In processing the recent passing of former player Jake Roehn I have been reading several comments about how genuine, fun loving and sweet he was to everyone he came into contact with. All of this so true. My experience with Jake also was one of him being the ultimate warrior as a pitcher.
As one of our first big recruits in a 2013 class that defined an era, Jake was incredibly competitive, resilient and accomplished during his 5 years with Ohio Baseball. As a freshman he was the Friday starter. He missed the 2015 season with a condition that nobody knew if we would return back to normal. Jake didn’t feel sorry for himself or quit, he continued to be the warrior that he was and not only returned, but took on a new role as the closer.
From there he set the single season record for saves in 2017 while also becoming the all time saves leader in program history during his final season in 2018. Jake’s warrior mentality shined the greatest in 2017 helping lead his team to a MAC championship earning three saves in four games. When the team had a lead every player and coach in the dugout wanted Jake out there. He was truly a gift to coach and I was proud to have been a part of his life for the 5 years we were together. Rest in peace warrior. You will be missed.