LYNN — Fifteen years ago, Lynn Classical hired Mike Zukowski to helm its baseball program. Ending his sendoff-season with a 14-0 record in the Greater Boston League and another conference title, the do-it-all Ram – who played and coached – has decided to hang up the hat.
“I was thinking about it last year. My own children are getting older,” Zukowski said. “There wasn’t enough time in the day to really focus on my own kids.”
As for why he didn’t step down last year, look no further than his son, Matthew, who told his father to run it back one more time because of how much he loved the incoming senior class.
“When he said that, I was like, ‘OK, I’m going to stay another year,’” Zukowski said. “So, I stayed this year and had 12 seniors. I’m glad I did.”
Classical’s 17-4 season came to an end in the first round of the Division 1 state tournament, as the Rams lost 4-3 against Durfee.
“I didn’t think it was going to be that emotionally tough,” Zukowski said. “[There was ] just a huge emotional roller-coaster that came over me after that game.”
He’s not done yet, however. Zukowski will coach in Sunday’s Agganis baseball game at familiar Fraser Field (2).
“It was a phone call from Jeff Newhall, who I think is on the committee for the Agganis Foundation. He reached out and asked me,” Zukowski said.
Using words like “amazing” and “honor,” Zukowski is ready to represent the foundation – one he respects dearly.
“It’s always an honor to be asked to coach an All-Star game,” Zukowski said. “Especially one that’s based out of Lynn with a legend like Harry Agganis being the face of this all.”
“The amount of money that they have raised and helped kids out,” Zukowski said. “It’s amazing. The whole process is amazing. They’ve helped thousands of kids.”
A chuckling Zukowski – who said there will be no game plan or trick plays – said he’d like to win, but it’s not his priority.
“It’s an All-Star game. To be honest with you, there’s not much coaching going on. These kids are very talented. They put the numbers up to be a part of this game and they all know what they’re doing,” Zukowski said. “It’s more so kind of going out there and enjoying them, watching them pay.”
Five Rams will be suited up Sunday, to which Zukowski couldn’t be more proud.
“That will be unbelievable to watch,” Zukowski said.
Classical or not, it’s fun to learn more about kids from other schools according to Zukowski, as regular-season games didn’t come with that opportunity.
“You get to know them a little bit more on a personal level. They’re all great kids,” Zukowski said. “The relationship you had during the regular season is a lot different.”
Zukowski joked how he’s busier now with Little League, youth basketball, and flag football. Nonetheless, after Sunday’s final out, one chapter of his life comes to a close.
“I don’t know if I’m wrong for saying this, but baseball was secondary,” Zukowski said. “It was the life lessons, the bumps, the emotions, the pulling the true character out of kids, and learning life lessons along the way – using baseball as that tool.”
When asked what his favorite part of coaching was, Zukowski couldn’t narrow it to just one, but enjoys seeing former players mature into young men.
“Hopefully, they’ll be able to say it’s not all about baseball and my coach taught me about life,” Zukowski said. “If they can go back and say that, I guess I did my job.”
He thanked Classical’s staff, including athletic director Billy Devin, his players, and wife, Erin, for her help with scheduling, rides, and keeping the house in order throughout the years.
“[A] special thank you to Erin,” Zukowski said.
Just because he won’t be in the dugout come next spring, doesn’t mean he won’t be around. When asked if he’ll be at games, Zukowski went straight to the point.
“Oh, absolutely,” Zukowski said.
