End of an era in Corvallis

All good things come to an end. On Thursday afternoon in Corvallis, Pat Casey, head coach of the Oregon State Beaver baseball team announced his retirement. Beaver fans who have been paying attention to the program knew that this was coming at some point, but it still hurts.

First of all, I am an Oregon State alum. I bleed orange and black. I have enjoyed seeing this baseball program reach the heights that it has over the years. It has given us Beaver fans a sense of pride and happiness that is hard to match. I have tons of Oregon State baseball gear that is brand new or has been around in the closet since their first National Championship. My kids have tons of Beaver baseball gear and my wife, who married into this crazy Beaver fandom has gear.

We, like many other Beaver alum, rep our team like no other.

With the departure of Coach Casey it certainly will leave a bit of a hole in our hearts.

However, the hole in our soul will certainly be replaced by all the good moments that Coach Casey has provided us over the years.

Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s take a closer look at all of the positives that Pat Casey has left us:

• 3 National Championships (2005, 2006, 2018)
• 900 wins
• 24 seasons at the helm of Oregon State
• .662 win percentage
• 6 College World Series appearances
• Named 2017 Pac-12 Coach of the Year and National Coach of the Year
• National Coach of the Year in 2006, 2007, 2017, 2018
• Has had 28 All-Americans at Oregon State
• 5 Pac-12 Conference Championships

Need I go on about this absolute giant of a college baseball coach?

“I am so grateful, thankful, and I can tell you it’s been one of most humbling experiences of my entire life. I have no oceans to sail. I have no mountains to climb. I have no hobbies. I don’t know what in the hell I am going to do.” Casey said in his press conference. (Oregonlive.com)

Coach Casey, I believe I can speak for the majority of Beaver baseball fans when I say that the pleasure has been all ours over the years. You deserve all the rest and relaxation that you can get.

While Casey is stepping down from being the head coach of the Oregon State program, he isn’t going far from the program.

“While I am saddened to lose Coach Casey in the dugout; I’m thrilled to have Coach Casey remain on staff to serve as an ambassador for our department, be a mentor for other coaches, and play a role in fundraising.” Athletic Director Scott Barnes said. (d1baseball.com)

Associate head coach Pat Bailey will be the interim head coach for the 2019. After that, a national search will commence.

However, today is the day that we look back and thank a wonderful head coach. A giant in the world of college baseball and a giant to the players that were fortunate enough to wear the Oregon State uniform for him.

Coach Casey, I tip my cap to you Sir.