Nike Baseball Camp Simpson University

Highlighting Tating’s fourth campaign as head coach in 2021, the Red Hawks made their first postseason appearance in over 10 years. Capping off the 2021 season, Simpson won their first game in the Cal Pac conference tourney in an extra inning, walk-off victory over Providence Christian, 10-9. Accolades followed the postseason appearance, with 7 Red Hawks earning conference honors. Senior outfielder Nathan Minami and freshman relief pitcher Dylan Cabral earned spots on the Cal Pac All-Conference Team. Damien Chavez, Shane Ogata, and Logan Gomes were honorable mentions on the All-Conference Team. Sam Nakata earned a spot on the 2021 Rawlings All-Defensive Team for his efforts at first base.

The Red Hawks’ 2020 season, Tating’s third at the helm, was the most successful season in Simpson Baseball history. The COVID-19 global pandemic halted a historic season in which Tating led the Red Hawks to a 15-12 record, the first winning baseball season in Simpson history. Simpson finished 6-2 in Cal Pac conference play, one game out of first place. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, end-of-year awards were not given, but the shortened season provided many highlights for Tating and the Red Hawks. A 4-1 win against NCAA D2 Holy Names University was capped by a 7-inning shutout, 11 strikeout performance from pitcher Damien Awai. The Red Hawks won 12 of their last 15, fueled by an eight game win streak. All-Conference worthy production came from:

Nathan Minami OF .415 BA, 6 2B, 3 3B, HR, 12 R

Christopher Brue 1B/DH .270 BA, 5 2B, 7 HR, 19 RBI

Josh Hernandez INF.441 BA, 1 2B

Jerry Zurita OF.387 BA, 4 2B, HR

Andre Alvarez C .328 BA, 4 2B, HR, 12 RBI

Colin Bovee RHP 2-0 W-L 2.51 ERA

Damien Awai RHP 3-1 W-L 3.61 ERA 57 Ks

Damien Awai’s 57 strikeouts placed him ninth in the nation for the NAIA.

In 2019, Tating began his first full season as Simpson University’s head baseball coach. The Red Hawk’s finished 19-24 with 19 wins being the third most in program history. The .441 winning percentage was the highest in program history, until his 2020 campaign. A 9-0 win against NCAA D2 #6 nationally ranked Chico State was the sign of good things to come. Cal Pac All-Conference Honorable Mentions were awarded to outfielder Creed Smith and pitcher Cody Coggins. All-Conference Gold Glove Awards were named with outfielder Nathan Minami earning one with his play in left field.

Tating took over as the interim head coach five games into the 2018 season. Tating led the Red Hawks to 17 wins, fourth most in program history. The season ended with multiple student-athletes garnering individual awards. Outfielder Nathan Minami earned Cal Pac Freshman of the Year honors and Derick Kuhn was placed on the Cal Pac All-Conference Team. Cal Pac All-Conference Honorable Mentions were given to Michael Carlos, Thomas Ahlstrom, and Nathan Minami.

Prior to taking over as head coach, Tating starting as the head assistant coach and recruiting coordinator in June of 2014. After a dismal 1-43 season ended in May of 2014, Tating helped recruit a 2015 class that won 12 games and set the foundation for continuing success. The 2017 Red Hawks won 18 games, third most in program history.

During Tating’s tenure, the Red Hawks have earned 24 Cal Pac and Cascade Conference Honors along with 11 Player of the Week Awards. Tating also has guided 4 Red Hawks in playing professionally.

Prior to coaching baseball collegiately, Tating had 15 years of coaching high school athletics, mostly at NSCIF powerhouse Foothill High School in Redding, CA. Tating also started and run the Shasta County Sun Devils travel baseball program and 6T Baseball Training and Development Facility.

Tating is currently the Director of Athletics at Simpson University, which he started in April of 2021 after an Interim Director of Athletics role from May 2020 to Sept 2020.

Tating earned his BS in Mathematics from California State University Chico and holds an MA in Education from Simpson University. He resides in Dairyville, CA with his wife, Veronica, and son, Brevin. Brevin will be graduating as the Valedictorian from Los Molinos High School in June of 2022. Dan and Veronica’s son, Dominic, lives in San Francisco and will be graduating from San Francisco State University with a BS in Structural Engineering in December of 2022.