Richie Smith just achieved a baseball coach’s distinction shared by few – his 600th team win! A stratospheric achievement for a man who has dedicated his life to physical education and America’s pastime in Garden City, Richie humbly reflected on the honor, stating, “I’m surrounded by good people. Eight hundred varsity baseball players had a hand in this – it’s a tribute to our baseball program and to the quality of the players.”
Coach Smith has taught physical education at Garden City Middle School for 35 years and just completed his 39th year coaching baseball. He is married to Pam Smith, the principal’s secretary at Hemlock School. Rich credits his East Meadow High School physical education teacher and baseball coach, Mike Kostynick, for his love of the game. “I identified with Mike and wanted to be like him.” Mr. Kostynick has since passed away, but his legacy lives on through Coach Smith.
What (so far) has been the highlight game of his coaching career? Richie responded without hesitation, “Winning the 2000 New York State championship. Being there and seeing what those kids achieved that year was really something.”
In addition to the NYS win in 2000, the team was also Long Island Champs in 2000, Nassau County Champions in 2000, 2004, 2006, and Conference Champions in 1980, 1984, 1987, 1990, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2011 — quite an amazing record of success!
Congratulations to Garden City Varsity Baseball Coach Richie Smith — your dedication to the game has been an inspiration to all who have been privileged to work with and learn from you!
