Edward "Ed" Cheff (born c. 1943) is an American former college baseball coach, widely recognized for his unparalleled success at Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) in Lewiston, Idaho. Over his 34-year tenure, he established one of the most dominant programs in college baseball history, particularly within the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
Coaching Career at Lewis-Clark State College Cheff served as the head baseball coach for the LCSC Warriors from 1977 until his retirement in 2010. During this period, his teams achieved unprecedented levels of success, making Lewis-Clark State a perennial powerhouse in NAIA baseball.
Achievements and Records Under Cheff's leadership, the LCSC Warriors compiled a remarkable overall record of 1,705 wins and 430 losses, resulting in an extraordinary .798 winning percentage. His most significant accomplishments include:
- 16 NAIA World Series Championships: Cheff holds the record for the most national championships won by any college baseball coach across all divisions. These titles were secured between 1984 and 2008.
- 10 NAIA World Series Runner-Up Finishes: In addition to their championships, his teams also reached the national title game ten other times, finishing as the runner-up.
- Most Wins in College Baseball History: At the time of his retirement, Cheff's 1,705 career victories ranked as the most wins for any coach in college baseball history (all divisions).
Legacy and Recognition Cheff's influence extends beyond his win-loss record. He is credited with developing numerous professional baseball players and for building a program known for its consistent excellence. His contributions to the sport have been widely recognized:
- NAIA Hall of Fame: He was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1993.
- Stadium Naming: The baseball stadium at Lewis-Clark State College is named "Ed Cheff Field" (part of the Harris Field complex) in his honor, a testament to his lasting impact on the institution and its athletic program.
Cheff announced his retirement from coaching in June 2010, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most successful and respected figures in college baseball.