One swing of the bat prolonged a 24-year head-coaching career for an inning. Another swing ended the era. But retiring Ohio coach Joe Carbone often says that’s just how baseball works.
Ohio freshman left fielder Tyler Wells launched a home run to send Ohio’s second Mid-American Conference tournament game into extra innings Thursday. But the Ohio’s season — and Carbone’s tenure — ended soon after when Buffalo plated the winning run in the 10th.
Carbone could have been bitter at the untimely loss but instead expressed pride in his ball club.
“It’s been a great run. I’m really proud of the guys this year — We were the youngest team in the league,” he said. “I thought our guys went out and played really well. We feel bad about the two losses (in the MAC Tournament), but we were right there in the ball game the whole way.”
Of the five freshmen who started regularly this season, four of them played in more than 40 games. Two players, first basemen Jake Madsen and second basemen Ian Mezlak, played in more than 50.
“These guys in a year or two will be an outstanding bunch of players,” Carbone said. “These freshmen are championship-caliber ball players. I feel that in a year or two these players will be knocking on the door.”
Carbone said he was hopeful the program is going in the right direction after his 24-year tenure, and spoke of dedication that he and his staff had for the program.
“I know this: My assistants, Bill Toadvine, Andrew See and myself, we gave it 100 percent every day, 365 days a year,” Carbone said. “We’re proud of the young men that have played for us, proud of what they’ve accomplished, proud of the program and proud of what we represent at Ohio University.”
Lengthy streaks helped define both Madsen’s and right fielder Jensen Painter’s seasons. Painter reached base in 52 straight games, dating back to the 2011 season, while Madsen had a hitting streak that surpassed 20 games.
The Bobcats also coped with a handful of injuries this season. Relief pitcher Sean Kennedy filled in as a starter when the team lost weekend ace Seth Streich to a leg injury against Marshall. He returned to the mound but never consistently regained the form that earned him looks from professional scouts.
The team also lost its top reliever, Brett Barber, to a wrist injury for two weeks and Ben Otto and Tyler Stage to sickness before the MAC Tournament.
Carbone never blamed losses or errors on the personnel changes, but they might have altered the course of the season. He stands behind his players even when they are injured.
“He believes in each one of us, and that’s one of the things I have to tip my hat to,” senior starting pitcher Jason Moulton said after the loss to Buffalo. “He believed in me all five years, even after surgery. He’s meant a lot to me in these four, five years.”
See said that even though the year did not end as scripted, it was a satisfying way for Carbone to wrap up his career with the Bobcats.
“It’s his end. It’s unfortunate the way we ended it. We wanted to give him a little bit of a glory ride,” See said. “He’s enjoyed a lot of good years and good experiences, and I will stay in touch with him for a very long time.”
The search for Carbone’s replacement has started and might end in a couple of weeks. Carbone has suggested to the athletic department that See succeed him, but nothing is definite.
“I’m not going to say anything or do anything,” Carbone said after his final game. “My last official role as head baseball coach at Ohio University is this interview.”
nr225008@ohiou.edu
