News Summary

The Wellington community is mourning the departure of beloved baseball coach Scott Riddle, who is stepping down after an impressive 19-season career. With over 300 wins and a legacy of developing young talent, Riddle has made a significant impact on high school baseball in Palm Beach County. His decision to prioritize family and step back from coaching comes as his twin daughters prepare for new adventures post-graduation. The community reflects on his enduring contributions and remarkable achievements, celebrating a legacy that will be felt for years to come.

Wellington Says Farewell to Beloved Baseball Coach after 19 Remarkable Seasons

The community of Wellington is buzzing with emotions as long-time baseball coach Scott Riddle announces he is stepping down after an impressive 19-season tenure at Wellington High School. Known as one of Palm Beach County’s most enduring high school baseball coaches, Riddle leaves behind a legacy that will not be easily forgotten.

A Coach with Unmatched Achievements

Throughout his coaching career, Riddle secured over 300 wins, showcasing his ability to develop winning teams and great players. Under his stewardship, numerous young athletes have taken their talents to the collegiate level, making their dreams of playing baseball happen. This past season was no exception, with Wellington finishing strong at 18 wins and 11 losses, marking another chapter of success in Riddle’s coaching saga.

One of the highlights of this past season was winning the 11-7A district championship by defeating the top-seeded Jupiter 8-6, a thrilling match that brought pride and excitement to the Wellington community. Although they faced a setback in the regional quarterfinals against Park Vista after their district title win, the spirit and dedication of the team shone through all season long.

Balancing Life and Coaching

Stepping down has not been an easy decision for Riddle. He cited the demanding routine of waking up at 6 a.m. and returning home at 10 p.m. as a significant reason for his departure. With his twin daughters, Alana and Alee, graduating from high school in May, Riddle believes this is a great time to take a step back and prioritize family. Both daughters, who have also left their mark at Wellington by playing soccer and flag football, are now ready to pursue their next adventures.

However, don’t think this is the end for Riddle! He plans to continue teaching at Wellington High School and has not completely ruled out a return to coaching in the future. After 19 energetic years, he feels the need for a break but has expressed his continued passion for the game. After all, he feels he is still “too young to retire” and has plenty of love left for baseball.

A Change in the Coaching Landscape

Interestingly, Riddle isn’t the only coach making waves this off-season in Palm Beach County. At least four other head coaches have stepped down from their positions, creating significant shifts in the local baseball landscape. For instance, Tony Gullo is leaving Palm Beach Central after nine seasons to join the staff at Wellington Sports Academy, while Matt Judkins is stepping down from Palm Beach Gardens after leading the Gators to a state championship game in his first year.

Additionally, Christian Benhart is moving up from Boca Raton to replace Gullo, and Jerry Albert has returned to his roots at Chaminade-Madonna after three successful years at West Boca Raton. The continuous movement shows just how dynamic and ever-changing the world of high school baseball can be!

An Eye on the Future

In other thrilling local baseball news, Oxbridge Academy is set to receive a much-anticipated baseball field, courtesy of an anonymous donor, with construction expected to start this fall. Meanwhile, Wellington’s recent success has brought excitement to the community, as they celebrated their first district title since 2019, ending a six-year drought.

In the nail-biting final against Jupiter, Wellington’s hero, Anthony Vargas, delivered an unforgettable grand slam in the seventh inning, sealing the victory and solidifying the team’s resilience and skill. Riddle shared his pride in the performance of his pitching staff, a testament to the hard work and dedication that characterized his coaching career.

As the Wellington baseball community reflects on the incredible contributions of Coach Scott Riddle, they are filled with gratitude and hope for the future. While he may be stepping down, his impact will be felt for many years to come. Who knows? Perhaps we may witness his triumphant return to coaching sooner rather than later! For now, though, it’s time for a well-deserved break.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

LIVE BALL Resources

Columbia Coach Seeks Reinstatement After Controversial Resignation
Jacksonville Unveils 2025 All-First Coast High School Baseball Team
High School Football Season Begins in South Carolina’s Upstate
Andrew Everson Wins Livingston County Baseball Player of the Year
Delaware Preseason Poll for Best High School Wide Receiver
Mohawk Valley Baseball Players Prepare for Playoffs
Vote for the High School Girls Lacrosse Player of the Year
Iowa High School Baseball Rankings Steady as Postseason Approaches
Wichita High School Girls Shine in Swimming and Diving Honors
Voting Open for Mississippi’s Top High School Senior Football Player

Additional Resources