Miami University pitching coach Jeff Opalewski recently completed his first year with the program. There were some huge successes during that year, including a historic season from Jonathan Brand: multiple All-American honors, first-team All-MAC recognition and the seventh-lowest ERA in Miami baseball history. Brand's ERA of 1.40 was the lowest at Miami since 1974, and teammate Zach Maxey finished second in the league with a 2.27 ERA (earning second-team All-MAC honors). Brand went on to be selected in the eighth round of the 2022 MLB draft by the Boston Red Sox.
Coach Opalewski brought years of coaching experience with him to Oxford, including his previous job with IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he worked from 2018-2021. As the Pitching Coordinator for IMG, Opalewski created day-to-day programming for the 89 pitchers in the program. During his time with IMG, he helped 25 pitchers reach the Division I level. In total, Opalewski oversaw development plans for three pitchers that were drafted professionally (Jackson Ferris, second round 2022; Drew Gray, third round 2021; Mason Albright, 12th round 2021) and 48 pitchers that went on to pitch collegiately.
Prior to his stop at IMG, Opalewski served in various roles at his alma mater Central Michigan University. Opalewski saw two stints in Mount Pleasant, the first of which included his time as a player, undergraduate assistant, and volunteer assistant coach. During his more recent tenure, Opalewski served as a Recruiting Coordinator, Assistant Baseball Coach, and Associate Head Baseball Coach. In his second stint at CMU, Opalewski coached two MAC Championship squads and four MAC West Division Champs. He coached 17 All-MAC pitchers, three All-Region pitchers, 22 pitchers who were drafted or signed professional contracts with MLB teams, one MAC Pitcher of the Year, two MAC Freshman Pitchers of the Year, and three Freshman All-Americans. He recruited 34 All-MAC players, four All-MAC defensive teams award winners, four Freshman All Americans, two MAC Freshmen of the Year, 31 All-MAC Academic Team Honorees, one Academic All American, and 19 players that were drafted by Major League franchises, including two Major Leaguers.
During his earlier stop at Central Michigan University, Opalewski started out as a player for the Chippewas. As a player, Opalewski was a four-year letter winner and a member of the 2004 MAC Championship squad. Over the course of his playing career, he played with a few different summer programs, most notably winning the 2001 Stan Musial AABC World Series Championship. Prior to his first season in Mount Pleasant, Opalewski was a 28th round draft pick by the Cleveland Indians (now Guardians). Following the completion of his playing career, Opalewski first served as an undergraduate assistant and then a volunteer assistant coach with the Chippewas.
