When CHS Baseball takes to the diamond for the 2027 season, they'll do so under the direction of head coach Dale Podlas '87, a Crusader with a Hall of Fame resume, a wealth of experience and a deep connection to Canisius.

Podlas is a member of the CHS Athletic Hall of Fame and the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame for his achievements on the field for the Crusaders and has 10 years of experience in the CHS dugout as an assistant coach.

"We are thrilled to have Coach Podlas as the head coach of our varsity baseball program," said Canisius Director of Athletics John Ricotta '05.  

"Coach Podlas has a unique connection to Canisius High School baseball. He had a Hall of Fame career as a student-athlete, coached in the program for many years, and now has the opportunity to lead it.

"He has a strong understanding of Canisius and our expectations for our student-athletes. I'm excited to see him put his own mark on the program." 

Podlas, who currently serves on our campus as a Development Gifts Officer in the Canisius High School Advancement Office at 1140 Delaware Ave., was an assistant coach for the Crusaders from 2014 to 2024. During that time, he coached sons Jacob '18 and Drew '22, who both went on to play college baseball.

"It is both humbling and an honor to lead a Canisius High School baseball program built on a proud tradition of excellence," said Podlas. 

"I am fortunate to represent generations of Crusader baseball players and look forward to helping our student athletes become the best versions of themselves both on and off the field.

"I am equally excited to work alongside a dedicated coaching staff that shares a common vision for the future of the program and a deep commitment to the mission and values of Canisius High School."

Podlas was a three-sport athlete at CHS (also playing football and basketball) who shined brightest on the diamond. The third baseman and pitching ace was a three-time first-team All-Catholic selection. As a senior, Podlas captained the Crusaders on his way to earning All-Western New York team honors. 

He went on to star at Canisius College, where he was a first-team All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference selection. In 2011 he was in inductee to the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame.

CHS Baseball has won three straight Monsignor Martin Athletic Association regular season championships and claimed the Georgetown Cup in 2025. 

Young players can learn to play the Crusader way at our upcoming CHS Baseball clinic on Monday, Oct. 12 – register today at canisiushigh.org/baseballclinic 

Students and families interested in CHS Baseball and the excellence only found in a Jesuit education at Canisius – ranked by Buffalo Business First as the Buffalo area's "Best Catholic School" and WNY's top private school in "Best High Schools for Athletes" – can learn more by reserving a spot for our Open House on Sunday, Oct. 18 or Monday, Oct. 19 via canisiushigh.org/openhouse

This place is special. Let us show you why.

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