Dizzy Peyton was named the third head coach in Northern Kentucky baseball’s program history on June 8, 2021 by Ken Bothof, director of athletics. In 2024, Peyton was named the Horizon League's Coach of the Year.
In 3 seasons at the helm, Peyton has transformed NKU into a powerhouse in the Horizon League, and led the Norse to the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024 after winning the Horizon League Tournament for the first time in program history. Peyton also led NKU to a series win over a Power 5 opponent -- Missouri -- in March of 2024.
Under Peyton, NKU set a new record for victories in a season with 35, including an 18-5 record at home. Eight Norse were selected as All-Horizon League, including Liam McFadden-Ackman, who was named Horizon League Player of the Year, marking the second year in a row an NKU student-athlete won the award (Noah Fisher, 2023).
Peyton spent the previous 17 years on the Norse bench as an assistant coach, where he was responsible for the development of the Norse pitching staff. Since joining the NKU staff in 2005, Peyton has sent ten pitchers into the professional ranks, including four by way of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Nate Jones, who was taken in the fifth round as the 179th pick, highlights that list.
NKU registered five-straight NCAA Division II Regional Tournament appearances from 2008-12 and six regional bids overall. The Norse also won a pair of GLVC titles in 2008 and 2009. Following the transition to NCAA Division I status, Peyton helped the Norse to a third-place Horizon League finish in 2017 and the program’s first postseason win of the era with an opening round victory in the Horizon League Tournament.
Off the field, Peyton has been a leader throughout Norse Athletics, the University and region as well. NKU baseball received the 2018 Horizon League Bobby Fong Award, presented annually to the person or team that displays integrity, respect and stewardship. Norse baseball's inclusive environment and welcoming nature in support of team manager Ryan Mavriplis served as a key reason the team won the honor. Peyton is a mentor and close friend to Mavriplis, who has Down Syndrome. Norse baseball annually volunteers at the Buddy Walk hosted by the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati, an effort organized by Peyton. He has also been a chaperone on three mission trips to the Dominican Republic featuring both students and student-athletes at NKU which is traditionally taken in early January and provides support to under-privileged areas.
His leadership has extended to the classroom as well. Impressively, Norse baseball has posted a team GPA above 3.0 in each of the last 14 semesters.
Peyton played one season with the Norse in 2003. He maintained a 3-3 record with a 4.44 earned run average, striking out 44 batters while walking just 20. Post-season Tommy John surgery ended Peyton’s playing career after just one season.
Peyton is a native of South Lebanon, Ohio. He currently resides in Highland Heights with his wife Amanda and three children, Dirk, Wesley and Trudy.
