IRVINE, Calif. --- Ben Orloff, who retired as a player from professional baseball last month, has joined the UC Irvine baseball program as an assistant coach, announced by Anteater head coach, Mike Gillespie.

"Beyond simply the physical skills and abilities Ben demonstrated as a player, he also exhibited uncommon instincts, awareness, and feel for the game.  These traits, combined with a passionate love for the game, a determined work ethic, and an extraordinary ability to teach and train receptive players will define Ben as a great, young coach with a no-limit future.  UCI is lucky to have him back home," said Gillespie.

Orloff played with the Anteaters from 2006-09 and became the program's first Big West Player of the Year. An accomplished shortstop, Orloff won the 2009 Brooks Wallace Award and was also the first Anteater player to win an American Baseball Coaches Association Gold Glove award. A three-time All-American, Orloff also was named to two NCAA Tournament teams and helped UCI to four post-season berths.

"I'm excited to be back at UC Irvine," said Orloff. "I played here, and this place is home for me. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to work for and learn from Coach Gillespie."

Recognized for his defensive talents, Orloff also evolved into a potent offensive threat, ending his collegiate career with a lifetime .320 batting average. Orloff is UCI's all-time hit leader with 281 and owns the top mark in runs scored with 178. He leads all players with 241 games played and 877 at-bats. With 62 stolen bases, he is second in the UCI career annals and also dots the single-season records in multiple categories. Orloff led the nation two consecutive years in sacrifice hits and holds the NCAA single-season mark of 34 set in 2007 and in a career with 86.

Orloff was drafted in the ninth round by the Houston Astros. He climbed to Double-A Corpus Christi, hitting .298 this season with 11 RBI on 39 hits with 20 runs scored.