Jacob's Coach Steps Down

I'm not clear as to why Coach Petrosky stepped down. The newsprint is difficult to read with these rose-colored glasses on...perhaps if I took them off I could see things more clearly.

Why he stepped down is clear to me...He didn't have good communication skills with parents of some of the kids. Couldn't handle the pressure that comes with the job. Instead of dealing with it, he quit.

Happens more often that many of you can imagine.

Obviously, the coach had other issues, too, based on the wins and losses of the team.

I'm not as omnipresent and so, lack the ability to judge one on a simple interview. Yes, he seems to have had some rough times with parents. Then again, haven't we all. Coaching often means that a part of the job encompasses this love/hate relationship with parents. I think beyond what was stated in the paper, and unless you know that person personally, one shouldn't pass judgement. In fact, my perspective is that he is taking this action for the good of the kids. Lets face it, in the end, he has all of the power at least until a school board steps in so if he chose to bench this parent's child, remove him from the team etc. he could have done so. That's the reality until his resignation. You never really know all of the reasons a person decides to leave the coaching ranks. That day is coming for all of us. One would hope that a person does so on his/her own terms. JMHO!

Since I am a head coach and also live in the same community as this head coach I feel I have some insight. Algonquin is an up and coming community and there is a growing number of parents who feel that there sons are entitled to having a baseball experience that is more to their liking rather than what exist. This was supposed to be a year of great promise for the program and in accordance to their own expectations (pre season preview) the have struggled to meet those goals and aspirations. However, I am very proud to have a member of our coaching community say it like it is in the press. This was a win for coaches in this area who have been resigning under pressure or being removed against their will because of parentel interference and influence.

Are good coaches that have the best interest of the kids first, are valued leaders, good instructors and good coaches sometimes forced out by less than altruistic people? Absolutely

Are poor coaches, that are left hands off by AD's, and put self interest above the players, and not the best of role models for young people, protected by bureaucratic administrations that think CYA first, kids second. Absolutely

Both are highly unfortunate, but these situations happen every day in all walks of life, not just coaching.

Succinctly stated CPLZ.




And Playball2...I agree with you fully on this: "I am very proud to have a member of our coaching community say it like it is in the press."

In the long run being candid and forthright will undoubtedly be beneficial to most all who were involved.