Aoki takes over baseball lead

Nearly a month after Notre Dame director of athletics Jack Swarbrick did not retain Irish baseball coach Dave Schrage, Swarbrick announced the hiring of Mik Aoki. Aoki is the 20th head coach in program history.

Aoki comes to South Bend after leading Boston College to its second consecutive ACC Tournament berth in his fourth year at the helm of the Eagles. The Massachusetts native brings an overall Division I record of 201-248-1 (.448), which includes a five-year stint at Columbia.

"Mik has all the characteristics that were imperative for us in the search for a new head baseball coach," Swarbrick told und.com. "He is not only recognized as a top-notch recruiter, but also understands the value of top-caliber student-athletes, both on the field and in the classroom."

In a press conference revealing the new Irish coach, senior deputy athletics director Missy Conboy said that some of Aoki's resume includes a track record for player development, experience at an elite academic institution, and the ability to coach in a cold-weather environment.

Although Aoki has yet to name his staff, he indicated that acquiring topnotch pitching will be a priority in the upcoming recruiting season.