Bio

Head Coach Jim Ozella returns to the Hart Baseball dugout for his 24th season in the “Red-and-Black,” and his optimism regarding the players and parents in the Hart Baseball program continues to grow each and every year.  Last year, the Indians compiled a 20-10 overall record and a Foothill League championship to boost Ozella’s career record to 427-227 and the 2023 season will provide another year of highlights and challenges.  

“Last year, we challenged our players with the toughest non-league schedule in my years at Hart, and we overcame injuries and the schedule gauntlet to compile a respectable record.  I was proud of our accomplishment,” said Coach Ozella.  “This year, back to the grind of the season, and the parents need to be congratulated as well for their dedication and love for their son’s baseball passion.”

Ozella, a University of Illinois graduate, believes Hart Baseball provides an opportunity for the players to develop as quality student-athletes with their dedication to their education and to the program, and the proud traditions of Hart Baseball are on display with the number of alumni who attend the Alumni Game and cheer for the current Indians from the baseball sidelines.  The return of the Hart Baseball alumni to winter workouts inspires the current players about the Hart Baseball past as they establish the present and the near future of Hart highlights of “dog-piles” after a late-inning victory.

Coach Ozella has been married to Kate (instructional aide at Hart) for the past 39 years, and the Ozella family is blessed with three children and three grandchildren.  Ryan and his wife Ali live in Scotts Valley with their five-year old son Hendrix.  Lauren and Alan Larson enjoy their lives with three-year old son Wesley and one-year daughter Quinn while living in nearby Saugus.  Jessica, the youngest child of the Ozella family, resides in Santa Monica while working for Reformation.