Todd Mooney is new coach

Baseball manager hopes to improve program

Baseball is a serious game and to keep up that image at Oberlin there is a new head baseball coach this year. Stepping up to take a swing at turning the baseball program around from its perpetually dismal seasons is Todd Mooney.

Mooney has been named head coach of the baseball team and assistant coach of the football team. He comes to Oberlin with over eight years of coaching and assistant coaching experience in football and baseball, including five years at Urbana University and over a year at Workhaven High School in Columbus.

He arrived in January and immediately began working on all the details that are the responsibility of the head coach including managing the budget, arranging transportation, arranging equipment details, hiring umpires, scheduling games, recruiting players, and much more. "There are a lot of responsibilities, but it comes with the territory," Mooney said. He comes in early every morning and is dedicated to his task. The best time to contact him is between 8:30 and 9 a.m.

"If you're not prepared to spend 12 to 15 hours a day working, you're not prepared for this profession," Mooney said.

There is no dress code for the athletics department, but Mr. Mooney knows that a serious man should wear serious clothes. He likes to wear a suit.

Mooney has been pleased with all aspects of his new job. He applauded the efforts of the grounds crew, who cover the field with a tarp before every rain and snow fall. "The grounds crew does an excellent job. They often get overlooked but I want them to know they're appreciated."

Mooney has set a couple of lofty goals for his club. "I set out to eliminate negative attitudes, spend most of my time teaching fundamental baseball, and accept nothing but hard work. I'm really happy with the way the team has adapted to my expectations and how hard they have been working," he said.

He also wants the team to compete well and finish at the top of the conference and generally have a great baseball program. "We have a college that has outstanding academics, a world-renowned conservatory of music, and I think we should be just as good in baseball and in athletics."

Mooney has a two-and-one-half year contract but he will stay as long as is necessary to accomplish his goals. "I want to be here as long as it takes to get the job done. I'm very appreciative of the opportunity given to me by Mr. Hunsinger as the athletics director to try and turn this program around."