Shock, Agony Follow Elimination Of Bowling Green Baseball

May 19, 2020
Bruce Hefflinger and Dylan Hefflinger
PBR Michigan Senior Writer and PBR Michigan Editor in Chief/Scout

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Shock, Agony Follow Elimination Of Bowling Green baseball

If no 2020 baseball season in high school or college was not bad enough, the situation has gotten worse … at least at Bowling Green State University.

Last Friday the Mid-American Conference school eliminated the sport of baseball effective immediately.

The financial move by BG leaves so many in limbo, disappointed and upset with a decision to bring an end to the sport of baseball, which in 1915 established the first school-sponsored athletic team at the northwest Ohio campus.

But a little more than a century later, a decision has been made to terminate a program that has produced 49 Major League Baseball draft selections.

Many former, current and future players were hoping to follow the steps of players like Bowling Green graduates Orel Hershiser, Doug Bair, Andy Tracy, Burke Badenhop, Roger McDowell and Nolan Reimold in working their way up the ranks of professional baseball to the big leagues. Instead, those players are left with decisions to make ...

Should they stay at Bowling Green as a student only, all but ending their days as a baseball player? Or should they move on to another college to keep their baseball dreams alive?

Here is what current and committed Falcons from the state of Michigan had to say - as well as a former player (Andrew Carson, who transferred to Lansing Community College from BG) - about the ordeal they are now facing.

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT?

Gavin Ganun SS / OF / Blissfield, MI / 2021

Rankings StateRank: 18 / POS: 4

The coaches called me as soon as they could because they said they deserved to tell me over the phone instead of me seeing it somewhere else. My initial thoughts were me being shocked and in disbelief because I didn’t think that would happen. I also felt bad for the coaches and the program and just the Bowling Green baseball community because it hurt many people, not just a few.

Zack Horky C / RHP / Blissfield, MI / 2021

Rankings StateRank: 21 / POS: 3

I got a call from coach (Danny) Schmitz, (Ryan) Shay and (Kyle) Hallock. They told me the news. It was super hard to hear, BGSU felt like a family and I really liked that aspect of it.

Trent Farquhar SS / 2B / Lakeland, MI / 2019

Rankings StateRank: 55 / POS: 8

I found out on a team zoom call about the same time the news was put out to the public. I was in a state of disbelief as I was being told what was happening.

Mason Kolean LHP / OF / Detroit Country Day, MI / 2019

We had a team zoom meeting on the 15th at 1 p.m., with the coaches and the athletic director where they broke the heartbreaking news. My initial thoughts were full of shock and sadness. I had no idea something so great could end so abruptly. My teammates and I all couldn’t believe it.

Jack Krause OF / SS / Brighton, MI / 2019

Rankings StateRank: 38 / POS: 8

We found out on a zoom call with our whole team, and the athletic director broke the news to us. All of us were just in shock, none of us saw it coming.

Andrew Oehmke RHP / 1B / L'anse Creuse North, MI / 2018

Rankings StateRank: 41 / POS: 14

I first heard over the zoom meeting call at 1:45 p.m. on May 15th. My initial thought was extremely surprised and caught off guard, as I think most of the other guys felt. No one expected it, so we didn’t really know what to think at first.

Andrew Carson RHP / OF / Stoney Creek, MI / 2018

Rankings StateRank: 88 / POS: 28

I first found out while scrolling through Twitter. I was shocked and taken aback by the news as it affects a lot of people close to me. I immediately called my former teammate and friend Andrew Oehmke who is a part of the team. He was really sad at the time but optimistic for what’s to come.

Nick Neibauer C / SS / Detroit Country Day, MI / 2017

Rankings StateRank: 17 / POS: 4

I first found out over the zoom call that our team had with the athletic directors. None of us had any idea it was going to happen, and it was very hard to process at first. It’s one of those things you’re just never ready to hear. I immediately broke down.

WHAT WAS YOUR TIME WITH THE PROGRAM LIKE?

Andrew Oehmke RHP / 1B / L'anse Creuse North, MI / 2018

Rankings StateRank: 41 / POS: 14

My time with the program until now has been a lot of fun and a great experience. I learned a lot from coach Schmitz and pitching coach Hallock.

