Ben Reel Resigns As IU Southeast Head Baseball Coach

NEW ALBANY, Ind. – IU Southeast head baseball coach Ben Reel resigned after 15 seasons in the position, Amanda Dailey-Weaver, Interim Director of Athletics announced today.

Reel has been named Vice President of MidAmerica Safety Solutions. Former Grenadier baseball standout Jeff Klump is the owner and president of the company.

"It is a bittersweet time for me as I step away as head coach," Reel said. "It has been an honor to be the head coach at IU Southeast but I want to devote more time and attention to my family."

"I will always be a part of this program and I look forward to staying connected with the Grenadier baseball alumni as we work to move the program forward. To all my current and former players and coaches, it has been a privilege to work alongside you. Our bond extends far beyond the game itself. I have been humbled by your trust in me, your willingness to learn, and the unbreakable unity that has defined our team."

Reel became the Grenadiers' all-time winningest coach and surpassed the 500-win mark during the 2022 campaign. His career record stands at 548-264-1 and a winning percentage of .674 is the highest in program history.

"I want to thank Coach Reel for the countless hours he has spent building and developing the IU Southeast baseball program over the years," Dailey-Weaver said. "He has raised the program to new heights and it has been a great experience watching him grow as a coach and person over the years.

"I know he will remain a part of the Grenadier baseball program and will be a tremendous asset for us to lean on as we work to grow and strengthen our relationships with our alumni. While we will certainly miss his leadership and passion for the program, I am excited about the future of the baseball program."

During his tenure, the Grenadiers won nine regular season titles and four conference tournament championships. The Grenadiers have made eight NAIA Opening Round appearances and reached the program's first NAIA World Series in 2021 when IU Southeast set the single-season record for wins with 50.

IU Southeast was ranked in the NAIA Baseball Coaches' Poll Top 25 for the first time in 2016 and has been ranked during every season since. IU Southeast was ranked as high as No. 7 in the nation during the 2022 season.

Reel was named 2021 NAIA-Ball National Coach of the Year after their historic run of making the programs first trip to the 2021 NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho. For his efforts, Reel was also awarded 2021 ABCA Kingsport Opening Round Coach of the Year Award along with the 2021 River States Conference Coach of the Year award. Over the past 15 seasons, Reel has been named RSC Coach of the Year nine times.

Reel has recruited, coached, and mentored 23 players to reach the professional ranks including IU Southeast's first-ever Major League Baseball draft pick in 2010 when the Kansas City Royals selected Cameron Conner in the 20th round.

After transferring from Cleveland State Community College, he led IU Southeast as team captain, was named a First Team All-Conference Selection, and All-Region Selection as a catcher for the Grenadiers. He was also named a NAIA Academic All-American in the spring of 2006.

A national search for the next IU Southeast head baseball coach will begin immediately.