Springfield native Beals will continue coaching career in MAC

Beals also played in the MAC at Kent State from 1989-91. He was drafted in the 22nd round by the New York Mets in 1991 after his junior year. He played three seasons in the minor leagues before starting his coaching career at his alma mater as an assistant on Rick Rembielak’s staff in 1994. He was named the head coach at Ball State in August 2002 after nine seasons at Kent State.

“I am excited to be the next head baseball coach at the University of Akron,” Beals said in a press release. “First, I want to thank AD (Charles) Guthrie and (Deputy Ad) Markus Jennings for this opportunity and their trust. Throughout this process, I have continued be impressed with their energy and vision for Akron baseball and the entire athletics department. My family and I are excited to join the Akron team.”

Beals replaces former Cincinnati Reds third baseman Chris Sabo, who was 31-89 in four seasons. Sabo’s contract was not renewed after Akron finished 15-41 last season. He was hired in October 2018 to take over a program that had been eliminated by the university in 2015.

Beals was hired by Ohio State in June 2010 and was 346-288-1 in 12 seasons. The team finished 21-30 last season. At Ball State, Beals was 243-202. He won Big Ten tournament championships in 2016 and 2019 with Ohio State and won a MAC tournament championship with Ball State in 2006.

“Coach Beals brings a proven championship mentality to the Zips baseball program,” Guthrie said in a press release. “He played a significant role in building two successful baseball programs within the MAC conference. We look forward to adding his leadership, exceptional baseball acumen, tireless work ethic, and track record of strong recruiting throughout the Midwest, to our program.”