Andrew Carson RHP / OF / Stoney Creek, MI / 2018

Rankings StateRank: 88 / POS: 28

I created a lot of life-long friendships and was able to learn about the challenges that go into being a Division I athlete.

Nick Neibauer C / SS / Detroit Country Day, MI / 2017

Rankings StateRank: 17 / POS: 4

My time at BGSU was a great experience. I feel for coach Schmitz, Shay, Hallock and (Nick) Ascue. They worked hard to make our baseball experience better. The teammates and coaches that I have had here will always be family to me.

WHAT CAN YOU BRING TO A PROGRAM?

Gavin Ganun SS / OF / Blissfield, MI / 2021

Rankings StateRank: 18 / POS: 4

I believe I can bring a hard work ethic and great enthusiasm to whatever I have to do. I will play basically any position someone needs me and I will do my best to do that at the highest level possible. I also can be a leader on the field and off the field like in the classroom.

Zack Horky C / RHP / Blissfield, MI / 2021

Rankings StateRank: 21 / POS: 3

I feel like I bring a lot of things to the table. Mentally, I will work harder than anyone else on the field and always show up ready to play. Physically I think I bring a power arm from behind the plate and a gap-to-gap approach to the plate.

Trent Farquhar SS / 2B / Lakeland, MI / 2019

Rankings StateRank: 55 / POS: 8

I can bring the ability to make others around me better as I get better. I’m also a winner and always will be. I believe those are my two strongest things I can bring to any program.

Mason Kolean LHP / OF / Detroit Country Day, MI / 2019

I have 4 years of eligibility so there is no doubt in my mind I will be able to make an impact on another team. I have strong grades and will be able to contribute on and off the field wherever I end up.

Jack Krause OF / SS / Brighton, MI / 2019

Rankings StateRank: 38 / POS: 8

I am a guy that will give you everything I’ve got day in and day out. I ran a 6.6 on pro day, have a plus arm, and can hit for average and power. In my short season this year, I was starting in the outfield and batting fourth. Last fall I was named MVP of the team after hitting 850 through our four-game World Series. Also, I’m a natural leader and my enthusiasm is contagious.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS?

Gavin Ganun SS / OF / Blissfield, MI / 2021

Rankings StateRank: 18 / POS: 4

I now have to get back out on college coaches radars and have to work harder than ever to get noticed by someone so I can get a chance to play at the collegiate level. My recruiting process is back open so I’ll be looking for the right fit again, like I found in Bowling Green.

Zack Horky C / RHP / Blissfield, MI / 2021

Rankings StateRank: 21 / POS: 3

For my next step, I have opened up my recruitment and am in the process of emailing coaches and trying to find a new home.

Trent Farquhar SS / 2B / Lakeland, MI / 2019

Rankings StateRank: 55 / POS: 8

I plan to transfer out and play somewhere else with four years of eligibility left.

Mason Kolean LHP / OF / Detroit Country Day, MI / 2019

I have opened my recruitment up and am looking for a new university to call home.

Jack Krause OF / SS / Brighton, MI / 2019

Rankings StateRank: 38 / POS: 8

I’m entering my name into the transfer portal and reopening my recruitment.

Andrew Oehmke RHP / 1B / L'anse Creuse North, MI / 2018

Rankings StateRank: 41 / POS: 14

My plans for the future are still unknown, but I do know that I will be opening back up the recruitment process and hope to further my baseball career.

Andrew Carson RHP / OF / Stoney Creek, MI / 2018

Rankings StateRank: 88 / POS: 28

I am currently getting recruited by D-I schools all around the country but am thinking about returning to Lansing. JUCO is a great option and the extra year of eligibility gives me the opportunity to have that option.

Nick Neibauer C / SS / Detroit Country Day, MI / 2017

Rankings StateRank: 17 / POS: 4

As of right now, I have entered the transfer portal as a result of the elimination of baseball at BGSU and opened my recruitment. I am looking forward to producing and leading for the program that I end up at. I will continue to be working hard in preparation for the next time I step on a baseball field.

