3:15 p.m.: Darin Erstad has returned to Nebraska baseball as a volunteer coach, according to people close to the program with knowledge of the situation.

Erstad’s hiring, awaiting clearance through university administration, is expected to be announced this week. Erstad and NU coach Mike Anderson could not be reached for comment Monday.

A former Nebraska All-American and 14-year Major League veteran, Erstad was known for his hard-nose style as a pro. He collected 1,697 hits and hit .282 in 11 seasons with the Angels, one with the White Sox and the final two with the Astros.

He won three Gold Gloves award, made two American League All-Star teams and led the majors in 2000 with 240 hits. Erstad served as a backup outfielder in Houston last year, hitting .194 in 134 at-bats. He sought a job in spring training this year but last month told the Jamestown (N.D.) Sun that he had retired from playing.

“I couldn't be much happier,” said Erstad, who is from Jamestown. “I got to live a dream playing baseball for 14 years, now I'm getting to live the other side and it's a blast. I had my time. I always said, ‘When I'm done, I'm done.’

“I'm good. I don't have any complaints. I gave my heart and soul to the game. I'm comfortable with my decision to move on. Do I miss it? Of course, I loved to play. But what I have at home is great, too.”

Erstad and his wife, Jessica, have three children under 5, including a three-month-old son. The Erstads in 2004 donated $1 million to Nebraska’s improvement project for Memorial Stadium. Jessica, also an NU graduate, is from Fairmont, Neb.

Darin, 36, in addition to his baseball career at the school, punted on the Huskers’ 1994 national-championship football team.

He was drafted No. 1 overall by the Angels in 1995 and remains fourth in franchise history in hits, runs, doubles and steals. Erstad won a World Series title with the Angels in 2002.

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