Kozul to Depart Legion Baseball Team; Program Seeks New Coach

Coach Kozul (standing, far left) with his team last year.

Ryan Kozul, who has led Medford’s Legion baseball team since 2011, is stepping down. The former Medford High School assistant baseball coach is credited with building up a fledgling program and strengthening its connection to local schools’ baseball teams, including MHS, Arlington Catholic, and Malden Catholic. Kozul released the following statement:

“It’s with a lot of mixed emotions that I announce I won’t be returning to Post 45 for the 2015 season. This has been the most rewarding job I’ve ever had, and it’s been an honor to help build this program back up over the last four years.

I was blessed with the best group of players a coach could ask for, and they provided memories that I’ll carry with me forever. Their commitment level and dedication made all of our success on the field possible. They played the game the right way and always represented our program with class. That’s what I’m most proud of.

I’d like to thank everyone who supported us the last four years, especially the members of Post 45, who helped fund us and keep the costs low for our players. I also owe a lot of thanks to everyone at Medford High for putting their trust in me from day one. Many people both inside and outside the city told us we were fighting a losing battle trying to revive this program, and we took a lot of pride in proving the doubters wrong. I’m a strong believer in American Legion baseball, and I’m hopeful that the program will continue to be a big part of the rise of Medford baseball in the future. The team won’t have a bigger fan than me.

Once again, to all of our players, parents, and supporters: thank you! I’ve appreciated everything more than you’ll ever know.”

The program is seeking a new coach; anyone interested can contact Kozul at post45baseball@gmail.com.

– InsideMedford.com