(LOS ANGELES, CA) – California Collegiate League Executive Director, Aaron Milam, has announced the selection of Dr. Michael J. Simpson as the new commissioner. The CCL’s Board of Directors enthusiastically approved Simpson’s appointment at its last league meeting.

Simpson comes to the CCL with more than 40 years of high-level leadership experience in educational administration, college and professional baseball, and the military.

“I’m eager to get going,” said Simpson. “I am appreciative of the opportunity the Board of Directors as given me to join the ranks of the prestigious CCL. I look forward to collaborating with the board, staff, coaches, players and fans to continue to grow and enhance the League. I am particularly enthusiastic about the prospect of impacting the development of the student-athletes as baseball players and model citizens.”

During his impressive career, Simpson served as Director of Athletics at San Francisco State University for 16 years.

Before overseeing the Gators’ athletic department, Simpson was the head baseball coach for three collegiate programs and a national team.

During his 12 years as headman at SFSU, Simpson amassed 326 victories from 1985-1997, most by any coach in any sport at the university. Simpson and the Gators secured three conference titles and two berths into the NCAA Division II National Championship. He was named Coach of the Year in 1986, 1989, and 1995.

In 2022, SFSU inducted Simpson into its Hall of Fame for his close to 30 years of service to the Northern California institution.

Simpson led the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos from 1978-1980 and Westmont College Warriors from 1973-1977. In 1992, the Austrian National Baseball Federation named Simpson the head coach of its national program.

Simpson is no stranger to collegiate summer baseball. In 1978, Simpson managed the Humboldt Crabs to a 40-10 record.

“Mike’s on and off-the-field resume speaks for itself, and I, along with our league members, are looking forward to him joining the CCL,” said Milam. “He is a leader in every way, and I am confident that our players, teams, and partners will benefit from his decades of experience.”

As an associate scout, from 1983 to 1985, Simpson helped the New York Yankees identify amateur baseball players with professional potential.

Bill Pintard, current Yankees’ scout and Executive Director and field manager of the CCL’s Santa Barbara Foresters has known Simpson for many years.

“The CCL got even stronger today,” said Pintard. “I’ve known Mike for a long time, and for our league to add someone of his caliber, experience, and integrity makes us all better.”

In addition to Simpson’s administrative and baseball work, he is a proud United States veteran. From 1969-1975, Simpson served in the 425th Civil Affairs Company for the United States Army Reserve. There, he held the roles of Chief Administrative Officer, Personnel Officer, and Finance Officer.

Simpson has served on numerous national associations and committees, including the American Baseball Coaches Association, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, and the United States Baseball Federation. While at SF State, Simpson served a term as President of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA, NCAA Division II). He spent four years on the NCAA DII National Baseball Committee and chaired the West Regional Committee.

Simpson holds three degrees from UCSB: a doctorate in Educational Policy and Organizational Studies, a master’s in Education, and a bachelor’s in Geography and Physical Education.