of his career, 65 pitchers coached by Strauss have signed professional contracts.
A former catcher, Strauss played for the Dirtbags from 1993 to 1994 after beginning his college career at College of the Canyons. He was selected by the New York Yankees and played one season in their minor league system. He earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from Long Beach State in 1996.
Known for his analytical approach, mechanical expertise, and emphasis on player relationships, Strauss has been a high-end recruiter and respected figure in college baseball circles. His return adds deep roots, experience, and energy to one of the nation’s premier college baseball brands—Dirtbag Baseball.
