Hodges hanging up his baseball cleats

Eleven years ago, Steve Hodges took over as the boys head baseball coach and took a team that was going through a few bumps to a successful, viable program. Over the past 11 years, Hodges has led the Outlaws to six league championships, and nine of those 11 years they made appearances at the state tournament. His overall record is 219 wins and 79 losses.

Hodges told The Nugget there always has to be a beginning and an ending, and that he figured he'd know in his heart when it would be time for him to enter another chapter in his life.

"I knew this was the time," said Hodges. "I'm going to be 61 in the next three weeks and I've coached for over 30 years. I also referee basketball games and officiate at football games, and my wife has spent many Friday nights alone. It's time for me to spend Friday nights with my wife, do a bit more fishing, work on my golf game, and be a spectator of the sport."

Reflecting on the past 11 years Hodges said, "It was gratifying to hear positive feedback over the years from coaches, umpires, and the baseball community at large throughout the state. They saw how great our kids handled themselves on the field and they saw how hard they competed. I'm very grateful for the privilege of coaching a lot of great young men. One of the rewards was to watch these guys grow up and be successful."

Hodges Thanked key people for their support over the years.

"I'm so thankful for Linda (wife) for her dedication and being so supportive of my coaching all these years," said Hodges. "And, there are a number of people over the years who really stepped up and helped make field improvements, donated equipment so we could work on the field, and in addition donated many hours of their time and effort. A program can't be successful without that support, so thanks to all of you who helped out."

Gary Thorson, athletic director of Sisters High School said, "Steve's knowledge and passion for the game of baseball will be greatly missed. His accomplishments as a head coach speak for themselves, and if you look at the quality of athletes he has coached that have gone on and played at the next level show just how much of this knowledge and passion were passed on to these players. There is a tremendous amount of time, effort, and sacrifice needed to run a quality program, and I greatly appreciate all he did for Sisters athletics."