Pat Lightle is entering his ninth season with the Falcons in 2020-21. He is the 13th head coach in the history of one of Messiah University's oldest sports programs, as the Falcons' competition on the diamond dating back to 1965.
In his first six seasons with the Falcons he's accumulated a conference record of 64-57 with three MAC Commonwealth Tournament appearances (2014, 2015, 2016).
In 2017 the Falcons went just 16-21 overall, but Messiah won eight conference games and also earned an upset of then-No. 1 ranked Shenandoah University, 4-1.
For Lightle, the appointment at Messiah represented a return to the collegiate dugout, as he’d spent the better part of 15 years working primarily in corporate business executive leadership positions as well as business ownership.
“For many of the student-athletes at Messiah, they will move into some aspect of business after they graduate,” Lightle said. “I believe I've had experiences that I can pass on to the players, lessons that can be valuable for them to learn.”
Even more so, Lightle arrived at Messiah with an impressive background in the nation's pastime sport. Coaching wise, Lightle helped lead Bristol University to a National Small College Athletic Association National Championship in 1994. Impressively, the Bulldogs shut out all their opponents in that year's championship series.
Prior to his appointment at Bristol, Lightle worked for four years as the Associate Head Coach at Coastal Carolina University (S.C.). The Chanticleers won four Big South regular season titles, two Big South Tournament Championships, and made two trips to the NCAA Regionals over that stretch.
Lightle also spent two years as the Head Coach of the Southwestern Michigan College Baseball program where he compiled an 80-37 record making two regional appearances during his term. Lightle was named Regional Coach of the Year in 1988 with his team ranking high in several national categories.
Lightle's coaching career started in the summer of 1985 when he joined the program at Eastern Kentucky University as a graduate assistant. Under Jim Ward, at the time one of the winningest NCAA Division I coaches, Lightle was groomed to be a mentor type leader.
Lightle also has 7 years of professional scouting experience with the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates.
“I'm really excited to be at Messiah, honestly there is no place I would rather be,” Lightle said. “Knowing what Messiah stands for, their athletic traditions, and the incredible people here, Messiah really is a special place.”
The well-rounded nature of Messiah was a main attraction for Lightle to the institution, as the Falcons' programs are highly regarded across the NCAA in measures of both success and character.
“The opportunity to work with the student-athletes, developing them as both baseball players and young men is what drew me to Messiah,” Lightle said. “The faith-based, Christian component of Messiah's identity is also of great importance to me, as it allows us to keep the game of baseball in good perspective.”
The coaching staff is dedicated to building a successful long term program. Lightle believes that “to have a high level of success, and sustain that success, we have to think of Messiah Baseball as a cooperative effort with everyone working together to achieve common goals.” He stresses that the ABC’s of the program (Academics, Baseball and Christ) are the foundation to building the program and feels that all three components are to be treated with equal importance.
Lightle strives to demonstrate a strong level of mentor leadership for his players. His mission is to assist and guide them in the classroom and encourage their spiritual growth so that each player will reach their fullest potential. When asked what he hopes to accomplish at Messiah, Lightle says, “In the end, the true measurement of our success will not be only in wins and losses, but also in the success our players achieve in the classroom, in life after graduation and in the way they live their lives as a witness for Christ.”
Despite an abbreviated 2021 schedule due to COVID-19, Lightle led the Falcons to the MAC Commonwealth playoffs with an overall record of 12-16-1, while leading three players to MAC All-Conference honors (Trent Culver, Jarod Bingaman, Kasey Caras).
Pat and his wife, Terri, have one daughter, Kaitlin, who was married in the summer of 2012.
Last updated: 8/20/20