MOUNT ZION, Ill. (WAND) — Greg Blakey, the longtime Mt. Zion softball coach, known for roaming the coaches' box with a handlebar mustache, has retired after more than three decades with the program.
Blakey said the timing was right after his wife retired this year and with grandchildren now part of his life.
"It's time," Blakey said. "I always said when the grandkids came, I missed so much of my kids at home, I didn't want to miss their stuff."
Blakey’s career included conference, regional and sectional titles, a couple of trips to state, and a field named in his honor.
"The field naming was very humbling," Blakey said. "A group of parents set out to do that. It wasn't something I asked for by any means. I've been lucky to have a lot of great kids here at Mt. Zion; they've bought in, and we've done some great things together."
Addison Rotz and Ella Fink, part of Blakey’s final graduating class, said he made a huge impact on players in the program.
"He definitely felt intimidating, but it helped us all buy in at the very beginning," Rotz said. "From junior high, we all bought in together and we automatically wanted to play for him."
Fink said Blakey’s support helped her confidence.
"I like to say part of loving the game, you feel this glow inside of you," Fink said. "That's what it feels like with him. And how much he supports you, I just feel like this glow and it makes me confident and it makes me confident in other stuff."
Blakey said he will miss competing and being around the players.
"That'll be the big thing," Blakey said. "Yeah, I will miss that a ton, because I think it's kept me young."
When asked about his lasting memories, Blakey pointed to the players.
"It was a great job. For sure. And I had a lot of great kids," Blakey said. "That'd be the best memory."
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