Former Brophy College Prep advisor and varsity baseball coach Tom Succow throws out the first pitch prior to a baseball game between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field Friday, Aug. 25, 2017, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
By Rory Cunningham ’18
THE ROUNDUP
On Friday, August 25th retired Varsity Baseball Coach Mr. Tom Succow was honored by the Arizona Diamondbacks for his more than 40 years of coaching for Brophy baseball.
The dads of Brophy varsity baseball players last season teamed up and coordinated with the Arizona Diamondbacks to give Mr. Succow a proper thank you and goodbye as he begins retirement.
The stadium looked on as Mr. Succow prepared to throw the first pitch of the evening.
Mr. Succow wound up and threw as the stadium looked on.
The ball soared right to the glove of the D-Backs catcher and sparked a cheer in the crowd.
He steps off the mound with a smile as he embraced the catcher and posed for a celebratory photo.
Connor Park ’18, a former player for Mr. Succow, was there in attendance that day and had a few words of praise for Mr. Succow.
“He taught us to be good men as well as how to be good baseball players,” Park said
He believes Mr. Succow deserved this honor not only for his dedication as a coach but “the type of person he is.”
Many current players were seated on the third baseline while many other members of the Brophy community were spread around the stadium to cheer on and honor Mr. Succow.
As Mr. Succow enters retirement Tommy Trudeau ’18 said, “I hope Mr. Succow is successful coaching Yavapai next year and that he succeeds at whatever may come his way.”
In 2012 Mr. Succow was diagnosed with prostate cancer and overcame that adversity to finish out his illustrious career.
During his time coaching the Brophy baseball team Mr. Succow accumulated over 700 wins with a state championship in 2006.
Mr. Succow also spent 40 years at Brophy as a counselor and was honored for this in last years award ceremony.
His 40 years of coaching and counseling at Brophy remains as one of the most by any faculty member ever.