John Carroll University Athletics named Bobby Bell head coach of the baseball team Monday afternoon, July 8. 

Bell was an assistant on former head coach Marc Thibeault’s staff for five years up until the 2018 season. Following Thibeault’s and the baseball program’s decision to part ways which took place mid-season, Bell was rehired onto the coaching staff that was led by interim head coach Ryan Nordquist.

Following the conclusion of the 2019 season, JCU athletics opened the position and an interview process took place. Bell was ultimately chosen to lead the JCU baseball program moving forward.

“I feel truly blessed and grateful as I embrace this new role as head coach for John Carroll University,” said Bell in a statement to JCUSports.com. “I would like to first thank Director of Athletics Michelle Morgan for entrusting me with the Blue Streaks baseball program. I am excited about the opportunity and ready to embark on this journey with a remarkable group of student-athletes that I have grown to admire tremendously. I look forward to building upon our prior success and leading John Carroll baseball to the next level on and off the field.”

Bell takes over a Blue Streaks baseball team that concluded the 2019 season losing eight of their last 12 games, missing the Ohio Athletic Conference tournament after an initial 7-0 start in league games.

Among staff changes, Nordquist was hired as an assistant onto Baldwin Wallace’s staff. The Carroll News has not been able to confirm that Nordquist was even considered for the position or if he received an interview. 

Additionally, former pitching coach Tyler McCormick is not listed on the team’s website as an assistant coach and is not expected to return. Bell is still working on finalizing his staff.