Panther Baseball Coaches Corner

Rick Hitt
Head Baseball Coach
(863) 784-7036

Coach Rick Hitt begins his 11th year at the helm for SFCC. Hitt and his wife of 19 years, Jayma, have two daughters, Sydney, 14, and Cassady, 12. Off the field, Hitt enjoys spending as much time as possible with his three girls and getting in a round of golf when possible. “Baseball has always been a huge part of my life for the past 21 years as a coach and will continue to be for a long time, but the time with my family is extra special. My wife and I are enjoying watching our girls grow up and experience life.”

Coach Hitt is in his fifth year as the Southern Conference Baseball chairman and member of the Florida Community College Activities Association (FCCAA) Baseball Committee. He also holds two national posts as the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Coaches association vice-president, as well as the international baseball chairman for the NJCAA. In the summer of 2008, Hitt was honored to assist with the NJCAA/USA team as they hosted Chinese Taipai in Millington, Tenn. This summer Hitt will lead the NJCAA team that is traveling to the Netherlands to compete in the 25th Anniversary Honkball Tournament. Six teams worldwide are competing in the event.

Under Hitt's tenure, the Panthers qualified for the post-season in 2004, 2005, and 2008, and secured a regional tournament berth in 2004. Ninety-four players from the 10 teams under Hitt's guidance have matriculated to four-year colleges or universities or signed professional baseball contracts. "That speaks volumes for the dedicated faculty, staff, and administration at our institution, as well as the effort of our student/athletes."

As a pitcher at Santa Fe Community College, Hitt helped lead the Saints to the NJCAA World Series in 1985, under NJCAA Hall of Fame Coach Harry Tholen. Hitt completed his playing career at St. Thomas University playing for current Louisiana State University Skipper Paul Maineri. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports administration in 1988. “I look forward to the challenges this year's team will face as we travel this road together. With great effort and commitment, all of our goals are attainable.”

During the 2010 regular season, the Panthers will dedicate the jerseys of the four former players who have Major League Baseball service, three of whom are still on active rosters today. Darren Clarke signed professionally after the 2001 season at SFCC and was formerly a pitcher for the Colorado Rockies. Ryan Raburn, who signed professionally after the 2001 season at SFCC, is an outfielder for the Detroit Tigers. Chris Waters, who signed professionally after the 200 season at SFCC, is a pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. Jesse Litsch, who signed professionally after the 2005 season at SFCC, is a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays.

"Having a special jersey dedication ceremony for these guys gives our program and our community an opportunity to congratulate and say thank you to each of them for who they are and what they mean to us. We are very proud of them." Each of the former Panthers will receive a framed jersey and have a special banner displayed on the Panther Baseball outfield fence, which will include the former players' numbers. We look forward to this being a very special evening for SFCC.

Andy Polk
Assistant Baseball Coach
(863) 784-7036

Coach Andy Polk was a 2008 Frontier League All Star while pitching for the Chillicothe Paints. A personal trainer in Avon Park, he begins his third season as Panthers assistant coach. He assists with all aspects of the program but primarily works with the pitching staff.

As a player in 2004-05, he helped the Panthers qualify for two consecutive postseason appearances, including the 2004 FCCAA Regional Tournament. He also was a part of the 2004 team that set the school record for 38 wins in a season and in his two years at SFCC, the team won 71 games.

Following his SFCC career, Polk moved on to Division II Florida Southern College, where he helped the Moccasins to the Regional Tournament in 2006.

Following his college career, Polk signed a contract with the Charlotte County Redfish of the Independent South Coast League and will continue his professional career this summer.

Chad Wright
Volunteer Baseball Coach
(863) 784-7036

Volunteer Assistant Coach Chad Wright played baseball at Avon Park High School 2003-07. During his senior year, he received the A.B. Wilhite Award for demonstrating the most encouraging and positive attitude in the game of baseball.

He graduated from Avon Park High in 2007 and is now pursuing his associate in arts degree at South Florida Community College. He also serves as an umpire for traveling baseball leagues for all ages up to 18. His hobbies include baseball, football, fishing, hunting, and golf.