Michael Beimel has been named the next head coach of the Olean Oilers. Beimel, a St. Marys, Pennsylvania, native, played for the Oilers during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. He also competed collegiately for St. John Fisher College, now St. John Fisher University.
As a player for the Oilers, Beimel put together two of the most impressive campaigns by a catcher in the team’s history. In 2018, a season in which the Oilers captured the New York Collegiate Baseball League’s Western Division title, Beimel appeared in 29 regular season games, batting .340 with 32 hits. In 2019, he saw action in 27 regular season games, batting .305 with 29 hits. Beimel was named a NYCBL All-Star in 2019. Beimel is also one of the top catchers in the history of St. John Fisher’s baseball program.
Beimel will replace Andrew White, who coached the team last season. White was unable to return because a new opportunity, but he will continue to serve on the organization’s advisory board. The Oilers will open the 2023 season on June 5 against the Dansville Gliders at Babcock Park in Dansville.