Cincinnati native Jake Oester has been named head baseball coach at Urbana University.
Oester, who has a great baseball pedigree, brings over three years of coaching experience to UU along with three years of professional playing experience with the Chicago White Sox organization. Jake is the son of Ron Oester, a former major leaguer and longtime member of the Cincinnati Reds.
UU Executive Director of Athletics Larry Cox said Oester brings a winning mentality to Urbana and will be a positive addition to the UU community.
“Jake has a rich background as a player and college coach,” Cox said. “He exhibits the energy, passion and commitment to excellence on and off the field that we require of our athletic teams. We’re excited to see the direction he will take our baseball program.”
Oester becomes the ninth head coach in UU baseball’s history after spending the past year at Alderson Broaddus University, where he served as the Battlers’ recruiting coordinator. On the field, he was responsible for working with infielders and hitters, helping guide the AB program to 31 wins, a conference championship and the team’s first NCAA Regional appearance.
“I am truly excited and grateful to lead the Urbana University baseball team,” Oester said. “I would like to thank Larry (Cox), Nikki (Pluger) and the rest of the administration for allowing me to have this opportunity. I look forward to recruiting quality student-athletes and developing a culture that the Urbana community will be proud to support.”
Prior to AB, Oester spent two seasons on the staff at his alma mater the University of Toledo as a volunteer assistant. At UT, he oversaw development of the outfielders and assisted with the infield. Oester coordinated UT’s baseball camps and served as a roving instructor at many other outside showcases.
In 2015, Oester worked hands on with Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year and Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American A.J. Montoya, as well as MAC Defensive Player of the Year shortstop Deion Tansel.
Before joining UT’s staff, Oester played three seasons as an infielder in the White Sox farm system. He signed as a free agent in 2010 and spent time playing at numerous stages, including the Birmingham Barons at the AA level and Charlotte Knights at the AAA level. Oester noted that he still relies on the knowledge and relationships he developed during his playing days.
Oester graduated from Toledo with a marketing degree in 2009. He started 194 games for the Rockets and ranks 10th all-time in program history with 129 runs scored. For his career, Oester hit .272 with 15 home runs, 34 doubles and 92 RBI.
Oester attended McNicholas High School in Cincinnati where he was a four-year letter winner and ranked as the 45th-best prospect in the state by The Buckeye Scout.
The Blue Knights are scheduled to open the 2017 season Feb. 18 against Lincoln University.
