Tinsley retires, McAbee named Miami Hamilton head softball coach

Miami University Hamilton welcomes Joe McAbee as the new head coach of the women’s fast-pitch softball team.

McAbee, of Fairfield, replaces Bob Tinsley, who retired from the position after the 2006-07 season due to health reasons.

Tinsley was the first and only coach of the Harriers’ softball team. According to Athletic Director Vince Richardson, it was Tinsley who, along with Assistant Coach Robert McGlothin, built the team into the perennial state and conference powerhouse that it is today.

“Bob Tinsley has been a tireless worker for the program. He is well-respected by his players, the Miami University community, and other coaches in the conference. While we will miss Bob tremendously in this capacity, he still stops in to visit us from time to time,” Richardson said.

“We are fortunate to have another well-respected coach, Joe McAbee, assume the reigns of the program,” Richardson said.

McAbee has coached competitive sports for 20 years, the last 10 in fast-pitch softball. Active in coaching competitive, high-school-age travel teams during the summers, McAbee also served as the varsity softball coach at Princeton High School.

Richardson said McAbee is a great fit for the job and the new coach considers it a privilege to take the helm of such a successful program at Miami Hamilton. The Lady Harriers will be out to defend their 2006-07 Ohio Regional Campus Conference and State fast-pitch softball championships.

McAbee earned a Master’s degree in Education from Miami University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Physical Education from Methodist College in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Miami Hamilton students interested in playing fast-pitch softball in the Spring ’08 season should contact McAbee at 785-3249 or 550-1239, mcabeejm@muohio.edu.