Canes Warning
Fansided

New Miami baseball coach ready to create his own history

By Alan Rubenstein

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 16: The Miami Hurricanes hold up the NCAA trophy after their win over the Stanford Cardinal during the Finals of the College World Series on June 16, 2001 at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. The Hurricanes won 12-1. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE - JUNE 16: The Miami Hurricanes hold up the NCAA trophy after their win over the Stanford Cardinal during the Finals of the College World Series on June 16, 2001 at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. The Hurricanes won 12-1. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The end of the 2018 Miami baseball season meant the end of Jim Morris’ spectacular 25-year tenure as the Miami baseball coach. His top assistant Gino DiMare was officially introduced as the Hurricanes new baseball coach on Tuesday.

It’s been known that DiMare would succeed Morris since 2014 when Morris announced that this past season was going to be his last. Morris’ retirement ends a 56-year stretch with just three head coaches of the Miami baseball program. Morris and Ron Fraser combined for 55 of those.

Fraser was the Head Coach from 1963-92. Brad Kelly was Miami’s Head Coach in 1993 before Morris took over in 1994.

Morris retired from the Miami baseball program with a record of 1,090 wins, 472 losses and three ties. After leading Miami to 23 of their record 44 NCAA Tournament appearances the Hurricanes failed to earn bids in Morris’ final two seasons.

Morris’ last two Miami baseball teams did extend the Hurricanes consecutive streak of winning seasons to 61. The last Miami baseball coach to have a losing record was Major League Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx. The 1957 Hurricanes finished 11-12.

Live Feed

ACC Power Rankings: Can #4 FSU overthrow Clemson at Death Valley East?
ACC Power Rankings: Can #4 FSU overthrow Clemson at Death Valley East? /

Saturday Blitz

  • Miami vs. Temple Prediction, Odds, Trends and Key Players for College Football Week 4Betsided
  • Where did Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson play college football?FanSided
  • Who is playing college football tonight, Sept. 14?FanSided
  • College Football Picks Against the Spread for Every Top 25 Game in Week 3Betsided
  • College football rankings 2023: Projected Week 3 AP Top 25 after Texas upsets Alabama, Colorado rolls againFanSided

    • DiMare played at Miami under Fraser and has been an assistant under Morris for 19 years. If anyone understands the legacy of the two men that he will be succeeding it’s him.

    Miami Athletic Director Blake James was extremely confident about DiMare being the one to replace Morris. He discussed his decision during DiMare’s press conference.

    "“There was no question at any point that he was the right person to grab the baton from Coach [Jim] Morris and carry on this program…I am excited to continue to support him and his efforts with our baseball team and there isn’t a better person to be leading us.”"

    Anytime a great in sports steps down the history they helped forge will be reviewed. DiMare is aware of that and said that he wants to create his own history at Miami. He is also aware of the shadow that has been cast by Fraser. He spoke about that at the press conference.

    "“Coach Fraser gave me the chance to play here many years ago and I know Coach Morris, for many years, said he liked to hire Miami guys. I can only think if I didn’t make the decision to come here where I’d be right now. A lot of things have taken place going back to when I made that decision at 18 years old that got me to where I am now.”"

    In between playing in college for Miami and becoming an assistant coach DiMare spent time in the Boston Red Sox system. He also coached at his high school alma mater, Westminster Christian. That’s the same school that Alex Rodriguez attended.

    DiMare epitomizes Miami baseball. The opportunity means a lot to him.

    "“I’ve been here a long time..this is my 20th year as a coach here and now to be the head coach here, after playing for Coach Fraser and working with Coach Morris for so many years, it’s a little strange. But, to tell you the truth, I’m very excited.”"

    Next: Miami Hurricanes Head baseball coach Jim Morris hanging them up

    Miami had a young team in 2018. The Hurricanes played much better at the end of the season. Before losing their final game of the ACC Tournament to Clemson, Miami had an 11 game winning streak. DiMare can use that to build confidence heading into his first season leading the Miami baseball program.

    Home/Miami Hurricanes Baseball