Youngstown State University’s baseball program is set for a pivotal 2026‑27 season as head coach Trevor Charpie unveiled a reshaped coaching staff that blends proven experience with fresh talent.
A Fresh Direction for YSU Baseball
Charpie, who has led the program for several years, emphasized that the new staff embodies the university’s core values of toughness, work ethic and loyalty, qualities that resonate with the city’s blue‑collar identity.
Jacob Gehring, a former two‑time All‑Horizon League pitcher, earned a promotion to full‑time pitching coach after a season as a graduate assistant. In that role he helped shape the staff’s pitching strategy and player development.
Rodney Lopez, who previously served as Director of Baseball Player Personnel, will continue as recruiting coordinator, a position he describes as the ‘glue’ that holds the staff together and ensures continuity within the program.
New Faces on the Staff
Errol Robinson joins as associate head coach and primary hitting coach. With a decade of professional experience, including multiple MLB Spring Training invitations and competition against top major‑league players, Robinson brings a wealth of on‑field insight.
Josh McAlister, a former collegiate star known for a .368 batting average and a .731 slugging percentage, will serve as a graduate assistant coach. His 2025 season also featured a .452 on‑base percentage and 14 stolen bases, underscoring his offensive versatility.
The coaching additions are not merely statistical achievements; they reflect a deliberate effort to align the program’s personnel with the values that define Youngstown State and its surrounding community.
Charpie concluded that the staff’s blend of experience, work ethic and loyalty will drive the team toward sustained success, reinforcing the program’s commitment to excellence both on and off the field.