"WHO's WHO" of NC HS Baseball Coaches

Pete Hardee out of Watauga

Maybe the best current coach in the state without a state title

 

Gary Hinkle- former baseball, basketball coach and AD at Ledford for about 30 years. great baseball coach, went to the regional finals aout 5 times. turned out several high school coaches from his teams.

 

I would put Ijames and Jones at the top of the list. Bobby Del reynolds has got to be on that list too. You could even put Lowe (N forsyth) and Pope (W forsyth) on that list for younger coaches and the run they have had last few years.

 

Jim Montague at North Lenior has had a great career.

 

Oh, oh...I hope those coaches have their hands in their pockets

 

I agree with all the coaches mentioned and I feel Rabbitt has done more for the game in this state than anybody. One name that has not mentioned has retired and thats Phil Tate of South Point in Belmont-he had a 220-68 record in 13 years,won a state championship in 81 and a western championship in mid 70's and carried numerous teams deep in playoffs. He also built what is now South Point High School baseball field almost by himself. He did all of this in surely one of the best conferences in the state(The old Southwestern 3-A,currently the Big South).He got out of baseball to coach football(was head coach at SP for 8 years),but if he had stayed in,theres no telling how many games he would have won.

 

Pat Smith does a great job at Rocky Mount. I'm not sure of any stats, but I know he won a state championship or two at South Johnston. He did a great job last year with an extremely young Rocky Mount team, winning a conference championship. He also keeps a beautiful field.

 

Just thought I would bring Coach Tom Smith from TC Roberson back into the conversation. We were very fortunate to have Coach Smith at TCR for the past 28 years. Along the way he coached some great teams and had some oustanding players who have gone on to play college and pro ball. He always treated his players and opponents with respect, and in return earned their's. He stressed team play and "everyone" was treated the same regardless of their talent or status as player. He was a tireless worker and great ambassador for the game. Here's a recap of his career.

28 Seasons
478-185 (.721)
3 State 3-A Championships
2 State 3-A runner-up teams
18 MLB Draftees
Countless college players and MAC conference championships.

Truly one of a kind and a class act.

 

You cannot forget who Pat followed at RM. Danny Weaver is a heckuva coach who competed against Ron Vincent at Rose. Rose and RM were consistently 1-2 every year. A heckuva coach, and more importantly a heckuva man. I have tons of respect for both men!!

 

Pete Hardee is THE BEST coach in NC, with one of the nicest fields.
He doesnt have a championship...but he's working on it.