BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — On Wednesday, Bowling Green State University announced that Danny Schmitz, who has been the head coach for the Falcons for 30 years, will be moving to an advisory role and working with alumni.
Kyle Hallock, a Sandusky Perkins graduate who joined the BGSU baseball coaching staff in September of 2018, has been named the interim head coach, while Ryan Shay, a six-year assistant coach, will remain in that role for the team.
This comes just a day after the university announced the reinstatement of the baseball program through a grassroots campaign put on by former players and alumni. That campaign raised over $1.5 million in just 18 days to save the program.
“We are extremely thankful for Danny’s 30 years of service to BGSU,” Athletic Director Bob Moosbrugger said. “He is the longest tenured coach in the history of the BGSU Athletics Department and his legacy is unmatched. Danny was my coach at BGSU and he gave me an opportunity to play Division I baseball.”
Schmitz was a three-time Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year, delivering seven conference championships and was the MAC active leader in all-time wins. He helped lead Falcons to three NCAA tournament appearances, four MAC regular-season titles and seven division championships.
“First and foremost, I want to thank Andy Tracy and everyone involved with the process of reinstating BGSU Baseball,” Schmitz said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the collective effort and I’m thrilled to no end that the baseball family came together. Their efforts were truly remarkable.
“I am so thankful for 30 incredible years as head baseball coach at BGSU. I am going out on my own terms and fully trust the staff that is in place. This program has new life, and I think it’s time for a new direction. I am not leaving Bowling Green. I am excited to be staying on at BGSU and will help the department and baseball program in any way that I can. I am excited to see the baseball program thrive for years to come. Go Falcons!”
Hallock, now interim head coach, played at Kent State from 2008-11 winning four straight MAC championships and playing in three NCAA regionals. He had a stint in the minor leagues before moving to coaching. Before BGSU, Hallock spent four years as the pitching coach at Malone University. In one year at Bowling Green, the BGSU staff ranked in the top five in the league in ERA and fewest hits allowed. Bowling Green was second in the league in total runs allowed.
