NOTRE DAME, Indiana — University of Notre Dame Vice President and James E. Rohr Director of Athletics Jack Swarbrick has announced that after nine years at the helm of the Notre Dame baseball program, Mik Aoki’s contract will not be renewed for the 2020 season.
“I’m grateful to have worked with Mik over the last decade during our transition to the ACC,” said Swarbrick. “He has been a great representative of this university and its athletics program, and his passion for the student-athletes and our community over his tenure were evident to everyone he met.”
“We wish Mik and his family nothing but the best as he continues his coaching career.”
The University will immediately commence a national search for the program’s 21st head coach.
During Aoki’s tenure, 26 student-athletes heard their name called in the Major League Baseball Draft, including 13 selections in the first 10 rounds. The Irish were 248-253-1 (.495) under Aoki, with a second-place finish in the ACC Atlantic Division in 2015, followed by an NCAA regional berth.
“My family and I are disappointed that the Notre Dame chapter of our lives has come to a close, but we are looking forward to what comes next,” Aoki said. “We are grateful to the University, (University President) Father (John) Jenkins and Jack (Swarbrick) for the opportunity to have coached here and to be a part of the Notre Dame and greater South Bend community.”
Baseball was established as Notre Dame’s second varsity sport in 1892 and the Fighting Irish have advanced to 23 NCAA tournaments with two trips to the College World Series (1957, 2002) in Omaha, Nebraska. Over that time, the Fighting Irish have produced 119 MLB Draft selections and on May 24, Cavan Biggio became the program’s 90th Major Leaguer when he debuted with the Toronto Blue Jays.
