A star pitcher/infielder as a player at Middlesboro and then a coach for over a quarter century, John Smith decided earlier this month that it was time to walk away from the game that has been a big part of his life for as long as he can remember.
“I’ve been doing this since I was 4 years old and been coaching since I graduated college,” Smith said. “I’ve had good success everywhere I’ve been and had the chance to work with great players and coaches. I just felt it was time to step down and let the younger generation take over.”
Smith was a two-time all-state selection under Bill Powell at Middlesboro before his graduation in 1992. He owned several pitching records during his high school career and was ranked among the state leaders in several categories. He also played third, shortstop and catcher on several strong Middlesboro squads and was a member of a state tournament Middlesboro Senior League team at 14.
Smith went on to play for Terry Stigall at Cumberland College as a pitcher and designated hitter and began his coaching career under Stigall at Cumberland for three years.
His high school coaching career started as an assistant at Whitley County for two years before serving four seasons as the head coach from 2005 to 2008 and then two years at Bell County before returning to Middlesboro where he assisted Powell for two years before taking over as head coach in 2013.
The Jackets compiled a 192-142 record over 12 years, including seven district titles and five All ‘A” Classic regional championships. His overall record as a head coach over 18 seasons was 290-218 with four 13th Region runner-up finishes.
“I’ve had the opportunity to coach a lot of great players at all three schools,” Smith said. “We’ve had a pretty good run here the last 12 years with good talent and good assistant coaches. It was hard to get over the hump with regional championship games, but we’ve had good success with district championships and All “A” regional championships.”
Smith said several people played a huge role role in his coaching career.
“My dad, John Smith Sr., has been by my side for every practice and every game since I was 4,” Smith said. “Harold Womack has been an assistant coach and bus driver all 12 years I’ve been here. He’s also kept stats and has been a great help to me. David Kelly has been with me for 12 years. He’s been by my side as an assistant coach and has also been a great friend. The success we’ve had the last 12 years, we couldn’t have done it without him being with us.”