SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco baseball head coach Nino Giarratano reached another career milestone over the weekend – his second in as many seasons – earning the 600th victory of his career as an NCAA head coach when the Dons took two of three games from preseason No. 2 UCLA on the road.
 
When the 2020 season was cut short, Giarratano was left two wins away from the mark at 598. The Dons were hitting their stride in mid-March when the season came screeching to a halt. They had won back-to-back games, six of seven, and seven of their last nine. And after winning the 900th game of his overall head coaching career (junior college and NCAA) on Feb. 18, 2020, reaching the 600 NCAA wins mark seemed inevitable.
 
And yet, it appeared improbable that the USF skipper would get it to start the 2021 season, with a road trip to the No. 2 team in the country on the schedule.
 
But nothing is impossible.
 
"I think I'll always remember this one," said Giarratano on Sunday. "I won't have a problem recollecting I was at UCLA on a Sunday to win the series."
 
The Dons beat the No. 2 Bruins, 6-2, in Friday's opener, then came from behind twice on Sunday to beat them, clinch the series, and hand Giarratano another major career achievement.
 
"I know people make a big deal out of the 600 victories, but I like to make it about the kids," said Giarratano. "I'd really like them to get the recognition they deserve for beating UCLA."
 
He becomes the 54th active NCAA Division I head coach to reach the 600-wins plateau. He stands as the winningest head coach in USF baseball history, earning that distinction in 2009 with his 374th career Division I win. He won his 500th career game on May 12, 2016, with a 6-5 walk-off win over BYU. He is one of only two active head coaches in the West Coast Conference (Rich Hill, San Diego) who have at least 600 career wins.
 
"I'm really grateful for the opportunity to represent USF and the former players and alumni and the current players," said Giarratano. "Really fortunate to have an opportunity to coach kids and coach kids for a long time."
 
Giarratano also won 310 games during a very successful junior college coaching career from 1989-96. His head coaching career began at Trinidad State Junior College in Trinidad, Colo., where he was named the National Junior College Coach of the Year three times and took his team to the NJCAA World Series in all five of his years. Giarratano went 233-76 (.730) while at Trinidad State. He later moved to Yavapai Community College in Prescott, Ariz., from 1995-96, where he sent 25 players to the professional ranks in just two seasons and compiled a record of 77-36.

Giarratano's right-hand man and associate head coach, Troy Nakamura, has been with him during his entire 23-year tenure at the University of San Francisco. He joined Giarratano's staff during the first year of his tenure, after Nakamura had graduated from USF.

"Naks has been with me for all 600 and I told him, 'It's gone fast,'" said Giarratano. "Really fortunate to do it, especially with him and the rest of my staff along for the ride."

What They're Saying about Nino Giarratano
 
Troy Nakamura, USF Associate Head Coach
"It has taken the collective effort of so many people to get to this impressive milestone. At the center of it all is an amazing leader, mentor, husband, father and friend. It has been and continues to be a blessing to witness the impact that Coach Giarratano has on the players that come through the program and in the USF community. Like the University's slogan, he is truly changing the world from here."

Mat Keplinger, USF Assistant Coach
"Coach G epitomizes leadership and dedication. His 600 wins is an incredible honor and achievement that solidifies his legacy as one of the best ever. But what makes Nino so special is that he does not let the wins define him. It is the thousands of players' lives touched that he has pushed towards greatness is what has always mattered most to him. I am incredibly happy for him and his family to share this milestone together."
 
Craig Gianinno, USF Director of Player Development
"What a wonderful accomplishment and milestone for a great leader, coach and an even better person. Coach Giarratano's passion, leadership, hunger and thirst for greatness inspires and empowers the entire USF program and community. Beyond his tremendous expertise of the game, to think about all the student-athletes over the years who have had the privilege and opportunity to learn and play for Coach Giarratano and not only be a part of such a special program, but around a person with so many outstanding personal qualities is a great blessing for the San Francisco community. He lives and breathes the values and mission of the University. We are all better because of Coach!"