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Bellaire seeks baseball coach

• Patrone steps down after 3 seasons

BELLAIRE — Bellaire High School finds itself in need of a new baseball coach.

John Patrone tendered his resignation to Athletics Director Mike Sherwood after three years as the Big Reds’ skipper.

“It’s just time,” Patrone said. “I didn’t know how many (seasons) I was going to coach and I think this is a good spot for me to step away.”

Patrone also cited health concerns. He missed a game this season because of a health issue.

“That played a role,” Patrone admitted.

Patrone leaves behind a squad that was bounced in the first round of sectional by Barnesville and finished 6-15 for the season.

“We had some growing pains,” Patrone said of his latest tenure. “It can take a few years when you’re coaching guys you haven’t coached before to get them to buy into your system.”

One of the things that Patrone will miss the most about coaching is the relationships that are formed.

“I really want to express my appreciation to the (Bellaire) administration, the other coaches at the school and of the teams we played as well as the umpires,” Patrone said. “I think there was a lot of cooperation and we all worked well together. I am definitely going to miss that part of it.”

This marks the end of the second tenure for Patrone. He held the post for six years during his first stint.

In his six previous seasons, the Big Reds won an OVAC Class 3A championship, as well as Division III sectional and district crowns when they advanced to the 2014 regional semifinals.

Don’t look for a third tenure even the opportunity should present itself once again.

“This is it for me,” Patrone said.

Patrone was elated to be back during one of the most exciting times of Bellaire baseball because the program had its own field for the first time in many years.

“When I came back (to coach), it was a chance to be part of the group with the work on the field in terms of planning and such,” Patrone said. “I was excited to be a part of that.”

This past season was the first full campaign in which the Big Reds played on Blacker Field, which is located in Neffs. According to Patrone, the field significantly changed Bellaire baseball not only for the present, but for the long-term future.

“The Bellaire Junior Sports group was fantastic to work with and we greatly appreciated them letting us use that field, but there were some issues at times, too,” Patrone said. “Having a field of this quality, allowed us to do so many things, in terms of practices, make-up games and the quality of the field was just a luxury.”

As for the future of the Big Reds program, Patrone isn’t sure what direction the school will opt to take, but he spoke highly of current assistant Josh Kernik.

“I am hoping the (assistant) coaches will continue,” Patrone said. “I look for Coach Kernik to throw his hat into the ring. He’s young, but he has a lot of baseball experience.”

While he’s ruled out being the head coach again, Patrone will remain a staunch supporter of Big Reds’ baseball.

“I’d like to be involved here and there, and I’ll still be going to games to watch the kids play,” Patrone said.

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