We, the undersigned, are genuinely concerned about the impact that Coach Eric Collins’ coaching style has on the team as well as the future of the program under his leadership. There have been other voices over the past few years expressing the same concerns, but they have been ignored. This letter is an expression of our “Vote of No Confidence” in Mr. Collins and his ability to run our baseball team. We understand the severity of this decision and did not arrive at it hastily. 

Reasons why we have No Confidence in Mr. Collins: He has targeted players using bully-like behavior including yelling, singling out players, and making an “example of” them during practices, made players sit on the bench as punishment. Mr. Collins violates the Coaches Code of Conduct that the National Federation of States High School Associations has set for all coaching staff. Players have quit the program due to his coaching style and tactics and more potential players will not join the team because of his reputation. Mr. Collins’ behavior has had the effect of a classic abuse situation: players are afraid to say anything for fear of additional punishment or worse treatment and parents who do know what he is like hesitate to speak up because previous complaints have gone nowhere and they do not want to make the situation worse for their son. A good part of his treatment of the players is based on fear and intimidation. Some players have had mental issues/depression due to Mr. Collins’ coaching style and tactics. He has abused his power and young self-esteem is being damaged as a result. Mr. Collins has remained as coach despite complaints by parents the past few years. He has no positive impact on the team. Mr. Collins doesn’t seem to understand that errors happen. He will yell at players and punish them for committing small errors.

Examples of Mr. Collins’s treatment of Players (no names will be included): One player decided to not swing at a pitch and to swing at the next pitch. The player was then yelled at in front of everyone else instead of being coached. One player was yelled at in front of the whole team and parents which resulted in the player having a panic attack. One player could not make it in time to catch a fly ball by running so he decided to run then slide on his knees to try and catch the ball. Mr. Collins then yelled at the player and humiliated him while he was still on the field and in front of everyone else. One player threw the ball from the outfield to the cutoff man but overthrew and missed the cutoff. Mr. Collins then yelled at the player and humiliated him in front of parents, teammates, and friends.