When CHS Baseball takes to the diamond for the 2027 season, they’ll do so under the direction of head coach Dale Podlas ’87, a Crusader with a Hall of Fame resume, a wealth of experience and a deep connection to Canisius. Podlas is a member of the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame and the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame for his achievements on the field for the Crusaders and has 10 years of experience in the CHS dugout as an assistant coach. “We are thrilled to have Coach Podlas as the head coach of our varsity baseball program,” said Canisius Director of Athletics John Ricotta ’05. “Coach Podlas has a unique connection to Canisius baseball. He had a Hall of Fame career as a student-athlete, coached in the program for many years, and now has the opportunity to lead it." Podlas, who currently serves as a Development Gifts Officer in the CHS Advancement Office, was a CHS assistant from 2014 to 2024. During that time, he coached sons Jacob ’18 and Drew ’22. "It is both humbling and ...