In his 39th season in the William Paterson dugout in 2019, assistant coach
Bob Lauterhahn has been an integral part of the Pioneers’ baseball triumphs during the last four decades.
Just how respected is Lauterhahn? On Nov. 15, 2004, he became the only assistant coach to ever be inducted into the William Paterson University Alumni Association Athletic Hall of Fame.
Lauterhahn has helped the Pioneers capture two NCAA Division III national championships (1992, 1996), seven World Series appearances (1982, 1985, 1988, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1999), 16 NCAA Tournament berths (1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999) and 11 New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Tournament titles (1982, 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997).
Through the years, Lauterhahn has consistently shown the ability to impart his knowledge of the game to pitchers and position players alike due to his dynamic personality, a trait that has helped attract several standouts to play at Jeff Albies Field. His pointers helped Bryan Graham capture the 2003 NJAC Player of the Year award en route to being selected by the Kansas City Royals in the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. In addition to Graham, his teaching helped Jack Lipari earn all-America honors in 2001, and has been integral to the development of all-NJAC outfielders Brian Gelalia, Rick Pignatello, Mike Abate and all-American Mike Guadango.
Part of Lauterhahn’s legacy extends to his two sons, Mike and Dan, the latter of whom was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004 along with Bob. Mike, now in his 12th season as the Pioneers’ head coach, played center field for the Pioneers from 1993-94 and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs. Dan manned second base from 1995-97 and was picked by the Detroit Tigers.
Off the diamond, Lauterhahn is one of the most respected high school basketball officials in the state. He has officiated the renowned Primetime Shootout in Trenton, which showcases the nation’s top prep teams and players, including current NBA superstar LeBron James. He also helped create the Dan Finn Classic that features some of the best scholastic basketball teams in New Jersey, along the East Coast and in Canada. A member of the event’s Board of Trustees, Lauterhahn was enshrined on the Dan Finn Classic Wall of Fame at the 10th-annual event in 2014.
Lauterhahn and his wife, Gerrie, have one daughter, Erin, who is a 2011 graduate of William Paterson.