Michael Beimel has been named the next head coach of the Olean Oilers. Beimel, a St. Marys, Pa. native, competed for the Oilers during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. Additionally, Beimel competed collegiately for St. John Fisher College.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Michael as our next head coach,” Olean Oilers President Matthew Fidurko said. “He lives, eats, and breathes baseball. His understanding of the game combined with his enthusiasm for instruction and player development made the choice an easy one. Michael has an extremely bright future in coaching.”
One of the top catchers in the history of St. John Fisher’s baseball program, Beimel was named the MVP of the Empire 8 Championship, First Team All-Conference, and Second Team All-Region by the American Baseball Coaches Association his final collegiate season (2022). That season Beimel appeared and started in 47 games, batting .373 with 66 hits. Beimel would also be named Second Team All-Conference following the 2019 and 2021 seasons.
As a player for the Oilers, Beimel would put together two of the most impressive campaigns by a catcher in the team’s history. In 2018, a season in which the Oilers captured the NYCBL’s Western Division Title, Beimel appeared in 29 regular season games, batting .340 with 32 hits. In 2019, Beimel saw action in 27 regular season games, batting .305 with 29 hits. Beimel would also be named a NYCBL All-Star in 2019.
“I am incredibly honored to continue to be a part of a great organization and community. This time, in a different role,” said Beimel. “It is my hope to keep the winning and player-centric tradition alive in Olean. I cannot wait to get to work with the players to develop their games this summer.”
Beimel will follow Andrew White as the head coach of the Oilers. White could not return as head coach of the team due to a great opportunity. White will continue to serve on the organization’s Advisory Board.