Indian River State College and its athletic community have suffered a great loss with the passing of former Pioneers baseball head coach Mike Easom. On Tuesday evening, at the age of 78, this pillar of the college's baseball program left a lasting impact.

Coach Easom's Impact Beyond the Game

For 31 remarkable years, from taking over the program in the summer of 1975, Easom led the team to great heights. He coached the team to four FCCAA State Championships and two trips to the Junior College World Series. His achievements were not just in wins and championships but in transforming the lives of countless young athletes.The college president Timothy Moore and athletics director Scott Kimmelman released a joint statement expressing their sorrow. They emphasized that Easom was not just a baseball coach but the heart and soul of the program, establishing Indian River State College as a collegiate baseball powerhouse. His legacy includes 1,036 wins, nine Southern Conference Championships, and four FCCAA State Championships. He mentored, supported, and inspired generations of student-athletes, developing not only skilled players but also exceptional young men.

Early Life and Baseball Journey

Born and raised in Tallahassee, Easom had a four-year collegiate career at Florida State. He was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the 23rd round of the 1969 MLB June Amateur Draft. He played two years with the club at the Single-A level before joining the Montreal Expos organization for a season at Double A. Shortly after starting a stint as a Florida State graduate assistant in 1972, he landed in Fort Pierce where he would leave a lasting imprint.

IRSC Coaching Years and Achievements

At Indian River State College, Easom produced an overall record of 1,036-500. He guided the team to nine Southern Conference Championships and state titles in 1979, 1993, 1995, and 1996. He was named FCCAA Coach of the Year during each of those seasons. His No. 4 jersey is retired by the college, a testament to his significance. A total of 160 players who played under him moved onto professional playing careers, with 14 enjoying Major League Baseball careers.

Later Coaching Career and Legacy

Easom left IRSC in 2006 and became the head baseball coach at John Carroll High School, leading the program to multiple state-playoff berths. His influence extended far beyond the college campus. The public memorial service held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, at Indian River State College's Mike Easom Field is a way to honor his memory. The college renamed the baseball field in his honor back in 2022, a fitting tribute to his contributions.Patrick Bernadeau, a sports reporter for Treasure Coast Newspapers, can be reached at 772-985-9692, on X at @PatBernadeau or via email at pbernadeau@gannett.com.