GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University Athletic Association on Friday announced the addition of longtime college and professional coach Tom Slater as associate head coach and acting head coach of the UF Baseball program.

Most recently working in player development with the Philadelphia Phillies (2024–25) and as a senior advisor/Minor League hitting coordinator for the Miami Marlins (2021–24), Slater brings a wealth of experience in his return to the UF dugout. The Richmond, Va., native’s impressive résumé includes head coaching stints at Auburn (2005–08) and VMI (2001–03), along with assistant coaching roles in the SEC at Florida (2004) and Auburn (1995–2000).

“Tom Slater brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and deep Gator ties to this role,” said Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin. “With more than three decades in college and professional baseball — including extensive experience in the SEC — he’s earned universal respect across the game. We’re excited to welcome him and Beth back to Gainesville.”

Before joining the Phillies and Marlins, Slater served as an assistant hitting coach for the New York Mets from 2018–21. That followed nine seasons with the New York Yankees (2009–17), where he worked as a Minor League hitting coach and manager throughout the organization.

“I am excited to be back with the Florida Gators,” said Slater. “I look forward to serving and working together with the Gator baseball players and staff.”

In all, Slater brings nearly 35 years of combined coaching experience in the collegiate and professional ranks to the Orange & Blue. Combining his time at Florida and Auburn, Slater has been part of staffs that advanced to eight NCAA Tournaments, four Regional championships, two Super Regionals (1999 and 2004), and one College World Series (1997). Across 17 years as a college coach, Slater produced more than 110 MLB draftees, including 13 first-rounders and 47 players selected within the top 10 rounds.

During his four seasons leading Auburn, Slater guided the Tigers to a 115–113 overall record and 43–77 mark in SEC play. Auburn qualified for the 2005 NCAA Tournament and advanced to the Tallahassee Regional Finals. Twenty-one players were selected in the MLB Draft during his tenure, highlighted by 2007 first-round pick and eventual 2015 American League MVP Josh Donaldson.

While at Florida in 2004, Slater coached third base and oversaw the Gators’ offense, which ranked second in the SEC in runs, second in batting average, and third in home runs. That season, the Gators finished 43–22 and reached the NCAA Super Regional.

Before his time at Florida and Auburn, Slater served as head coach at his alma mater, VMI, from 2001–03. Under his leadership, the program achieved its first winning conference season since 1989, earning Slater Southern Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2003.

From 1995–2000, Slater was an assistant coach at Auburn, helping the Tigers to four of their best win totals in program history, including a 50-win season in 1997 and a trip to the College World Series. Over six seasons on Hal Baird’s staff, Auburn compiled a 265–111 record (.705).

A 1990 graduate of VMI, Slater was a four-year starter at third base and began his coaching career in 1991 as an assistant at St. Christopher’s School in Richmond. He later held assistant positions at Marshall (1992) and VMI (1993–94).

At 57 years old, Slater brings proven leadership and deep experience across all levels of the game back to Gainesville, where his coaching journey once included a key chapter in the Gators’ history.

THE TOM SLATER FILE

Birthdate: April 6, 1968

Hometown: Richmond, Va.

Education: Bachelor of Arts with major in History from Virginia Military Institute in 1990

Playing Career: Virginia Military Institute (1987-1990)

Coaching Career:

Assistant Coach, St. Christopher’s School, 1991

Assistant Coach, Marshall, 1992

Assistant Coach, VMI, 1993-1994

Assistant Coach, Auburn, 1995-2000

Head Coach, VMI, 2001-2003

Assistant Coach, Florida, 2004

Head Coach, Auburn, 2005-08

Manager, Gulf Coast League Yankees, 2009-10

Manager, Staten Island Yankees, 2011

Hitting Coach, Trenton Thunder, 2012

Roving Hitting Instructor, New York Yankees, 2013-14

Hitting Coach, Tampa Yankees, 2015-16

Hitting Coach, Trenton Thunder, 2017

Hitting Coach, New York Mets, 2018-21

Senior Advisor/Minor League Hitting Coordinator, Miami Marlins, 2021-24

Player Development, Philadelphia Phillies, 2024-25

Associate Head Coach, Florida, 2025-pres.

 

Coaching Highlights:

• 2005 NCAA Tournament & Regional Finalist
• 2003 Southern Conference Coach of the Year
• Led VMI to school-record 24 overall and 16 league wins in 2003
• Coached over 110 players selected in MLB Draft
• Seven NCAA Regional Appearances
• 1997 College World Series Appearance
• 1993 Southern Conference Tournament Runner-Up