Vermilion's Keck retiring from baseball

Vermilion's Jeff Keck is retiring from baseball after 37 years as a head coach. Keck, who compiled a 531-328 career record, said he felt for a while that this would be his last season. "Someone told me one time that you would know, and I reached that point," Keck said. "I told the kids after the last tournament game and said a few words at our banquet. It's been a good run and I've been blessed." Keck, who was inducted into the Ohio High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame earlier this year, has coached the Sailors since 2002 and compiled a 392-214 record with seven conference championships at Vermilion. Before taking the job at Vermilion, he went 139-114 at Firelands. Vermilion advanced to the Division II state semifinals in 2021. Keck, a retired teacher, decided to return the next season as the program reloaded. "I always wanted to leave with the program in a good spot. You always get attached to kids and follow them through," he said. "I knew we were going to be young (in 2022) and didn't want to leave like that. "The program is stable now and I think it's the right time. The program will be in good hands. A number of assistant are more than ready to take over." The Sailors' move to their current field coincided with Keck's first season in 2002. "That was the first year we were on this field. The previous year, the field was across the street with no fence," he said. "I can see the field from my front door and it's become a part of me. I have a lot of pride in this program. "I've had good players and coaches. My wife, Tessa, has been a great coach's wife and that's why I've been able to do this so long." Keck will continue to coach football at Margaretta, working alongside Polar Bears head coach Gary Quisno. Keck coaches the Margaretta defense. "It gives me something to do in the fall," he said. "Quis was my old high school coach and Margaretta has treated me real well. I had some good part-time teaching jobs there the last three years. "The kids are great. A lot of good people at Margaretta." Keck, whose Sailors finished 16-9 this past season, said he's happy to retire from baseball on his terms. "You hear a lot of stories why coaches get out of coaching, but I've been pretty lucky," he said. "For the most part it's been real good." The decision will allow a coach who has worked two — and sometimes three — sports seasons some free time. "I think we'll do some traveling — haven't done a lot of that — and enjoy the grandkids," he said.