Category: Gillespie

Greatest Coach

The Game When Gordie Ordered His Hitter to Strike Out

Seldom does a coach tell his player to fail. Yet, Gordie Gillespie, recognized by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as the “Baseball Coach of the Century,” did exactly that.  Catcher Ron Fordonski was ordered to strike out. Baseball players hate striking out.  For me and for most every hitter, that long walk back to the dugout … Continue reading The Game When Gordie Ordered His Hitter to Strike Out →

Gordie Gospel: According to Disciples Pat, Ray, Tony, and Tom

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gordie_Gillespie "Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words." St. Francis of Assisi Over the years, a lot has been written about Coach Gordie Gillespie. I decided that most of these short articles should be put into one document in order for my grandkids, young coaches, and aspiring leaders in any field to … Continue reading Gordie Gospel: According to Disciples Pat, Ray, Tony, and Tom →

A Legendary Lewis Baseball Game

“It was the greatest individual pitching performance, and the greatest game pitched in Lewis College history.”   Coach Gordie Gillespie on pitcher Bob Bachman’s masterpiece.  Unfortunately, Coach had to watch the last five innings of the 13-inning game from the stands, having been ejected along with two Flyer players in the 8th inning. Instead of being … Continue reading A Legendary Lewis Baseball Game →

Continuing the Gospel of Gordie

"Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words."St. Francis of Assisi In prior blog articles, I have written about lessons I learned from the greatest coach/teacher a person could have.  I played basketball and baseball for Coach Gillespie for four years and then had the opportunity to be his assistant coach for another five … Continue reading Continuing the Gospel of Gordie →

Three Jocks Past Prime Time

Written on March 15, 2006 Following is a fictitious recording on March 15, 2006 of three old-time Lewis basketball players reflecting on their time with the greatest coach of all-time, Gordie Gillespie. They are Bob Thayer, John Valaitis, and Tom Kennedy. “Three boys of Spring and Summer, Sat on a park bench on an early, … Continue reading Three Jocks Past Prime Time →

“If You Don’t Like kids, Get out!”

“Whether you’re coaching at Notre Dame or at Boys Club, it’s teaching young people. One is no more important than the other.” Gordie Gillespie Gordie said this many times, and not many coaches really get it.  Because of his reputation, the Coach had many opportunities to “move up” in the coaching profession. Instead he chose to … Continue reading “If You Don’t Like kids, Get out!” →

Lessons I Learned from Coach Gordie Gillespie

“The best teacher is not the one who knows most but the one who is most capable of reducing knowledge to that simple compound of the obvious and wonderful.” ― H.L. Mencken (I encourage you to click on the video of Coach at the end of the blog.) I had the great fortune of playing for, and … Continue reading Lessons I Learned from Coach Gordie Gillespie →