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DAVID ACERON TO MANAGE DUBLINBy Carter Cromwell
David Aceron says he loves a challenge, and he has just accepted one.
Aceron has been named manager of the Dublin (Calif.) Leprechauns of the Pecos League. In 2023, the team's first in Dublin, the Leprechauns posted a 4-45 record and finished last in the Pacific Division. They were last in the league in runs scored and second to last in runs allowed and team earned run average. At one point, they lost 27 games in succession.
So, a challenge indeed, but that isn't fazing Aceron.
"I'm a big believer in doing the impossible," he said with a chuckle. "I think the 'impossible' is actually possible. I love being backed up, being the underdog, and having to compete.
"What an opportunity to take a program and bring some guys in that can turn it around," he added. "I think big things will happen for the Leprechauns."
Born in San Francisco and raised in San Diego, the 41-year-old Aceron currently is the head coach of the club baseball team at San Diego State University.
"I coach the redshirt guys, JC transfers, and guys that come through the [transfer] portal," he said. "It's kind of like the junior varsity. Before, this job was handled by students, but the current coach brought me on back in September."
Aceron, who claims ex-Los Angeles Dodger star Willie Davis as his grandfather and former major leaguer Eric Anthony as an uncle, played baseball through junior college and then served 12 years in the U.S. Army, including tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. After being discharged, he became head softball coach at Olympian High School in Chula Vista, Calif.
Since then, he's had stints as head coach of a travel baseball team, assistant coach at the high school level, junior college assistant coach, head coach in high school, and baseball training facility instructor. All along, he had been angling for a position in the professional ranks.
"I'd been a bird dog [scout] for the [New York] Mets and kept going to the Winter Meetings to look for something," Aceron said. "I happened to be talking to a friend who also coaches in our league. He referred me to Andrew [Dunn] and that's how things worked out with the Dublin team."
Dunn, commissioner of the league since its inception in 2011, said, "We're grateful to have someone of David's background in our organization. With his experience and tremendous work ethic, we can build a solid, competitive program in Dublin."
Aceron said he's already beginning the work of building a roster.
"I have some guys that have pro experience, and I'm looking at a number of [NCAA] Division I and Division II guys who are just looking for opportunities to break into the pro ranks," he said. "I've got a pretty good pipeline.
"I'm very grateful for this opportunity."
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