Penguin Baseball Quick History

The Penguins baseball program began in 1948 with Men’s Basketball Coach Dom Rosselli at the helm. The program was halted following the 1950 season but returned in 1958 and has been a sport at YSU ever since. The Penguins have had eight coaches in school history, including current coach Steve Gillispie. In 2004, the Penguins qualified for their first NCAA Division I Regional by winning the Horizon League Tournament. Playing host to the tournament at Eastwood Field, YSU posted a 4-0 mark beating the No. 2 seed, No. 3 seed (twice) and No. 1 seed on the way to the title. The Penguins played at the Austin Regional losing to Texas and TCU at the event. Prior to making the NCAA postseason in 2004, YSU last appeared on the Division II Regional stage in 1977, 1966 and 1964. Dom Rosselli coached the program through 1981 and had a record of 418-219. All-time the Penguins have had ten Major League Baseball Draft picks, highlighted in 2001, when the San Francisco Giants selected Brad Hennessey in the first round. The most-recent selection came after this season, with Penguin third-baseman Drew Dosch being selected by Baltimore in the seventh-round. The most newsworthy Penguin to play in the majors is perhaps pitcher Dave Dravecky. Dravecky battled back from cancer to return to the Major Leagues in the early 1990’s before having his arm amputated because of his illness. Prepared, in part, by YSU Sports Information Director Trevor Parks