The Dapper Dan Club of Allegany County has announced that legendary Allegany College of Maryland baseball coach Steve "Baz" Bazarnic has been awarded the organization's most prestigious honor, the George Stevenson/Nick Perlozzo Memorial Award, during the 77th Annual Dapper Dan Sports Awards Banquet held Sunday, May 17, at the Ali Ghan Shrine Club Ballroom.
The recognition comes during a remarkable stretch of honors for Bazarnic, highlighting a nearly five-decade career that shaped junior college baseball and impacted generations of student-athletes.
In January, Bazarnic was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. The ceremony took place at the 82nd Annual ABCA Convention in Columbus, Ohio, cementing his place among the most respected figures in the sport. Bazarnic was unable to attend the event, and the award was accepted on his behalf by longtime friend Paul Ackerman. He is pictured here receiving the honor on behalf of the Hall of Fame coach.
Paul Ackerman representing Coach Bazarnc during Dapper Dan 2026 with Mike Mathews
A Career Defined by Excellence
Affectionately known as Coach Baz, Bazarnic dedicated 48 seasons to Allegany College of Maryland, building one of the nation's premier junior college baseball programs. He compiled 1,469 career victories, ranking fourth all-time in NJCAA history, and achieved an impressive .704 winning percentage.
Under his leadership, the Trojans won nine district championships and made nine appearances at the NJCAA World Series, consistently competing at the highest level.
Bazarnic also developed 54 Major League Baseball draft picks and six MLB players, including John Kruk, Stan Belinda, and Steve Kline. His influence extended beyond wins and losses, helping athletes reach the next level while developing them as individuals.
His legacy is permanently honored through awards that bear his name, including the MDJUCO Coach of the Year Award and the MDJUCO Steve Bazarnic Silver Slugger Award.
More Than a Coach
Throughout his career, Bazarnic built teams grounded in accountability, toughness, humility, and unity. His players not only learned how to compete, but also how to lead and persevere.
Many former players advanced to professional baseball, while countless others became coaches, educators, and leaders in their communities. His impact continues to be felt far beyond the field.
A Legacy of Recognition
Bazarnic's career has been celebrated with numerous honors, including:
- 2025 NJCAA Coaches Legacy Award
- 2023 ACM Baseball "Steve Bazarnic" Field Dedication
- 2020 NJCAA Region XX Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame
- 1996 NJCAA Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame
- 1991 Maryland Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame
The 2026 Dapper Dan honor marks the third time Bazarnic has received the club's top award, having previously been recognized in 1991 and 2011.
Dapper Dan Banquet Chairman Adam Sterne reflected on Bazarnic's impact, noting that, "As banquet chairman, it was an honor to recognize the man Coach Baz was, the man he became, and the man he will forever remain in the hearts of this community. He is a true icon in our area, and I firmly believe that if he were still coaching today, the college and professional ranks would have come calling with opportunities on a much larger stage. Yet the irony is that I believe he would have turned them down, because he knew that Allegany College of Maryland was always home - still coaching, the college and professional world would have plucked him for bigger plans. But the irony to it, I believe he would decline the invitation, because he knew that ACM was always home."
A Lasting Impact
Steve Bazarnic's legacy extends far beyond statistics and championships. His induction into the ABCA Hall of Fame and recognition by the Dapper Dan Club underscore what the Allegany community has long known—Coach Baz's impact on the game and on people is truly Hall of Fame worthy.
