Ribbon cut on ‘Charlie O’Brien Practice Facility’
Published on March 21, 2019
NORTH EAST, Md. – Cecil College cut the ribbon on the latest phase of its evolution last Thursday during the unveiling of the “Charlie O’Brien Practice Facility” on the North East Campus. This structure was a year in planning followed by a year of construction.
“Our athletic practice facility is a testament to the tremendous loyalty, passion, and excitement that alumni and friends have for Cecil College and our student-athletes. Together, with our supportive community, we are fulfilling our commitment to provide our student-athletes with the tools and the resources they need to succeed. This facility is an asset and will touch the lives of current and future student-athletes, coaches, and the college and greater community for years to come,” said Cecil College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt.
This facility is the first significant structure built on a Maryland community college campus that was 100 percent funded through donations. The facility has had an immediate impact on student-athletes who no longer have to leave the campus and arrange carpools to other practice facilities. It has enhanced the personal and professional development of the college’s student-athletes while decreasing the challenges on the coaching staff as this is a powerful recruiting tool.
It is named in honor of Charlie O’Brien, Cecil College’s longtime baseball coach, who has been instrumental in the development of hundreds of young men into adulthood. As a mentor, guidance counselor, big-brother figure, and most of all compassionate leader, Charlie has left a mark on students both on the field and off for more than 20 years.
“Helping young men learn to compete, learn to grow up, and learn to be men is what drives Charlie,” said Mark Mortenson, Board of Trustee member and chair of the campaign committee that raised funds. The Charlie O’Brien Practice Facility is 60 feet by 120 feet and houses pitching and batting cages for the baseball and softball programs. It houses the two Iron Mike pitching machines donated to the College.
A graduate of Cecil College in 1983, Charlie’s victory percentage is better than 600 in more than 1,000 games coached for the Seahawks. He was named Maryland JUCO Coach of the Year twice, NJCAA Region XX Coach of the Year three times, and the 2011 Northeast District Coach of the Year when the Seahawks advanced to the Junior College World Series.
His players also received many accolades. Two have been Golden Glove winners, one as NJCAA National Player of the Year, six as NJCAA All-Americans, 37 as All-Region XX players, and 46 as All Maryland JUCO players. Many of his players have gone on to play at four-year institutions while dozens have signed to play professional baseball, many making it to the big leagues.