Point Park lost yet another member of their coaching staff this summer, after former part-time assistant coach Jason Kim landed a full-time pitching coach job in Michigan as a part of the Concordia University Ann Arbor (CUAA) baseball team on August 1. Kim, who had been coaching with the Pioneers for the last four years now, was known to mostly focus his efforts on helping the Pioneer pitching staff during his time in Pittsburgh. Kim was also a pitcher for the Pioneers for two years in 2015 and 2016. This will be his first full-time position as a coach. 

Kim joined Point Park’s coaching staff immediately in 2017 after his two years of play as a graduate assistant; two seasons where he would start 20 games to a record of 13-5 and Earned Run Average (ERA) of 2.71. He would also pitch a stunning 125.1 innings en route to two all-conference first team selections, as well KIAC Pitcher of the Year, and a NAIA Gold Glove. During his time as a part of the coaching staff, the Pioneers would win 125 games across three full seasons and the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season. The team would also win a conference title in 2018, where the team would hold a 2.85 ERA and an outstanding record of 47-9 on the season. “[Kim] was really passionate about making us understand that the team is a family and we pull together as a whole,” said junior catcher Luis Mujica. “His experience was very important when it came to situations where if any of us needed help he was probably the right person to go too.” 

Kim will be leaving Point Park for another NAIA team in CUAA; a highly successful Michigan team who blasted off to a 15-3 start last season before COVID-19 cut their season short as well. The Cardinals boasted a team ERA of 3.48, keeping opponents to an .242 batting average. Kim will look to help an already strong pitching staff look even better for the coming 2021 season. In 2019, the Cardinals would win the NCCAA World Series, and were looking to repeat with a roster that had 32 players return to the team in 2020. CUAA Head Coach Zach Johnston explained that quote, “the amount of interest for the pitching coach position was phenomenal.” ‘I am honored and blessed to take the position as the pitching coach here at such a thriving program like Concordia,” Kim said. “I am excited to get to work with Coach Johnston and the players as we work towards our goal to stand tall at the final out of the season. It is going to be an exciting transition coming from another great program like Point Park, and bring my knowledge to this program as well learning from the guys here. I’m thankful for the opportunity and excited to get going,” explained Kim during his official interview with CUAA. Kim will also help the Cardinals with planning practices, travel, and game day management, as well as help with recruiting, scouting, and player development. 

“We shared many highs and lows, successes and challenging seasons, which brought our coaching staff closer together. It is difficult to see someone leave who has shared a good portion of the journey with us. It is a great opportunity for Jason, and we wish him and his fiance all the best,” said Pioneers Head Coach Loren Torres. The Pioneers will look to possibly eventually replace the former graduate assistant before the start of the 2021 season in late February and early March.