On the Field with: Coach Rick Smith

Coach Rick Smith has been involved in BSC baseball since 1990, and has been the head coach for 13 of those years. For the past 17 seasons he has been contributing to the success of the team in numerous ways. His all time win/loss collegiate record as of Monday as a head coach is 334-154. This year the Bears are 15-16 (as of Monday), with three games left in the season.

"Truthfully this season started off with great expectations, however, we have been burdened with many injuries to several key players," Smith says. "But on a positive note, many of our young players have been able to gain valuable experience and are now starting to come into their own."

According to Smith, success if not measured by determination, but by season records.

"Unfortunately, success is measured by wins and losses," he said. "However, the team that I am currently coaching has shown me determination and resilience."

Smith began his baseball career as a pitcher for Bridgewater/Raynham High School. After this he played for Miami-Dade North.

"I was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 5th round of the January draft in 1973," he said. "However I decided to stay in school, but subsequently was injured and could no longer compete. In 1984, I became the Stonehill College pitching coach. In 1990, I became the pitching coach for BSC and in 1994 became the Head Coach."

Smith has had many memorable moments over his long coaching career, but one really stuck out for him.

"Watching my 1997 team celebrate, after defeating Montclair State in the Mid-Atlantic Regional, to advance to the College World Series (was my most memorable moment)," he said.

As to what the team hopes to accomplish for the rest of the season, Smith has high hopes.

"We expect to make the playoffs and compete in the regionals for a chance to move on to the World Series," he said.

After 17 seasons with BSC, something in the system here must be working well for Smith.

"The BSC baseball program has been a very successful program due to the consistency of its coaching staff and the quality of its players," he said "Coach Doug Vadnais, who is a 1993 BSC graduate, has been our pitching coach since 1994. His expertise and dedication has made its pitching staff one of the most dominant in New England. Coach Matt Poitras, who was the BSC starting short stop from 1994-1997 and was on the 1996 and 1997 World Series Teams, handles the infielders and hitters. Coach Lou Collotti, who is our bench coach and works with our outfielders, as well as the hitters, has also been at BSC since 1997."

Smith currently resides in Raynham with his wife, Malina, and his two daughters.

"My spare time is devoted to my family" Smith said. "My children Ariana, age 9, and Sydney, age 7, are into the arts and sports and I enjoy watching them do both."

Smith has already planned out his summer vacation.

"I plan on working and spending quality time with my family," he said.