Author: Diary of a Mad Baseball Coach (Rick Clarke)

My name is Rick Clarke. I'm an old, retired baseball coach with a lot of stories to tell. This will be a fun blog. A little bit of this...a little bit of that. Great Mississippi baseball stories, especially about the players and teams at Magnolia Academy and Hinds Community (& Junior) College. And some funny stuff and lots of savvy observations.

The Art of the Game

(#196) The essence of baseball is to learn how to compete... with class, with dignity, with sportsmanship. Discipline, consistency and sound fundamentals. Game plans on offense and defense that must be followed. The universal rule of baseball is always in effect; the team with the most runs wins; always. Find efficient ways to hold them … Continue reading The Art of the Game →

Guru Sighting

(#195) Another guru sighting. Legendary Delta State University basketball coach Steve Rives (and wife Ms. Sue) in the good "reserved" seats. We are watching our kids coach. Congratulations to "Coach" for being selected to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame with induction ceremonies in August. Not bad for one of those Dixie Drive guys. Diary … Continue reading Guru Sighting →

The “Moose” Has Been “Loosed!”

(#192)By Kendall Smith(Special for Mississippi Scoreboard) Saturday, August 10th, the Mississippi baseball community lost a legendary coach, advocate, teacher, and Hall of Famer. More importantly, thousands of students, players, friends, homeless street people, and church congregations lost an even greater man. Coach William A. “Moose” Perry lost a lengthy battle and courageous fight with Parkinson’s, … Continue reading The “Moose” Has Been “Loosed!” →

Hinds Junior/Community College Baseball Teams through the Years (1973-2005)

1974 Front row from left to right: Mickey Culberson, Gary Rosamond, Eddie Ramsey, Doug Branning, Rod Brumley, Robert Watkins, Butch Newman, Ricky Clarke, Andy Pickens, ________. Second row: Ray Burroughs, _______, Roy Higdon, Don Flowers, Curtis Cunningham, Stirling Madden, Danny Welborn, Barney Finch, Williamson, -----, Lawrence Moaton ----- 1984 Seated from left to right: James … Continue reading Hinds Junior/Community College Baseball Teams through the Years (1973-2005) →

Good.

(#190) Injured Texas A&M baseball star Braden Montgomery exemplifying 'Good' team motto. Maybe no Texas A&M baseball player has exemplified the "Good" team motto better than Braden Montgomery. OMAHA, Neb. – Before the 2024 season, Texas A&M baseball coach Jim Schlossnagle gave everyone on his team a white hat with one word in maroon letters … Continue reading Good. →

Nobody’s Business Podcast

(#189) This was so much fun! My first podcast experience. Thanks to the Sheltons... Cynara, Keith and J.T. for the opportunity and for dealing with my "gift of gab." Look forward to doing it again. https://www.facebook.com/61558519408449/videos/1779465222547780