Moynihan to Retire After 37 Years at Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Longtime Pittsfield High School baseball coach and Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame member Bob Moynihan, has announced his retirement from coaching.

 

Moynihan announced his retirement to his players at a team gathering last week, and informed the school administration about his decision in the days following the mid-September team gathering.

 

Moynihan spent 37 years as a coach in the Pittsfield High School baseball program.  Following four years as an assistant coach under fellow MBCA Hall of Famer Buddy Pellerin, Moynihan took over the head coaching duties and led the Generals for 33 seasons.

 

"I'm ready and it's time," said Moynihan.  "I've dedicated my career to education and coaching. I'm comfortable with my decision and am proud of the PHS Baseball program.  Although I had a pretty good idea of my intentions during the recently completed 2015 season, I felt that it was important to keep the focus on the kids and the team".

 

Moynihan's Generals went 16-5 last spring, with season highlights including victories over some of the top teams in the region, PHS playing in Cooperstown, junior pitcher Simon Nasiff throwing a no-hitter, and senior shortstop Kevin Donati committing to play Division I college baseball at UAlbany.

 

"The next baseball coach at Pittsfield High will have big shoes to fill," Pittsfield Public Schools Athletic Director Jim Abel said.  "Coach Moynihan's commitment to the program, and his work with the students who have been part of the program over the last four decades, are testaments to his love for the game."

 

The school district anticipates posting the head coach and assistant coach positions in the coming days with the goal of conducting interviews and appointing a coaching staff by early November. Moynihan noted that the ability for players to prepare for the 2016 season, and that providing the next coach the opportunity to organize out-of-season and off-field responsibilities such as fundraising and equipment inventory, were important factors in the timing of his decision.

 

"I've had the pleasure of being around a lot of good ballplayers and a lot of good coaches in Berkshire County throughout the years," said Moynihan. "Although we're tucked away in Western Massachusetts, the quality of Berkshire County baseball is known throughout the state."

 

Although he will miss running the practices, managing the games, and the daily interaction with his players and coaching staff, Moynihan is looking forward to the future – which includes he and his wife Eileen spending some quality time with their newborn granddaughter.  Pittsfield High School also plans on taking the opportunity to honor Coach Moynihan at a game in the spring in recognition of his many years of service.

 

Moynihan leaves Pittsfield High with over 400 career victories as head coach. Under his guidance, Pittsfield High won the Western Massachusetts Division I Championship in 1984, 1986, 1998, and 2004 – with the 2004 squad advancing to the State Finals.