I have been thinking and praying, and praying and thinking, a lot lately about a tough decision. I was torn and really searching for a sign. I gave myself a timeline and kept asking God for clarity.

Pastor Tim has always said that God hears all prayers. Sometimes it is a yes, sometimes it is a no, and sometimes it is a “wait.” I will be honest; I do not like waiting very much. But in time, I was given my sign.

On the day I told myself I needed to decide; I went for a run to clear my head. I put on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast featuring Bryce Harper, just something to take my mind off it. Bryce, my favorite player, was talking about life, baseball, guy stuff, just being Bryce Harper.

Then he said this:

“Being a dad is the greatest job in the world. A game is gonna be a game and not be there forever…I would give away every single one of my hits for my kid to be successful.”

Wow. That was my sign.

I have officially stepped down as the head coach at Loyalsock.

If Bryce Harper, who is at the top of his sport, an All-Star, an MVP, and a Home Run Derby champion, says his favorite thing in life is his kids, that is powerful. It helped me realize that my family team is the most important team I will ever be part of. Lauren, Beau, and Buck, I love you guys.

Loyalsock, thank you for giving me the opportunity to live out a dream and coach at my alma mater. Being part of Loyalsock Baseball since 2012, first as a player and then as a coach, has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. Not everyone gets the chance to come back home and pour into a program that meant so much to them. I will forever be grateful for that opportunity.

The last four years have changed me. I have grown as a coach, as a leader, and most importantly as a man. The relationships built, the battles competed, and the memories made will stay with me forever.

My desire now is rooted in being the best dad in the world to Beau. I know this is the right decision for my family and me.

Thank you to Loyalsock for the support and for allowing me to be part of something bigger than myself.

This was not an easy decision, but it is a clear one. I have peace with it.

I have made many decisions in my life based on sports and their schedules. I am excited to shift that focus. Beau’s schedule is now Lauren’s and my schedule, and that sounds pretty dang neat.

The other night, after work instead of practice, which I truly love, I was home. We had Beau lying on the floor playing with his toys. He was batting at them and getting so excited. It was a special moment between Lauren, Beau, and me. I would have missed that if I were at baseball. I truly believe that was a core memory, a great family moment I will never forget.

To all my former players and coaches, thank you. It was an honor to be part of America’s pastime with you and, as one of my former teammates used to say, to play a kid’s game in God’s kingdom.

Loyalsock is in good hands with current interim head coach Mike Frederick. He is a great guy, and I know he wants what is best for the program. Good luck to the Lancers this year. If you have some free time and want to get out and about, head to the newly renovated Lancer Baseball field and catch a game.

This is not goodbye, Loyalsock. It’s, see you later.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~ Matthew 6:21