George Washington University Athletics
Pat O'Brien Named Baseball Assistant Coach
10/23/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Oct. 23, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC -
George Washington Head Baseball Coach Steve Mrowka has announced the addition of Pat O'Brien as an assistant coach. O'Brien spent the 2008 season as a volunteer assistant coach in his first year with the Colonials staff.
"Pat was our volunteer coach in 2007-08 and did an outstanding job in that position," said Mrowka. "It was an easy decision to promote him as he has the work ethic, baseball knowledge, and personal skills needed to be one of the best coaches and recruiters in college baseball. GW baseball has a long history of outstanding assistant coaches and the hiring of Coach O'Brien that tradition continues."
O'Brien, a native of Cincinnati, OH, served on the staff of the Washington Wild Things (PA), a member of the Independent Frontier League, where he helped with hitters, travel and camps. While there, he was the director of the team's summer camp, and saw four players sign contracts with minor league team affiliated with MLB clubs.
"It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of an outstanding academic institution with a rich baseball tradition," said O'Brien. "I look forward to getting to work and continuing that tradition. My goal is to compete year in and year out for A-10 Championships while putting our players in a position to advance to the professional level.
Prior to joining the Wild Things staff, O'Brien was a coach at Kent State, where he focused on catchers and hitting. Professional teams signed two catchers under his guidance: the Boston Red Sox drafted Will Vazquez and Todd Balduf signed with the Kansas City Royals.
As a player, O'Brien had a stellar career at Kent State (2000-03). He was named Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American after his first season and then was selected to the Columbus Regional Team following his sophomore year. In 2002, O'Brien was semi-finalist for the Dick Howser Trophy, presented to the national College baseball player of the year (selected by the National College Baseball Writers Association), the Golden Spikes Award (awarded by USA Baseball) and the Johnny Bench Award, given to college baseball's top catcher. He was also named First-team All-Region by the American Baseball Coach's Association and second-team All-Mid-American Conference.
While at Kent State, O'Brien helped lead the Golden Flashes to the MAC regular season title in 2000 and 2003, and also helped to win the MAC Tournament in 2001 and 2002. O'Brien was drafted by the Houston Astros from Kent State in the 17th round in 2003.
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