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Pitt Parts Ways with Pitching Coach Jerry Oakes

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Pitt has parted ways longtime pitching coach Jerry Oakes, according to a report by D1Baseball.com and confirmed by Pittsburgh Sports Now.

Oakes spent eight seasons as Pitt’s pitching coach and had unprecedented success in his time in Oakland, helping to recruit and develop 17 pitchers that were selected in the MLB Draft over his eight seasons, including 2016 first-round pick and current Toronto Blue Jays right-hander T.J. Zeuch.

Oakes was the only member of the staff retained after the firing of Joe Jordano and hiring of Mike Bell in 2019. Pitt has not made an announcement regarding the change, but Oakes spoke publicly about his departure on Monday.

“The last couple days have been filled with many emotions,” Oakes wrote on Twitter. “I never took putting on those colors everyday for granted! To the University of Pittsburgh, thank you for the opportunity you have given me the past 8 years. Pittsburgh will always be my home and where my heart lies.

“To the prior and current players, I don’t have the right words. I will miss you more then you will ever know. You all will forever have place in my heart as my kids. I loved going to war with you! May you continue to be successful, respectful and honorable men on and off the field. Remember to always stick to the process, have fun and compete everyday! I know god always has a plan and I have faith that he will guide my in the right direction. I will miss everyone associated with the University of Pittsburgh. My heart is heavy leaving. I love you all!!”

Pitt had a 4.18 ERA as a team in 2020, while playing just 16 games in a season shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sandy Schall, Coldwell Banker
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