Pollack to step down as BHS baseball coach

Bainbridge High School varsity baseball Head Coach Simon Pollack will not be returning in the spring, and is stepping away from the position he has held for the last two seasons.

By Luciano Marano • July 18, 2016 4:34 pm
Bainbridge High School varsity baseball Head Coach Simon Pollack will not be returning in the spring
Bainbridge High School varsity baseball Head Coach Simon Pollack will not be returning in the spring

BAINBRIDGE – Bainbridge High School varsity baseball Head Coach Simon Pollack will not be returning in the spring, and is stepping away from the position he has held for the last two seasons.

The BHS social studies teacher, long a prominent figure in the school’s athletic department, made the announcement Monday, July 18.

“I have decided to step down as the head coach and program manager for Bainbridge High School baseball,” Pollack wrote in an email. “The decision was not easy, but after careful consideration, I feel this is the right one for me.

“I appreciate the relationships that baseball has helped me build,” he added. “I also appreciate the sacrifice and hard work of players, parents and families. It has been a privilege to coach such fine players, to be a part of their baseball lives and their growth as young men. And it has been wonderful to get to know so many wonderful and supportive families who have supported their children in many extracurricular endeavors, ensuring that by the time players arrive on varsity teams, they are prepared for the highest level of competition.”

Pollack took the helm of the team early last year, replacing David Smart.

“I am in debt to Greg Mesmer and David Smart for teaching me about how to take on the role of head coach and to the daily support, hard work and dedication of coaches Greg Mesmer, Jordan Schager and Ian Ritchie,” Pollack wrote. “I would also like to thank Joy Swanson for being treasurer for the past few years and all the work she has taken on, as well as the rest of the board for their work. And on behalf of Bainbridge High School baseball, and myself, I would like to thank Troy Niehaus who worked tirelessly to promote fundraising events the past two years, without whom the program would be in serious economic trouble.”

Pollack will remain on staff as a teacher at Bainbridge High.

“I will work hard to make the transition to the next head coach smooth and positive,” he wrote. “I wish you all the best of luck in baseball and look forward to seeing everyone back in school this September.”