Blissfield baseball coach Eric Schmidt steps down

BLISSFIELD — Blissfield baseball coach Eric Schmidt is stepping away from the job to spend more time with his family a month after his daughter suffered a stroke.

Schmidt, who was the Lenawee County Coach of the Year this past spring, will remain as the Royal athletic director but said he needs to be more present throughout his daughter’s recovery.

“I have to come to realize the importance of being more present for my family, not only during this first year after her stroke as she rehabs, but also in the years going forward,” Schmidt said in a news release over the weekend.

Schmidt graduated from Blissfield in 2011 after a standout three-sport high school athletic career. He was All-State multiple times in baseball and earned several honors in football and basketball as well. After his senior year, Schmidt was named to the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star team.

He went on to Adrian College, where he played for years for the Bulldog baseball team. He initially started teaching at Erie Mason and coached middle school football. A year later, in 2017, he joined Larry Tuttle’s staff at Blissfield, taking on the role as pitching coach. In 2021, he coached third base for the Royals and was named head coach in January 2021 after Tuttle retired.

In his three seasons as head coach, Blissfield continued its remarkable success on the diamond, winning 23, 21 and 21 games. The Royals captured the Lenawee County Athletic Association championship this past spring.

In his three years, Schmidt was 65-38.

“These three years have been filled with hours of hard work, unforgettable moments, hard-fought victories and the joy of watching our players grow and develop both on and off the field,” Schmidt said. “The camaraderie and dedication of the players always made showing up to the park really enjoyable, and I will cherish these memories and relationships forever.”

Schmidt, who once said his dream scenario would be to be the head coach of the Royals, said he remains committed to Blissfield baseball and will continue to support the program as athletic director. He also didn’t rule out a return to the dugout down the road.

“Blissfield baseball has been a very big part of my life, and it will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Blissfield baseball coach Eric Schmidt steps down