Houston Academy baseball coach leaving

After four seasons as Houston Academy baseball coach, Mike Mordecai is leaving the program to become a roving infielder coordinator with the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system.

Mordecai informed HA officials and players of the move Wednesday. He will remain as a teacher at the school until February 1.

“This was a good opportunity that had good insurance and an increase in salary and with four kids to take care of, it was a good deal,” Mordecai told the Dothan Eagle Wednesday night. “I just couldn’t turn it down.”

Houston Academy athletic director Jim Robbins, who was head coach prior to Mordecai’s arrival, will take over the program following Mordecai’s departure.

“It is big loss for us,” Robbins said. “A man of his experience and knowledge was a big asset for us.

“This is an opportunity for him to do something from my understanding that next to playing is one of the best jobs in baseball.”

A former major league player with the Atlanta Braves, Montreal Expos and Florida Marlins, Mordecai’s connections during his time in the big leagues helped land the job.

In his new role, Mordecai will go from one minor league team to another in the Blue Jays’ system, helping infielders with defense. Mordecai played all four infield positions during his career.

The Blue Jays have four minor leagues teams, but like most systems, have two other rookie league teams open up after the June amateur draft.

“It allows me to spend time on the road and at home, so I still get to see my kids too,” said Mordecai, who has four kids ranging from 2 to 14. The family, he said, will remain in Dothan. “I have the best of both worlds and I get to work with some good athletes.”

Mordecai didn’t know if the move could be a precursor to a major league job.

“If that happens, I will be willing to listen to the offers,” Mordecai said. “I am going to do my best and see what happens.”

In his four years at HA, the Raiders were 61-46 and all four teams advanced to the state playoffs. He was named Dothan Eagle Smalls School Coach of the Year in 2007 after the Raiders went 20-12 and advanced to the state semifinals.

“I have enjoyed it at Houston Academy,” said Mordecai, a physical education teacher. “If there is one place to be a faculty member, HA is the place.”

On the field, Mordecai said he enjoyed dealing with Raider players.

“The players were eager to learn,” Mordecai said. “I never had to get on anybody for lack of hustle. They all hustle.”

Robbins, who has extensive experience with head coaching positions at Ashford, Northview and Wicksburg in addition to his year at Houston Academy, said he is already starting the transition to take over.

“I love the challenge and I love to be the field,” Robbins said.

He stressed it was not a temporary move either.

“This not a one-year deal,” Robbins said.