The Tim Erickson Era is over in Orangefield. After eight successful seasons leading the Bobcat baseball program, Erickson is going across the bridge to take over at 5A Port Neches-Groves.
Erickson’s Bobcats reached the third round or better in every season but one. That includes four seasons in 4A. This season was one for the record books as the Bobcats were one win from a trip to the 3A State Tournament, losing to the eventual state champs from Franklin. They also set a record for wins in a season with 30.
Erickson came to Orangefield from Hardin-Jefferson and he said he gives a lot of credit to that first team in 2017. “Those seniors had been through some adversity. I think they had like three coaches in three years. But they bought in, as well as the parents and administration. And it just seemed to carry over with each group of players.”
That 2017 group reached the third round. 2018 would be the only team to lose in the first round and Erickson still remembers it well. “That was a tough ending to the season. We lost the last two games of the regular season 1-0 to finish third and then lost to a good Lufkin Hudson team 1-0, 1-0.”
Erickson said his most talented team may have been in 2022. “I say that because we had like 4-5 kids go off and play college ball.” That team lost to China Spring in the fourth round. The Cougars would go on to participate in the State Tournament.
The “We’ll Never Know” Team was in 2020. The Bobcats were 9-3 when the season was shut down because of Covid. “We had a good team and thought they had a chance to make a run. Two of our three losses were to Bridge City and Waco Robinson, two really good teams.”
Erickson takes over for Scott Carter who retired after 600+ career wins and a State Title with the Indians in 2017. “The program is in good shape and we look to continue the winning tradition,” he said.
The Bobcats will hopefully continue the tradition of winning as well. Jake Nash will take over after serving as Erickson’s assistant the last two years. It will be his first head coaching position. Before coming to OF, Nash was an assistant at LCM and like Erickson, he played college ball at Lamar.
Nash, married to Orangefield assistant coach Sara Nash, has made a name for himself in a short time. He was recently named the Golden Apple Award winner which is voted on by the student body.
We’ve had some more coaching moves in our area. Look for an updated “Coaches on the Move” list on KOGT.com before the end of the week.
-Gary Stelly, KOGT-
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