MIAMI – Florida International has named a new head baseball coach.
Mervyl Melendez was introduced Tuesday as FIU's fourth head coach in school history.
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Melendez has 17 years of head coaching experience. He joins FIU after spending five seasons at Alabama State.
The two-time Southwestern Athletic Conference coach of the year (2014 and 2016) is a native of Puerto Rico.
"He has been successful everywhere he has been," FIU athletic director Pete Garcia said.
Melendez has won 537 games, becoming the third-youngest coach in NCAA Division I history to reach 500 wins.
"I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to lead the FIU baseball program," Melendez said.
Under Melendez's watch last season, Alabama State set a school record with 38 victories and went undefeated in conference play.
Melendez takes over for Turtle Thomas, who resigned earlier this month after leading the Panthers to two conference titles and three NCAA tournament appearances since 2007.