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Cumberland University

Allen Balmer

  • Title
    Head Coach
Cumberland University Baseball named Allen Balmer its head coach ahead of the 2026 season, bringing championship experience from one of the most successful programs in NAIA history. Balmer joins the Phoenix after 17 seasons on staff at Lewis-Clark State College, where he helped guide the Warriors to sustained national prominence and a remarkable 701–202–1 overall record during his tenure.

During his 17-year run in Lewiston (2009–2025), Lewis-Clark State won three NAIA World Series national championships and made multiple additional appearances in the national title game. The Warriors won at least 35 games every season during that span, posting 11 40-win seasons and two 50-win campaigns.

Balmer played a key role in building and maintaining one of the NAIA’s premier programs, helping position the Warriors as perennial contenders on the national stage.

As associate head coach and recruiting coordinator at Lewis-Clark State, Balmer directed nationwide recruiting efforts and oversaw player development, fundraising initiatives, and daily team operations. His coaching responsibilities included working closely with infielders, hitters, and pitchers, along with coordinating player conditioning and academic support.

His impact on player development is evident: 27 NAIA All-Americans produced during his tenure, two First-Team NAIA All-Americans, 33 MLB Draft selections, Four former players currently competing in affiliated professional baseball. Balmer’s ability to identify and develop elite talent has been a defining element of his coaching career.

Before his success as a coach, Balmer was a standout student-athlete at Lewis-Clark State from 2002–06. A four-year starting third baseman, he helped lead the Warriors to two NAIA national championships. His senior season culminated in a national title run where he was named NAIA World Series Most Valuable Player.

Following his collegiate career, Balmer signed a professional contract with the San Francisco Giants and spent one season in professional baseball.

Balmer inherits a Cumberland baseball program rich in history and championship tradition. The Phoenix have claimed three NAIA National Championships and made 12 NAIA World Series appearances. Cumberland most recently captured the 2025 Mid-South Conference Championship and has qualified for the NAIA National Tournament twice in the last four seasons.

Balmer's Year-by-Year Coaching Career

Year Position School Record Postseason
2025 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 36-16 NAIA Opening Round
2024 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 38-13 NAIA Opening Round
2023 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 37-18 NAIA World Series Runner-Up
2022 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 58-7 NAIA World Series Runner-Up
2021 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 44-6 NAIA World Series
2020 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 15-5
2019 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 35-15-1 NAIA World Series
2018 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 40-13 NAIA World Series
2017 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 40-14 NAIA National Champions
2016 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 52-8 NAIA National Champions
2015 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 45-11 NAIA National Champions
2014 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 46-8 NAIA World Series Runner-Up
2013 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 43-15 NAIA World Series Runner-Up
2012 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 39-11 NAIA World Series
2011 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 37-17 NAIA World Series
2010 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 48-5 NAIA World Series
2009 Assistant Coach Lewis-Clark State College 39-15 NAIA World Series


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