Zimmerman Transitions into New Role
A new year brings with it new opportunities and challenges for the Brock Badgers baseball program. Today, after sixteen seasons with Brock, Ron Zimmerman is officially announcing his retirement as Bench Coach of the Badgers.
With thirty plus years of coaching experience in the Niagara Region, notably All-Star Baseball in St. Catharine’s, Ron joined the Brock baseball program in 1996, as their General Manager.
"I was coaching with Wayne Briggs-Jude at the time and he suggested to Jeff (Lousnbury) that I would be great to handle the GM position with the Badgers", explains Ron. "In the beginning, Brock baseball needed to fund raise as the school did not cover much. I have contacts in the City and I went to work right away bringing them on board. Back then it was more about getting sponsorship. We did some game-day stuff but I was mostly focused on the corporate side of things".
After the Badgers' first National Championship in 1998, Zimmerman made the transition to Bench Coach and First Base Coach for the '99 season.
"One of the first things that I told Jeff in'96 is that I wanted the General Manager position to be a prelude to being a coach on the team. Not that I minded doing the behind-the-scenes stuff, but my heart lies on the field as it still does today."
For Ron, baseball has always been about family. He instructed and coached his two sons Drew and Matt through their playing careers, even employing his sons as batboys for the Badgers when they were younger. Ron shares a story from the 1998 CIBA Championship in Kentville, Nova Scotia.
In 1998, Matt (who is currently the Badgers first base coach) was the batboy for the team. Unknown to the players, I had arranged for him to fly into Kentville with Briggsy. When he got out of the cab the players when nuts. They felt that now the team was complete. We went on to win the first CIBA title in Brock baseball history. This was Matt's introduction to Badgers baseball. Even though I had my own son on the team, I always wanted players to know that if there were personal problems that they need to talk to someone about I would lend an ear. I wasn't only a coach, but a surrogate father. To me they are all my boys."
Through sixteen season of baseball with the Badgers, Zimmerman was quick to recall his favorite memory from coaching.
"That’s easy," Ron remarks. "The back-to-back National Championships in 1998 in Kentville and 1999 at home in St. Catharines are the best memories. They are probably the best teams that we have ever fielded. The players knew that funds were hard to come by and everyone pitched in and did some major fundraising. They did everything as a team. Every player was so dedicated. Many practiced at home and some even had hitting cages in their back yards. They were not only committed to the team and winning but committed to the program. Those teams got us where we are today."
Zimmerman and Badgers Head Coach Jeff Lounsbury have built the Badgers baseball program from the ground up and are responsible for the majority of the behind-the-scenes and on field success the program has enjoyed. Ron comments on his relationship with Jeff.
"I first met Jeff at McKenzie Park. We talked about 'roles'. I wanted to become part of an elite program and he needed someone to collect money and manage the team to give him more time to focusing on coaching. We were on the same page most of the time... but we did have a few discussions under the stands", smiles Ron. "Jeff to me is Brock Baseball. Everything you see is somehow done by, or with the direction of him. I get really p***** off when, year after year, the OUA passes him up for coach of the year. For example, last year in 2010. The year before in 2009, he misses the playoffs for the first time in program history, re-invents the program in the off-season, comes back the next year to win it all, and not even a sniff. I know he says it doesn't bother him but people need to know how much of his blood and sweat have been put into the OUA and University baseball in Canada. I consider Jeff a good friend and will miss being on the field with him."
Note how Zimmerman said 'on the field'. Although he is retiring from his coaching duties, Ron will still remain as an integral part of the Brock Badgers baseball program, adopting the role of alumni relations and program ambassador. Zimmerman explains his strategy for the new year.
"What I hope to do is to revive an alumni group. Hopefully by doing this we can get former players coaches etc. to help take the program to the next level. I would like to see Brock compete in the NAIA or NCAA, but this will take money and it won't be from the school. I want to do more than the alumni reunion game during the season. For starters, this year we are having the team banquet at the Parkway. I hope that we will have a table or two of former players. I also want former players to renew old friendships now. Don't wait until they are 50".
With his retirement from the Badgers bench, Ron can now focus his time on the priorities that are closest to him.
"Right now I feel that I need to devote a little more time to my job and my wife Lorna. Lorna has been nothing but supportive. She allowed me to do all of this with the Badgers and she even organized the concession stand for the team a few years ago. I will also still be coaching with Scott Bullett at the Bullett Proof Baseball Academy in fall."
We’d like to thank Ron for doing the interview and kindly thank him for all he has put in to the Brock Badgers baseball program. The following are memories and warm wishes for Ron from current and former players. Retirement aside, Ron is now focusing his efforts towards his new position with the Badgers. As mentioned, the Badgers baseball banquet is quickly approaching. This year’s banquet will be held on February 4th at the Parkway Suites. We are honoring the 2010 OUA Champions with a ring presentation and individual team awards. Tickets are $30 and this includes a fantastic buffet, music and prizes. We’re encouraging all alumni to attend and there will be special room rates for those needing to stay over.
