The Youngstown State baseball family is heartbroken about the loss of one its recent student-athletes, Kevin Yarabinec, who passed away Sunday evening. Yarabinec was a right-handed pitcher with the program from 2014-17 and graduated in May 2017 with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
Statement from YSU head coach Dan Bertolini: Kevin was not only a great player, but he was an even better teammate and friend. His smile and energy were infectious. He lit up our clubhouse every day, and we will carry fond memories of him the rest of our lives. Our entire team extends our deepest condolences to his family. He will be sorely missed.
Yarabinec's Career Summary: Yarabinec served as both a member of the weekend rotation and a closer during his four-year Penguins career. He was voted to the Horizon League All-Freshman Team in 2014 when he led YSU in ERA and saves. He earned the victory and was on the mound for the final out when the Penguins won the 2014 Horizon League Championship game to earn the program's second Division I NCAA Regional berth. As a junior, Yarabinec became just the sixth player to lead YSU in both wins and saves in the same year. He finished his Penguins career ranking sixth in school history with eight career saves, and his 61 career appearances ranked 17th.