Livchak, Robert

Robert Livchak – (2006)

 

At an early age, Rob Livchak started to display the skills, determination and leadership that would be repeatedly demonstrated in his sports career.

The multi-talented Livchak earned seven varsity letters competing in baseball, football and basketball at Lorain High School. His stellar play on the football team as a two-way player earned recognition by being named to the First Team All-Lorain County, the Buckeye Conference All League squad and was Honorable Mention All-State. Additional honors included the Danny Award Scholarship and he was a finalist for the Lorain County Golden Helmet Award.

His strong left arm and booming bat led the Steelmen to the 1980 Buckeye Conference baseball crown. He led the team as a dominating pitcher and potent offensive batter who hit for a high average with power. Many honors were accorded Livchak including a berth on the Lorain County All-Star team, First Team All-Buckeye Conference (third time), and being named a High School All-American.

Livchak received numerous college scholarship offers for both his football and baseball talents and elected to accept a baseball scholarship to continue his education at Ohio University. As a southpaw pitcher and power hitting position player, he contributed to the Bobcats success in winning the MAC league championships in 1982 and 1983. He earned four varsity letters, collected a career batting average of .290 with 17 homeruns and 71 RBI. As a starting and relief pitcher he worked a total of 161 innings on the mound and was a co-captain in his senior year. He was drafted by the New York Yankees after his junior year but decided to complete his commitment to the Bobcats. Rob spent three summers playing for teams in Michigan and Virginia with rosters of college players that competed in collegiate leagues.

After graduating from Ohio University in 1984, he returned to the area to play for the Sandusky Soldiers Home team that won the championship in the Cuyahoga AAA league. He also played for the semi-pro Columbus Knights team that participated in national invitational tournaments. Rob was an outstanding offensive player and was named to the tournament All-Star team and MVP.

In 1985, Rob pursued his dream of playing professional baseball by signing a free agent contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. His movement thru the minors started with stops at Springfield, IL and Erie, PA. Assigned to Savannah, GA in 1986, he won 10 games and was selected to the All-Star team as well as being named the outstanding left handed pitcher. Promoted to St. Petersburg, FL in 1987, Rob was outstanding in compiling a 14-5 record that earned him a berth on the Florida State league All-Star team. After spending a second season at St. Petersburg in 1988, Rob reevaluated his situation and requested his release that ended his professional aspirations. He stayed on with St. Petersburg working in an administrative position.

Following his professional career, Livchak enrolled at the University of Toledo to earn his Masters Degree in Sports Administration. He then started a career at The Ohio State University/Rhodes State College in Lima, Ohio where he currently serves as the Athletic Director and coaches the baseball team. Summers are spent coaching the Lima Locomotives baseball team that competes in the Great Lakes Collegiate league.

Rob and his wife Amy, along with their daughters Quincy and Gabrielle, reside in Lima, Ohio.

*WELCOME, ROBERT LIVCHAK, INTO THE LORAIN SPORTS HALL OF FAME*