Story Courtesy of Eastern Michigan Athletic Communications
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Veteran coach and nationally respected program builder Mike Ott, who transformed Kalamazoo College into one of the Midwest's premier Division III baseball programs during a 14-year tenure, has been named the Head Baseball Coach at Eastern Michigan University, Vice President/Director of Athletics, Scott Wetherbee, announced today, June 2. Ott's appointment is pending the successful completion of a standard background check.
Ott arrives at Eastern Michigan following the most successful era in Kalamazoo College baseball history. Named the Hornets' head coach in June of 2012, Ott inherited a program that had struggled for decades and methodically rebuilt it into a championship-caliber program recognized nationally for its success on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the community.
"Mike Ott embodies everything we were looking for in our next head baseball coach," said Wetherbee. "He has a proven record of building programs the right way through culture, player development, accountability, and leadership. What he accomplished at Kalamazoo College is extraordinary. He elevated every aspect of the program and turned it into a nationally respected winner while developing young men who succeeded academically, athletically, and personally. We are excited to welcome Mike and his family to Eastern Michigan."
Ott leaves Kalamazoo as the winningest coach in school history with a 316-233-1 career record. Under his leadership, the Hornets captured Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) regular season championships in 2023 and 2024, marking the program's first conference title since 1927 and first consecutive championships since 1919-20.
Ott also guided Kalamazoo to the first NCAA Regional appearances in program history in 2016, 2022, and 2026. The Hornets earned their first NCAA Tournament victory in 2022 with an extra-inning win over Mount Aloysius College before advancing to the NCAA Regional Final for the first time in school history in 2026.
"I am extremely grateful and honored to be named the Head Baseball Coach at Eastern Michigan University," said Ott. "I want to thank President Kelly, the Board of Regents, Scott Wetherbee, Greg Steiner, and the rest of the athletic department for this opportunity. I am born and bred in the state of Michigan, so it is a privilege to be entrusted with leading the next chapter of this program. We are going to build a strong culture of excellence on and off the field, and I am excited to get started."
The 2026 season represented another major milestone in the program's rise under Ott's leadership. Kalamazoo finished 33-13, advanced to the NCAA Regional Final at Denison, and climbed as high as No. 6 nationally while setting a program record for wins.
Ott led Kalamazoo to four 30-win seasons during his tenure, including the first 30-win campaign in school history in 2017. The Hornets also won at least 25 games in each of the last six seasons from 2021-26 and recorded 10 seasons with 20 or more victories under his leadership.
The sustained success earned Ott recognition as the 2023 D3baseball.com Region 7 Coach of the Year. He also reached several major coaching milestones during his tenure, recording his 100th career victory in 2017, his 200th in 2023, and his 300th in 2026.
Ott built one of the most respected developmental programs in Division III baseball during his time at Kalamazoo. Under his leadership, the Hornets produced the first All-Region, All-American, and Academic All-American players in program history. Kalamazoo's Ryar Rinehart earned D3baseball.com National Rookie of the Year honors in 2023, while multiple players earned opportunities in prestigious summer collegiate leagues, including the Cape Cod League.
Six Kalamazoo players advanced to professional baseball under Ott's direction, while numerous others earned all-conference, all-region, and national honors.
Success in the classroom became another hallmark of Ott's program. Kalamazoo earned the MIAA Team GPA Award nine times, setting a conference record. The Hornets also earned repeated recognition for volunteer work and community service initiatives throughout Ott's tenure.
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Ott helped elevate the Kalamazoo baseball program's infrastructure through fundraising, facility upgrades, and operational growth. He played a major role in strengthening program resources while helping create an environment capable of sustaining long-term success.
Prior to Kalamazoo, Ott served as associate head coach and pitching coach for the Kalamazoo Growlers of the Northwoods League in 2014. He also spent eight seasons as head coach at Holland Christian High School from 2005-12, where he transformed the Maroons into one of Michigan's top high school baseball programs.
At Holland Christian, Ott guided the Maroons to conference championships in 2005 and 2008, district championships in 2006 and 2011, and the school's first regional championship and state quarterfinal appearance in 2006. The program earned state rankings in seven consecutive seasons, including its first No. 1 ranking in 2007, and recorded the school's first 30-win season in 2011.
Ott's collegiate coaching experience also includes working with programs at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, UNLV, and Calvin College.
As a player, Ott was a pitcher and two-year captain at Calvin College from 1999-2002, helping lead the Knights to MIAA championships in 2000 and 2002 before continuing his playing career professionally in the Frontier and Northern Leagues.
Ott earned his bachelor's degree from Calvin College in 2002, before completing a master's degree from Western Michigan University in 2006.
Ott and his wife, Lynsey, are the parents of children, Payton and Addison.
Career Highlights
• Winningest coach in Kalamazoo College baseball history
• Led Kalamazoo to MIAA regular season championships in 2023 and 2024, the program's first conference titles since 1927 and first back-to-back championships since 1919-20
• Guided Kalamazoo to the first NCAA Regional appearances in program history in 2016, 2022, and 2026
• Advanced to the NCAA Regional Final for the first time in school history in 2026
• Led the Hornets to the program's first NCAA Tournament win in 2022
• Four 30-win seasons, including the first in program history in 2017
• Six consecutive 25-win seasons from 2021-26
• Ten 20-win seasons at Kalamazoo
• D3baseball.com Region 7 Coach of the Year in 2023
• Produced Kalamazoo's first All-American, Academic All-American, and All-Region players
• Coached D3baseball.com National Rookie of the Year Ryar Rinehart in 2023
• Six players advanced to professional baseball under his leadership
• Kalamazoo earned the MIAA Team GPA Award nine times.
• Guided Holland Christian to the school's first regional championship and state quarterfinal appearance in 2006
• Ranked in the state seven consecutive seasons at Holland Christian, including the school's first No. 1 ranking in 2007
What They're Saying About Mike Ott...
Jack Clark, Senior Manager for Draft Operations at Major League Baseball
I am ecstatic for Mike Ott to get the opportunity to lead Eastern Michigan baseball into a new era. As a member of his first recruiting class, I have seen firsthand the unprecedented turnaround he authored at Kalamazoo College, quickly transforming the Hornets into a consistent winner and nationally competitive program. His teams are an embodiment of himself, displaying grit, attention to detail, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Coach Ott has had an immeasurable impact on my life and my career in baseball and will continue to positively affect the young men who play for him. I have no doubt in his abilities as a coach and leader, and he will be a fantastic addition to the top step at Oestrike Stadium.
Scott Malone, Head Baseball Coach at Texas A&M Corpus Christi
This is an outstanding hire for Eastern Michigan. The attention to detail and the overall culture of the baseball program will be elite. I have no doubt Mike Ott will move EMU baseball to the top of the MAC in a short time.
Adam Skonieczki, Head Baseball Coach at Lenoir–Rhyne University
Coach Ott is one of the best minds in college baseball. EMU has landed a superior leader, motivator, and person. His work ethic and attention to detail will elevate the Eastern Michigan baseball program to new heights.
Chris Ramirez, Head Baseball Coach at The University of Southern Indiana
Mike is a proven program builder and winner! He is one of the most structured and professional coaches I have ever been around. Great person, great coach, and great hire.
