Jackson Community College

Baseball Coach Rick Smith gets 400th career win

Jackson Community College is pleased to congratulate Rick Smith, head coach of the JCC Jets baseball team, on his 400th career win which came Tuesday in a win against Glen Oaks Community College.

The Jets topped the Vikings of Glen Oaks in both games of a double header, winning 11-7 in the first and shutting out the team 14-0 in the second game. Smith began this season with a 383-353 career record, and Tuesday’s wins marked the 17th of the season, bringing his total to 400-370.

To honor Smith’s accomplishment, a special tribute to him is planned before this Saturday’s (April 24) 1 p.m. home game against Kalamazoo Valley Community College at the JCC baseball diamond on the Jackson campus.

“I would like to congratulate Coach Smith on this milestone of an achievement,” said JCC Athletic Director Stephen Bloomfield. “He sets high standards for himself and his team, and the team members, college and community all benefit from his example and dedication.”

Smith came to JCC in 2006-07 after coaching 16 years with St. Clair County Community College. In his first year at Jackson, Smith compiled a record of 28-24 and received a bid to the Region XII tournament. He began his coaching career as an assistant at Grand Valley State University.

Smith’s goal is to develop discipline in his players, both on and off the diamond, and to provide them with an enjoyable experience as part of the Jets baseball program. Several of Smith’s former players have gone on to play college baseball at four-year institutions across the country.

He resides in Adrian with his wife, Elly, and their two children, Hunter and Laura.