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- Year:
- 1948-1977
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- Sports Played:
- Baseball Head Coach; Athletic Director
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- Induction Year:
- 1993
Bio
Wendell Pickens, Orange Coast's first baseball coach, founded the school's athletic department in 1948 and remained its athletic director until he retired in 1977. He played an instrumental role in developing OCC's athletic plant, including LeBard Stadium, Peterson Gymnasium, Pirates' Park and many other athletic facilities. He headed the Buc baseball program for 20 years (1948-1968), winning eight Eastern Conference titles, two state championships and four Southern California crowns while compiling a 345-218 (.613) mark. he also was head coach of the OCC golf team for two years, wining two Eastern Conference titles, and the head wrestling coach for two seasons, also winning two conference championships. A star athlete at Fullerton High School, Fullerton College and Arizona State, Pickens is a member of the Orange County Hall of Fame. Besides his career as an athlete and coach, he was a member of the Orange County Officials Association for 38 years, joining in 1935.
