Mike Weathers announced his retirement at Long Beach State, effective at the end of the 2010 season. Long-time pitching coach Troy Buckley, back this year from a brief sabbatical in pro ball with the Pirates organization, will take over as the Dirtbags' head coach at the end of the season.

The 49ers peaked under Weathers earlier in the decade, going to back-to-back Super Regionals in 2003-2004, losing to Stanford and Arizona. They produced a string of first-round picks who have become major leaguers as well, led by righthander Jered Weaver (2004, when he was the College Player of the Year), shortstop Troy Tulowitzki (2005) and third baseman Evan Longoria (2006).

However, the last two years have produced disappointing results. Weathers had his first losing season at the Beach last year at 25-29, and this year's club is just 21-23 heading into tomorrow's meeting with Southern California. Weathers has a 309-198 record in this his 10th season as head coach, after nine seasons as an assistant to Dave Snow.

“After 18 years at Long Beach State, nine as an assistant and nine as head coach, I feel it is time to step aside and let someone else lead the program,” Weathers said in a press release. “I’ve wanted to spend more time with my wife, Charlotte, my daughters and my grandson and this will allow me to do that. I’m anxious to start the next stage of my life and I am excited to continue to watch the Dirtbags compete for championships.”

Buckley coached under Weathers from 2002-2007 and coached eight pitchers who went on to pitch in the majors in that span. He was a catcher at Santa Clara and was the 1988 West Coast Conference player of the year before an eight-year pro career. This will be his first head coaching experience.