By William Andrews and Mace Funkhouser

Photo courtesy of Tuckahoe Little League via facebook.

Upper School math teacher Mac Friddell (’02) just took on a new challenge, coaching his son’s Tuckahoe Little League baseball team. He has coached varsity wrestling and Cub baseball at Collegiate, but this is his first time as a head coach outside of school. His recent change also meant taking a break from Cub baseball, but he said it’s been a great move for him, since he’s gotten to spend more time with his son. 

Friddell’s son Pitt (’35) is nine years old, and this is the first year the players can pitch. Friddell said, “There have been a lot of walks.” Currently, the team has a record of 1-6. They lost their first game of the season 10-9. After going up 9-0 in the first three innings, the team gave up five runs in the last two innings. Friddell said, “I’m hoping our pitching depth will improve as the season progresses.” The team has one practice and two games per week, with each game lasting five innings. 

One similarity between coaching and teaching that Friddell enjoys is building relationships. During an interview with The Match, Friddell said, “There’s a concrete objective, like solving a math problem or winning a game.”  Friddell said he now has a greater appreciation for the athletic department, but he also enjoys different aspects of coaching outside of Collegiate. He appreciates not being as concerned with wins and losses and enjoys being able to spend more time with his son. He said, “It has been great, even the extra time just driving out to the games and everything.”