Heidelberg University Athletics

Over the past two decades, Heidelberg baseball has created a storied history -- with much of that success starting under the direction of Matt Palm as head coach. Frank Balogh, a 2002 graduate of the Berg, was at the forefront of that upturn in success for the program.

While on the diamond for the Student Princes, Frank, a three-year captain, was a three-time First-Team All-OAC selection, a two-time ABCA All-Region honoree and wrote his name into the Heidelberg record books. He still holds the top spot in career batting average with a .414 mark over his four years. And, as if getting on base wasn’t impressive enough, Frank wreaked havoc on the basepaths stealing 58 bases -- then a Heidelberg record and currently third all-time. 

On top of his individual accomplishments, Frank was a junior on the 2000 team that set three team records with a .375 team batting average, 119 stolen bases as a team, and became the first 30-win team in program history.

Thanks in large part to Frank’s trailblazing efforts during the program’s resurgence, Berg baseball has gone on to make two trips to the College World Series and win numerous OAC and regional titles. 

In his time post-Heidelberg, Frank has worked his way into his current role as the director of Finance & Payroll for Surety HR. Also, Frank met his wife of 16 years, Nicole, and the couple now have two children -- Carolyn (12) and Dylan (9).

Having two young children comes with its fair share of added involvement as Frank has volunteered as a soccer, basketball and baseball coach for the past 10 years. His time spent in this role as a coach has led him to now serving as the vice president of the Avon Lake Travel Basketball Association.

(This article was published in the 2019 Hall of Fame Banquet program.)