As of Saturday (March 15) afternoon, Ashland University head baseball coach
John Schaly has more wins than any other NCAA Division II baseball coach in history.
The numbers he wants to talk about more are having five granddaughters as of Friday (March 14), and his Eagles getting off to a 4-0 start in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.
Following an 8-5 win against Walsh on Saturday at Tomassi Stadium and Donges Field at the Archer Ballpark Complex, Ashland is 11-6 overall and 4-0 in the conference, and has won five straight.
And Schaly stands alone as the winningest head baseball coach in D-II history with 1,325 career victories.
"It's great to get off to a good start in the conference, no question," said Schaly, whose career record stands at 1,325-727-7 (.645), and who got the record-setting win in front of many well-wishers, including former players. "That's the most rewarding thing in coaching, see what the guys do after they graduate, move on, being great leaders in their communities, husbands, fathers.
"I'm more proud of what they've become after they leave here. That's way more important."
Said senior catcher/first baseman
Ben Peltz, "Just a great leader of men, more than just baseball. It's pretty special to be a part of something that won't come around very often. A lot of wins, a lot of wins to be a part of."
Assistant coach
Seth Schroeder also played for Schaly as an Eagle.
"He's more than the record," he said. "He doesn't care about it. He just goes out there and tries to be better in every facet of life. It's about being good on and off the field."
On Saturday, the Eagles allowed a run in the top of the first inning, then came back with a five-spot in the bottom of the second. Ashland added a single run in the sixth and two in the seventh to cap the victory.
Following the game, there was a ceremony with a presentation for Schaly, led by AU Director of Athletics
Al King, Ashland President
Jon Parrish Peede, and
Bob Archer, member of the AU Board of Trustees.
MCFARLAND STARTS STRONG…AND THE REST OF THE STORY
- Sophomore right-handed pitcher Carter McFarland (2-0) went the first five innings, striking out six and allowing four hits, two runs (one earned) and a walk.
- Junior left fielder Billy Howard (2-for-3, two runs scored), junior right fielder Ryan Shimek (2-for-3, run scored, RBI) and freshman second baseman Colton Hunt (2-for-4, run scored, RBI) each collected two of AU's 10 hits.
- "It was a good weekend," Schaly said. "We didn't swing it great today. It's hard to win four in a weekend against the same team."
- Schaly's record at Ashland is 962-509-4 (.654). He is in his 28th season guiding the Eagles, and 38th season overall as a collegiate head baseball coach.
- Walsh is 2-12, 0-4.
UP NEXT
A rare non-conference game against a conference opponent, Ohio Dominican, on Tuesday (March 18) at 3 p.m. at home.
