Central tabs Ellison as new baseball coach

The man pictured above is in charge of turning around a baseball program that won just two games last season. Mike Ellison, 59, was hired as Central's baseball coach today, replacing Dan O'Rourke, who resigned after three seasons to pursue a national teaching certification.

Ellison is a long-time baseball coach. He's had stints as a head coach at Hernando (so long ago he can't remember the exact year) and, more recently, at Hernando Christian. Ellison, whose specialty is pitching, was a long-time assistant at Central, tutoring players like Patrick Ryan, who is currently playing Class A ball in the Milwaukee Brewers farm system.

"He's real meticulous, organized," O'Rourke said of his successor. "He loves the game of baseball.

Central has struggled the past few seasons, but Ellison is convinced he can help right the ship.

"I think there’s a lot of talent at Central," he said. "This what they're going to have to do: They’re going to learn that they can win."

"Coach Ellison has been a fixture in baseball throughout Hernando county for a number of years," Central athletic director Jeff Spivey said. "He was an integral part of the very successful Central  teams of a few years ago. Mike has already hit the ground running in taking over his new responsibilities, and I'm sure his influence over the players and the coaches on his staff will be a very positive one." 

Central begins play in a fall league at Saint Leo next week.

--DAVID MURPHY

dmurphy@sptimes.com