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

Jay Ward LHP / 1B / Carmel Catholic, IL / 2018

I heard about what happened while I was taking my last final of the semester. I initially thought to myself, how can this be real ... is this actually happening. Then I thought of all of my teammates and the coaching staff and all of the bonds and friendships that we made over my time here. I was unbelievably shocked and really emotional when I heard the news. Everyone on this team I consider to be my brother and I cannot thank them enough for the people they are and the friendships I have made with them. I also thought of all of the alumni and the program that they built for me to be a part of and I couldn’t be more thankful for that opportunity. My time with the program has been amazing. I had a rocky start to my freshman year but I took it upon myself to step up and help my team win. Pitching under coach Hallock I have learned a lot of lessons and tips throughout the years that have helped me become the person I am today and only for the better. I have learned to persevere and continue to grind every day in order to achieve my goals the right way no matter how crazy they may be. As for my college future, I plan on continuing to play baseball at the Division-I level and ultimately making it to the pros. Ay Ziggy Zoomba. Falcons forever.

FINAL WORDS

Gavin Ganun SS / OF / Blissfield, MI / 2021

Rankings StateRank: 18 / POS: 4

I would like to thank the BG coaches for what they did for me and I wish them the best of luck in their future as well.

Zack Horky C / RHP / Blissfield, MI / 2021

Rankings StateRank: 21 / POS: 3

I think that God has a plan for me and this was all part of it. Although I’m sad about what happened, I’m ready to take my next step and find a new home.

Trent Farquhar SS / 2B / Lakeland, MI / 2019

Rankings StateRank: 55 / POS: 8

I would just like to thank coaches Schmitz, Shay, Hallock and Ascue for giving me an opportunity to pursue my dream and play at the next level. They are great coaches that will do great things in their futures.

Mason Kolean LHP / OF / Detroit Country Day, MI / 2019

I have been reminded that as one door closes another will open. It was extremely tough news to hear but we will all get through it.

Jack Krause OF / SS / Brighton, MI / 2019

Rankings StateRank: 38 / POS: 8

I currently have a 3.9 GPA, and was in the Honors college at BGSU. I know I can play anywhere and compete right away. I just need someone to give me a chance. I promise they won’t regret it.

Andrew Oehmke RHP / 1B / L'anse Creuse North, MI / 2018

Rankings StateRank: 41 / POS: 14

My plans for the future are still unknown, but I do know that I will be opening back up the recruitment process and hope to further my baseball career.

Andrew Carson RHP / OF / Stoney Creek, MI / 2018

Rankings StateRank: 88 / POS: 28

Although Bowling Green wasn’t the right fit for me personally, I am very sad that a school with such rich history and success within the program will no longer get the chance to further its legacy.

Nick Neibauer C / SS / Detroit Country Day, MI / 2017

Rankings StateRank: 17 / POS: 4

PBR THOUGHTS

The last time a Mid-American Conference program was dropped in the sport of baseball came in 2015 when budget issues resulted in the elimination of America’s game at Akron.

While the school has since resurrected baseball, with the sport officially returning this year, the sudden end to the Bowling Green program is difficult to fathom.

For those here at Prep Baseball Report, words like despair, heartbreak, sorrow and shock come to mind.

Dylan Hefflinger is the Editor in Chief and NW Ohio scout for PBR who has worked with and helped out many of the players on this year's BG roster as well as those still in high school that committed to play at his alma mater.

“When I got the text from a fellow BGSU alum, so many thoughts started rushing through my head,” Hefflinger said. “Bowling Green holds a special spot in my heart as I have so many memories from my youth, through college and now as a scout. Knowing the closest D-I school to my home has closed its doors to the game I love truly hurts.

“There are so many who are affected by this that I am close with and I have already reached out to many of them letting them know I will help in any way I can. I wish the best for all who have been affected by this.”

Aaron Wilson, PBR Michigan Director of Scouting, agrees wholeheartedly with that assessment of the situation at BG...

“The news of Bowling Green eliminating their baseball program sent shock waves through the entire baseball community,” Wilson said. “Although BG is an Ohio school, their staff always left a footprint in the state of Michigan. The current roster housed eight Michiganders with three recruits in the state committed. My heart breaks for the athletes learning they will have to find a new college home.”