KNITTLE TO MAKE YSN ALL-STAR GAME HIS SWAN SONG

CANFIELD, OH- Over the last 11 seasons, Canfield Baseball Coach Gary Knittle has certainly made his mark.  As a coach, he’s helped lead the Cardinals to a 99-27 record over then 11 year span which qualifies him as the highest winning percentage in Canfield Baseball history.  Knittle also holds a 38-4 record in the AAC which also places him at the top of winning percentage in Cardinal history.

With all the accolades that Knittle has gained over the last decade, it’s the difference that he’s made in the lives of his players that the community will miss the most—placing player after player, year after year in college baseball, in the midst of his own battles that include one for his life in a bout with cancer.

Knittle gave an exclusive quote to YSN after learning about his decision to walk away from his position as Head Coach of the Canfield Cardinals after the 2024 season.

“Over the past 11 seasons, I have been blessed to be part of the Canfield Cardinals baseball program. It has been an honor to be on the short list of Head Coaches in our storied tradition. However, all good things must come to an end. and after much consideration, I have decided to step away as the Head Baseball Coach at Canfield High School. “Family” is how we break every practice and after every game, and that is what we preach to our young men in our program. It is why former alumni show up in force as we make our runs in tournament play.

It is why former and current players help out in our youth programs in Canfield. It is also why we have had such great success. We could also not have had all the success without the tireless hours our entire coaching staff has poured into our “Family”. It is a year-round commitment. The coaching staffs that I have worked with over the years are the best in the state and I would argue that with anyone. I thank you for helping our “Family” over the years. While I have gained a huge “Family” while being part of the Canfield Cardinal baseball program, I also have a “Family” at home that I need to focus on. Though I have tried to keep my battle with Cancer these past two seasons off the radar, it’s hard to hide getting treatment every couple of weeks.

It has been a valuable lesson for our players as they truly understand that there are a lot bigger things in life to worry about other than going Outer or losing a game in walk off fashion. At home my unbelievable wife has been the Head Coach of our team in the Winter and Spring the last 11 seasons and she is undefeated! But it is time to enjoy being a husband and dad watching my son’s hockey games and my daughter cheering The memories made during my time at Canfield are ones that I will never forget. Winning 24 games in a row, all the Spring trips down South, watching over two dozen former players continuing their careers at the collegiate level, but most importantly watching these young men go on to do great things in the community and give back to the “Family” that is what Canfield Cardinal Baseball is all about!

Bear Out! Go Cards!”