From Justin Tamane - current catcher for the Badgers
“Well, I got to know Zimm a lot better when I worked with him at Bullet Proof Baseball last winter but have known him since I came to Brock in 2008. Zimm is the kind of guy who doesn't stop caring about his players. It doesn't matter if it is on or off the field, current or former players, he is always there for you. The man doesn't forget any of his players or what they did for the team. He is always there to fire up the team and put some life into the bench. I am trying to think of things to say but I can't put the right words down to describe the man other than how much he cares about what he does and the people he is surrounded by. Oh and make sure you ask Zim where to get food while in the Niagara area because the man knows his food!”
From Jeff Leonard – catcher ’02 -‘05
“My memory has taken a beating over years, as far a particular stories. What I can add about Zimm is his character
Dedicated/committed - Zimm loved coming to the field. Brock baseball was his second family. He even had his own family heavily involved in the team. That right there shows how dedicated he was to Brock Baseball.
Hardworking- Zimm took on many roles with the team. Weather it was helping to raise funds, manage the bench or act as a counselor to smooth over disagreements.
Lets touch on fundraising - If you look at all the major fundraisers that took place over the years. I am positive you will see that Zimm was a major participant in every one.
Like I said I don't remember many exact stories. What is remember is a man that is very reliable, hardworking and dedicated. Zimm was always there if you needed some one to talk to. He would take time to find out what is going on in your personal life. Every time my parents would come to see a game. Which wasn't offent due to travel distance. Zimm would make sure to go and say hello to them. This last paragraph sums up Zimms work with the team. He was truly caring and treated each player as if they were a member of his family.
I would like to thank him for his dedication and commitment to the program.”
From James Gardiner – pitcher ’01 -‘02
“Ron Zimmerman - One of those ultimate Goodguys in the baseball world. Memories: Zimms always had a smile on his face, tucked below that white moustache or goatee. And when he spoke, he spoke with passion and created a vision of Achievement and Striving for the best- On the field, in the classroom and in day-to-day life. When I think of Zimms: Standing, arms crossed, studying the game, never missing a beat, seemingly always having some impactful, positive insight regarding baseball, but more so on life. Since leaving Brock and returning from time to time in the Fall, seeing Zimms out on the field sparks a lasting memory - A baseball guy through and through. I'm proud to call Zimms a onetime coach, but a longtime friend and mentor. All the best, and here's to a much-improved Alumni Network for years to come!!”
From Mat Barrett – short stop ’01 -‘04
“The amount of time spent at the ball park by a Brock player mandates that you maintain a good relationship with your fellow players and coaching staff. From the first day of training camp coach Zimm showed himself to be the kind of coach who made this an easy task. Being a successful coach is one thing while being able to achieve the type of career Zimm did while also being a good friend is an accomplishment all on its own.
I consider myself very lucky that during my four years playing for the Brock program I was able to count coach Zimm as not only my coach but a good friend. Whether talking ball on the field or life in general over a plate of wings and pints at one of his favourite spots over the boarder, Zimm always provided me with valuable advice and insight. Zimm is a man who knows the game better than most and is always willing to share an opinion or kind word and I know the players on the teams I played for always valued him for this.
My personal favourite Zimm memory came after a trip to play Niagara where he had driven a van with Dan Baribeau, Darren Walker and myself to the game. On the way home we stopped at a bar Zimm frequented with his family where he treated the three of us to pizza, wings and few buckets of splits. We spent the better part of the afternoon talking ball and of course discussing his beloved NY Yankees.
Thank you Zimm for not only being one of the best and most memorable coaches I’ve had the pleasure of playing for but more importantly for being a great friend.
All the best in your future endeavours coach.”
From Daniel Baribeau – catcher and designated hitter ’01-’04, ‘07
“When I first came to Brock, I knew no one. I made the Brock University baseball team. It was a hard transition for me not knowing a single person. But Ron, being more than just a baseball enthusiast and coach, went beyond his responsibilities. He reached out and made it the transition easier for me. He made sure that I had everything that I needed for success on and off the field. He not only was my coach, but became a great friend. He introduced me to his son as well, and great friendship grew.
For the years that I played for Brock, I came to learn a lot from Ron. He values respect from and for his athletes as baseball players as well as men. He used his love for the game to transform not only these men into great baseball players but also into great human beings. I have great respect for Ron. He has been a great influence in my life, a great coach, and a true friend.
I am proud to say that Coach Zimms is one of the greatest men I have known.”
From Head Coach Jeff Lounsbury
“Ron has been a tremendous asset to the program. He has always given his all to the program, he loves the kids and respects the game of baseball so much. It has been an honour to have him here, and I really look forward to having him still involved with the program in his new capacity with the alumni.
The Zimmerman family as a whole has done so much and deserve so much recognition and thanks.”
By: Mike Hardill
Brock Badgers Baseball
