Jarred Howard steps down after 24 years as Forest Park baseball coach

FERDINAND, Ind. — Jarred Howard has a simple reason for this decision even if it was among the toughest he's made.

The Forest Park baseball coach announced he is stepping down after 24 seasons in charge. He routinely had one of the top programs in the Pocket Athletic Conference and leaves as the winningest coach in Rangers history. His time at Forest Park included a pair of sectional championships.

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Howard could envision a scenario where he coached for many more seasons. This decision still came down to family. He and his wife, Natalie, have three children including an incoming freshman.

"It's been a great 24 years and I've loved every minute of it," said Howard. "I still love coaching, being around the game and competing. Ultimately, I have two boys playing college baseball and a daughter who plays softball in the spring. I need to be a dad for once. I'm looking forward to and needing to watch my kids play. Sit back and be a parent instead of a coach for awhile."

A 1993 McLean County (Ky.) graduate, Howard played at Oakland City for coach T-Ray Fletcher. He was later an assistant for under at Forest Park for two seasons until taking over in 2001. The next 24 years were among the best in program history.

Howard finishes with 379 career victories, in the top 20 among active coaches in the state, and a .660 winning percentage. The Rangers earned sectional titles in 2002 and 2022. The former was the first at Forest Park in 18 years.

The program became a full-time family organization . His sons, Drew and Reid, were both IHSBCA All-Star infielders and his wife ran the concession stand. His aim is to now support his children. Drew will be a junior at Evansville and Reid a freshman at Western Kentucky in the fall. His daughter, Bree, will be a freshman at Forest Park.

"It's been a tremendous ride," said Howard. "It's a high school coaches' dream to win a sectional with your kids on the team. They, along with Bree, have been in the dugout in full uniform from the time they were four or five. I couldn't have done it without (my wife). The last 24 years have been something I'll always remember. I've loved being a Ranger."

Forest Park went 19-6 this past spring and were ranked in the top 5 before losing in the sectional. Among the top returners next year include juniors Jaxon Lueken (team-high 23 RBIs and 1.17 earned run average), Jared Burger and Grant Fleck.

Howard sees potential and talent in the upcoming years, a reason why it remained tough to leave. He also views this an opportunity for someone else to start fresh and put their own spin on the program.

"We return some guys who I think can really play," said Howard. "I know when I came in as a coach 24 years ago we had players in the program who could play. It made it much easier. I'm excited to see what the next coach and how they move things forward."

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Jarred Howard steps down after 24 years as Forest Park baseball coach