Calvin University Men's Baseball

Year Record MIAA Finish 2025 23-18 15-6 (2nd) MIAA Tournament First Round Total 23-18 15-6 Calvin University named Joel Schipper (pronounced SKIP-PER) its new head baseball coach on Monday, July 1, 2024, and enters his second season in 2026.   Schipper took over the program from Kevin Van Duyn, who announced his retirement from coaching in May after five seasons as the head baseball coach. In his debut season in 2025, Schipper led the Knights to a 23-18 record and a second place finish in the MIAA thanks to a 15-6 conference record. Duringt he season, the Knights set new program marks for the most triples (19) and stolen bases (97) while falling just one strikeout short (304) of that program pitching record.   Prior to taking the head coaching position at Calvin, Schipper spent the last three seasons as the head baseball coach at Hastings College (Neb.). Schipper also was an assistant coach at Davenport in 2021 and spent two seasons as an assistant coach under Van Duyn at Calvin in 2019 and 2020.   A Grand Rapids native, Schipper is looking forward to returning to Calvin and taking over the program from his mentor and former boss.   "Six years ago, Coach Van Duyn hired me as one of his assistant coaches and I am grateful for all he taught me," Schipper said. "Returning to Grand Rapids, my hometown, is very special to me. Calvin University's rich athletic tradition and commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics deeply resonate with my coaching philosophy. The opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of Calvin's baseball program, while reconnecting with the community and high school coaches I've long admired, is incredibly exciting."   Hired in August of 2021 to run the baseball program at Hastings, Schipper led the team as it improved its win total in each of his three seasons, including a 14-win campaign in 2024. Under Schipper’s leadership, Bronco baseball had 13 all-conference players, 23 NAIA Scholar-Athletes and four CoSIDA Academic All-District honorees. This past season, James Velasquez finished with an ERA of 1.71 which makes him the second player in school history to break an ERA of 2.00. Velasquez finished the year ranked No. 2 in the NAIA in ERA.   He earned that head coaching opportunity after three seasons as an assistant coach at Davenport (2021) and Calvin (2019-20). At Davenport, Schipper worked as a coach and recruiting assistant as the Panthers won both the GLIAC regular season and tournament championships.   During his two seasons at Calvin, Schipper worked with outfielders and base runners. He also coached third base during games and incorporated a faith-based program into team activities to foster spiritual and personal growth and cohesion among players.   As a player, Schipper was a two-sport standout at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), where he played both baseball and football. On the diamond, Schipper appeared in 77 games (36 starts) in three seasons and hit .321 as a junior. GVSU won the GLIAC championship in each of his three seasons as a player.   On the football field, Schipper was the Lakers' starting kicker for four seasons (2013-16 – 54 consecutive starts), made 49 field goal attempts and ended his career as the 2nd leading scorer in GVSU football history. During his four years with the program, GVSU made two Final Four appearances (2013 and 2015) and another Elite Eight appearance (2016). He graduated from GVSU in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in physical education and sports leadership. He later earned his master's degree in recreation and sport sciences from Ohio University in 2021.   A Grand Rapids Christian High School alum, Schipper played baseball, football and soccer and earned All-State honors in all three sports during his high school career. He was part of three state championship teams (baseball in 2012 and 2013, and football in 2012).   While he was playing at GVSU, Schipper started his coaching career at Diamonds Sports Academy in Grand Rapids. As both a head coach and instructor, Schipper worked with the program from 2014-2021.   Schipper was hired following a national search in which he separated himself from others with his energy and enthusiasm for baseball and Calvin's culture.   "I am thrilled that Coach Schipper has agreed to become our next head baseball coach," Calvin Director of Athletics Dr. Jim Timmer said. "His passion and enthusiasm for baseball, building player relationships, and Christian higher education make him a great fit at Calvin."   As he enters his new position, Schipper is thankful for the opportunity at Calvin, as well as his experience at Hastings that prepared him for his new job.   "I am honored to accept the position at Calvin University," Schipper said. "I want to thank Dr. Timmer and the entire hiring committee for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to lead the baseball program. I would also like to acknowledge BJ Pumroy and Chris Clements from Hastings College for their support and the opportunities provided during my tenure. I look forward to integrating my faith and passion for baseball as we seek to take the Calvin baseball program to new heights."

Hired as Calvin Baseball Graduate Assistant and Recruiting Coordinator in summer of 2025. Assisting with Recruiting, primary catching, assistant hitting and defense coach. Played collegiate baseball for 4 years, 2 at Volunteer State CC in Gallatin, TN and 2 at Earlham College in Richmond, IN. Playing career consisted of being a utility player spending a majority of time in the Outfield and played corner infield. Spends summers in Cincinnati Coaching Midland Baseball serving as Head Coach. Accolades include: TCCAA 2nd team all academics and All Academic excellence 2023 - 2024 and 2024 - 2025, and Kathryn Weber-Wendell M. Stanley Senior Scholar-Athlete Award - 2025. Graduated from Earlham College with a degree in History. Pursuing MBA at Calvin. Graduated from Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Joined Calvin coaching staff as assistant coach in summer of 2024 Worked two seasons as pitching coach at Grand Rapids Community College in 2023-24 GRCC went 43-2 in conference playing during Clark's two seasons In 2023, the pitching staff led the conference in ERA (2.45) and WHIP (0.99); in 2024, GRCC finished with a team ERA of 3.04 Worked as an instructor at Diamonds Sports Training Academy four years, including two years as the pitching director Played collegiate baseball at Davenport University, where he helped the program to back-to-back GLIAC titles and an NCAA Division II Regional appearance Graduated from Davenport with a degree in sports management Graduated of Grandville High School

Hired as Calvin baseball assistant in the summer of 2024 Began his coaching career as a varsity assistant baseball coach at Zeeland West in 2023-24, helping the program to back-to-back 20+ wins Played collegiate baseball for five seasons at Wayne State University Member of Wayne State Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Wayne State Member of Athletic Director's Honor Roll in 2018, 19, 20 and 22, and Coach's Honor Roll in 2018, 2019 and 21. Graduated from Wayne State with bachelor's degree in business management with a minor in sports management Graduate of Byron Center High School, where he was a three-year varsity letterwinner and a two-time team captain All-conference and All-Region selection in 2015, 16 and 17 Hit .398 with 15 doubles and 30 RBI as a senior at Byron Center HS

Jim Schipper joins the Calvin University Baseball program as a Volunteer Assistant Coach, Director of Baseball Operations under head coach, Joel Schipper. The Middleville native was a two-sport athlete at Calvin. He played basketball for Ed Douma. During his junior season, he led the Knights to a league championship and was named the MVP of the MIAA. In his junior and senior seasons, his teams made the NCAA tournament. In baseball, he played for Jeff Pettinga. During his freshman season, he led the Knights to a league championship and a berth in the NCAA tournament. For over 25 years, Jim has been officiating college basketball and currently officiates NCAA D1 men’s basketball. He is the owner of Schipper & Osterink, a local wealth management firm. Schipper and his wife, Leah (Calvin class of ’87), enjoy sports, traveling and spending time with their children, Joel and Carlyn.