John Cunningham began his University of San Diego career back in 1962 when he was hired by former athletic director Phil Woolpert to be the freshman basketball coach, assistant varsity basketball coach and director of intramural activities. He assisted baseball coach Mike Morrow in 1963 and took over the program in 1964. During the next 35 years, he directed the USD Toreros to 843 victories, 16 winning seasons, and four NCAA Regional appearances, including trips to the College World Series in 1971 and 1978. He was named District VIII Coach of the Year in 1971 and twice was named the West Coast Conference Coach of the Year (1993 and 1998). Forty-seven of his players signed professional contracts with seven making it to the Major Leagues.

In 1988, school officials renamed the baseball stadium after him, "Cunningham Baseball Stadium." In 1991, his peers voted him into the American Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. The San Diego Baseball Historical Society recognized him as one of the twenty-five most influential people in San Diego involved with the sport of baseball. A native San Diegan, Cunningham attended Saint Augustine High School, then went on to graduate from the University of San Francisco. He currently resides in Escondido and has one son, Geoffrey, a graduate of the University of San Diego. "J.C." continues to assist with team travel for all USD athletic teams and has logged thousands of miles with the Torero Team Bus.

The Lefty Gomez Award is sponsored by Wilson Sporting Goods.