Last week we got word that Miami baseball head coach Jim Morris finally found his replacement for Joe Mercadante. After an extensive search, ‘3’ found the right man for the job, around the corner and in plain sight.
Former Canes player and assistant coach Gino DiMare is back with UM, coaching hitting and helping fellow Cane and Westminster Christian alum J.D. Arteaga on the recruiting front. It’s a move that any longtime Miami baseball enthusiast should love.
DiMare was on Morris’ staff from 1997 to 2008, meaning he was in the dugout for both 1999 and 2001 championship runs and several trips to Omaha. DiMare recruited and coached up players like Yonder Alonzo, Gaby Sanchez and Ryan Braun.
It became obvious over the past few years that Miami needed more offensive instruction. Especially this year with the introduction of new bats that limited the number of long balls.
DiMare, while taking the last few years off to spend time with family, has been at the ball park a bunch. He’s often been see up in the suites and it’s a safe bet he’s been pondering this return to coaching for a while now.
The rehiring of DiMare is huge on the recruiting front as both he and J.D. have served in the recruiting coordinator position. Between the two, their contact list for high school and summer league coaches is vast.
The coaching game is a grind and when you add recruiting into the mix, it’s even harder – especially for a family man looking to make some family time. Gino has three young girls and made a good move walking away for a while to spend some quality time at home, but with the coaching itch having returned, here’s hoping his batteries are recharged and that he’s ready to help this team succeed again.
Coach Morris got plenty of resumes from across the country as many assistants wanted to join this Miami staff. He spoke with other college coaches and even major league personnel, but in the end chose someone who knows the program, someone with proven success and someone he can absolutely trust.
Like they say, once a Cane, always a Cane. Welcome back Gino!