KALAMAZOO, Mich.- The Western Michigan baseball program continued its Bronco of the Week with special guest Paul Schneider.  A native of Flint, Mich., Schneider played from 1978-82 and left WMU top five in eight statistical categories. He still holds the top mark for career slugging at .600, and is second in career batting average (.391), hits in a season (83) and on base-percentage (.461). He also is tied for second-best hitting streak at 18. The Broncos won 30 or more games three out of the four years Schneider was on team, plaing under former head coach Fred Decker.

The two-time, First Team Mid-American Conference selection and 1981 All-American was honored for these accomplishments on Oct. 16, 2009, as an inductee into WMU's Hall of Fame. Schneider, ironically known for his pitching, had a seven year professional career as a pitcher, although he stands at the top of many WMU offensive statistical categories. Schneider earned a start in the Triple A All-Star Game before retiring in 1988.  

A 1982 draft pick by the Chicago White Sox, Schneider ended his career with the Mariners recording an impressive 3.59 career ERA.

At the age of 28, Paul retired from professional baseball and returned to Kalamazoo as the WMU pitching coach under Decker. The Broncos would win their 14th MAC conference title in 1989, and earn a trip to the NCAA Tournament.  

Schneider is currently the head baseball coach at Portage Central High School and the manager of Lawson Ice Arena, home of the Bronco hockey team. Portage Central won a state championship in 2002 and Schenider named Coach of the Year by the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association that season. His career record at Portage Central is 259-55.

"Paul is a Bronco to the bone and I wanted him to share his journey as a player and as a coach that experienced a MAC Championship," said WMU head coach Billy Gernon. "He was very enthusiastic and you could tell that Western Michigan baseball is very near and dear to him, as it is to many former Broncos."