SOUTHEAST BASEBALL COACH’S CORNER WITH JOHN KINSEY 3-11-25
RAVENNA OH- For Southeast Pirates head baseball coach John Kinsey, the love of the game has always been about more than just wins and losses. It’s about shaping young athletes into leaders both on and off the field.
Kinsey, who has been at the helm of the Pirates’ baseball program for multiple seasons, continues to instill a culture built on discipline, hard work, and passion for the game. Under his leadership, Southeast has developed a reputation for playing fundamentally sound baseball while emphasizing the importance of team cohesion.
“Our goal is to get better every day,” Kinsey said. “We want our guys to come in, work hard, and build something special together.” One of the biggest challenges Kinsey has faced in recent years is the ever-changing landscape of high school athletics, where multi-sport athletes balance commitments and roster depth fluctuates each season. Despite these hurdles, Kinsey remains steadfast in his approach, focusing on fundamentals and instilling a competitive mindset in his players.
“We emphasize the little things,” Kinsey noted. “Situational awareness, being mentally tough, and understanding how to execute in key moments—that’s what wins games.” As the Pirates head into the new season, Kinsey is excited about the potential of his squad. With a mix of experienced upperclassmen and promising young talent, Southeast is aiming to compete at a high level in its conference.“These guys have been putting in the work,” Kinsey said. “We have a group that’s hungry to prove themselves, and as a coach, that’s all you can ask for.”
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Kinsey takes pride in developing players who will succeed beyond their high school careers. Whether they continue playing baseball at the next level or transition into other fields, he hopes the lessons learned under his leadership will stay with them for years to come.
“At the end of the day, baseball is about more than just the game,” Kinsey said. “It’s about learning how to handle adversity, how to be accountable, and how to work together toward a common goal. If our guys leave here with those values, then we’ve done our job.” Southeast opens the season on Saturday, March 22nd on the road against The Marlington Dukes with a 1 p.m. first pitch.
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