Juan “J.D.” Diego Arteaga Jr. is a celebrated figure in Miami Hurricanes baseball history, currently serving as the head coach of the University of Miami baseball team. A Coral Gables, Florida native, Arteaga has deep roots with his alma mater, first starring as a standout left-handed pitcher for the Hurricanes from 1994–1997. During his collegiate playing days, he helped Miami reach the College World Series in each season he played, left as the program’s all-time leader in wins (43) and starts (72), and ranks among the school’s top career innings pitched and strikeouts. His No. 33 jersey was retired by Miami in 2003, and he was later inducted into the university’s Sports Hall of Fame. After being drafted by the New York Mets, he spent six seasons in professional baseball before returning to Coral Gables to begin his coaching career.
After joining the Hurricanes’ coaching staff in 2003 as a pitching coach and eventually associate head coach, Arteaga became the 10th head coach in program history ahead of the 2024 season, marking his third year at the helm in 2026. Over more than two decades on staff prior to taking over, he developed numerous All-Americans and MLB Draft selections, helping Miami maintain a strong reputation for pitching excellence. As head coach, Arteaga guided the Hurricanes to an NCAA Super Regional appearance in 2025 and continued to build a competitive squad in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Beyond baseball, he and his family founded the Ari Arteaga Foundation in memory of his son, Ari, to help families facing unexpected hardships. Arteaga’s leadership reflects both deep tradition and community commitment, blending professional achievement with personal resilience.
