KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Western Michigan University and head baseball coach Billy Gernon have announced the addition of former Major League pitcher Daniel Schlereth as the program's new pitching coach.
 
"We are very excited to announce the addition of Daniel Schlereth to the Bronco Baseball program," Gernon said. "When the search began, I was looking for someone that would help take our program to the next level. It was important to bring someone on board that had experienced as much success as possible.
 
Daniel was a standout in college for Arizona and reached the highest level of baseball, making the major leagues and helping the Detroit Tigers to a World Series. He was a first round draft pick that made it to The Show in less than a year, and we welcome that level of professional success, as well as his personal qualities and attributes to our program."
 
Schlereth is nearing the end of his first season as the manager of the Joliet Slammers, a member of the Frontier League. The Slammers are currently 44-39, which has them in fourth in the Frontier League's West Division and one game out of a playoff berth.
 
Before beginning his coaching career, Schlereth spent a season working in the player development and scouting department for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
 
"I can't fully express my excitement in joining the Bronco Baseball program at Western Michigan University," Schlereth said. "I have long considered the state of Michigan as my 'baseball home'. From the start, I have felt a connection to Coach Gernon and feel extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of a great staff at Western Michigan. I'm looking forward to returning to the great state of Michigan this fall and pursuing success on and off the field. I believe in the direction of this program and can't wait to get to work for the Bronco Baseball program!"
 
A first round pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2008 out of the University of Arizona, Schlereth reached the Majors quickly, making his debut for the Diamondbacks in May of 2009. The southpaw made 21 appearances for Arizona in 2009, before he was traded, along with Max Scherzer, to the Detroit Tigers in the offseason.
 
In three seasons with Detroit, Schlereth made a total of 73 appearances and posted a 3.98 ERA in 74.2 innings. During his time, the Tigers won back-to-back AL Central Division titles in 2011 and 2012. Schlereth helped the Tigers reach the 2011 ALCS and the 2012 World Series.
 
Over 13 professional seasons, Schlereth played for 10 different Major League organizations, including three stints with the Tigers. In MLB with Detroit and Arizona, the lefty pitched in a total of 94 games and posted a 4.35 ERA with 91 strikeouts in 93.0 innings. In the minor leagues, Schlereth pitched in 214 games and owned a 2.80 ERA. He racked up 262 strikeouts in 234.1 innings.
 
Schlereth and his wife, Bree, have three children, Quinn, Drew and Zane.