MILFORD, Ohio — Milford High School baseball coach Tom Kilgore announced his intention to retire from coaching following the 2022 season, according to the Milford athletic department.
Kilgore, inducted into the Milford Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019, has 389 wins entering his 24th year (23rd season due to 2020) with the Eagles as he enters the 2022 season.
“Coach Kilgore is synonymous with Milford baseball,” Milford athletic director Aaron Zupka said in a statement.
“The tradition of excellence achieved under his watch over the past two decades is among the best in the area," he continued. "We can’t thank coach Kilgore enough for his contributions and we look forward to one final exciting season with him at the helm.”
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Kilgore, a high school physical education teacher, has led the Eagles to a winning record in 18 of his 22 seasons.
He is entering his 33rd year at Milford High School as a physical education teacher and baseball coach.
"I am not sure there is a perfect time to step away from a profession you truly enjoy," Kilgore told WCPO.
"But, after talking to my wife/family, my coaching staff, friends/coaching colleagues and meeting with athletic director Aaron Zupka this summer, the decision to step away as head baseball coach at Milford High School after the 2022 season seemed like the right decision."
Milford was the Division I state runner-up in 2002 and 2003. Kilgore's teams also have earned a regional runner-up finish (2016), three district championships (2002, 2003, 2016) and five district runner-up finishes (2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017), according to sports information director Shawn Sell.
The Milford athletic department said over 100 Milford players have advanced to the collegiate baseball level during Kilgore's time as head coach.
Milford, a member of the Eastern Cincinnati Conference, has captured 10 conference titles under Kilgore. He has earned nine conference coach of the year awards.
Official Ohio High School Athletic Association baseball practice begins Feb. 21, 2022, with the season scheduled to start March 26.
"Coaching one more year will be an opportunity to bring closure to my baseball coaching career at Milford High School," Kilgore said. "The advance notice of my departure will allow time to find the best fit as head baseball coach to continue to move the program forward."
