BETHANY, W.Va. (pacathletics.org) – Bethany College Director of Athletics Brian Sansom is announcing the hiring of Michael Finlan as the new head baseball coach for the Bison program. Finlan joins Bethany after serving as the assistant coach at Spalding.
"We are excited to welcome Michael to the Bethany College community," says Sansom. "Michael will not only be a great asset to our baseball program, but also our department. He has a vision for success both on the field, and in the classroom and community, that aligns with our department's goals. We look forward to him taking our program to heights."
"I want to thank Brian Sansom and the athletic staff at Bethany for giving me this opportunity," says Finlan. "Thank you to my family and friends for all their support. Finally, thank you to all the coaches and players I've had the privilege of working with over the past few years. I'm very excited to get started and lead Bethany Baseball into a bright future."
During his short stint with Spalding, Finlan helped guide the Golden Eagles to a 35-12 overall record and the program's first St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament championship, which locked down the team's first NCAA Tournament berth. As the team's pitching coach, Finlan guided the staff to a 3.60 ERA and 363 strikeouts.
Finlan is familiar with the West Virginia baseball landscape, having spent time at Wheeling University and Glenville State.
During his time at Wheeling University, Finlan played an instrumental role for the Cardinals baseball team. In 2022, he helped guide them to one of its best offensive seasons in school history with a team batting average of .259 while setting a new program record for doubles (96), triples (20), and home runs (37). During the 2021 season, Finlan led a pitching staff that included three All-MEC Honorees. As a unit, his staff had an impressive 1.74 WHIP while striking out 251 and walking 182.
Prior to Wheeling, he spent three seasons (2018-20) at Glenville State. In addition to his duties as pitching coach, he oversaw the strength and condition program for the baseball team.
As a student-athlete, Finlan pitched two seasons at perennial-power Marietta. He made 14 starts and finished his Pioneer career with a record of 6-5 on the bump.
After graduation, he served as a graduate assistant coach with Ohio Valley University.
The State College, Pa., native, earned his Bachelor of Arts in sports management at Marietta College.