Sept. 10, 2004

LOS ANGELES -- Former major league catcher Chad Kreuter has been named volunteer assistant coach for the USC baseball team, Trojan head coach Mike Gillespie announced today.

"Chad has an extraordinary wealth of experience and knowledge which he brings to our program," said Gillespie. "It should prove to be an immeasurable benefit to our players, especially our catchers. We are confident that our players will respond to his message of commitment to detail."

Kreuter began his major league career with the Texas Rangers in 1988 and later played with the Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, Anaheim Angels, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He played in 944 games with a .237 career average, 54 home runs, 274 RBI and a .990 fielding percentage.

His best season came in 1993 with Detroit, batting .286 (107-for-374) with 15 home runs and 51 RBI.

He is Gillespie's son-in-law.

# # #