According to a press release from Hornet Sports, John Smith will retire following the 2010 season, completing his 32-year run as Sacramento State baseball head coach. The announcement was made Friday.

Smith said in the press release that it just feels like the right time to step down.

“At this stage in the program, we have a team full of hungry, hard-working student-athletes, which is something I always strived for,” he said. “I feel I can walk away now knowing that the program is going in the right direction.”

Smith has complied 861 wins in his time as head coach – the most of any Hornet head coach. He is looking to add to the total in his final season.

Kansas baseball head coach Ritch Price, who considers Smith his closest friend in the game, said he is happy for the Hornet skipper.

“I’m thrilled for him,” Price said. “John has had a hall of fame career.”

Price said his accomplishments – mainly the longevity of Smith’s time at Sac State – are unprecedented.

“You just don’t see that anymore these days,” he said.

Some of his other accomplishments include: 1986 and 1988 Division II College World Series appearances; 16 winning seasons; 11 seasons of 30 or more wins; four seasons of 40 or more wins.

Price said he thinks the retirement couldn’t have come at a better time.

“I encouraged him to take his time and when he made his decision, that he felt good about it,” Price said.

Smith coached Tim Wheeler, who became the highest-drafted Hornet ever, when he was chosen as the 32nd overall pick in the 2009 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft in June.

After the season, Smith will be tied with Debby Colberg as the longest-tenured head coach in Hornets’ athletic history. Colberg retired in 2007 from her post as volleyball head coach.

No announcement on his replacement has been made.

Dustin Nosler can be reached at [email protected]