Another “Frank Field” In Toms River

Bill Frank is among the most successful baseball coaches in shore and state history piling up a long list of achievements during a 30-year span in the Toms River East dugout. When he retired at the end of the 2014 season his career record of 520-279-2 placed him third on the all-time wins list in Shore Conference history. That impressive record included 9 division titles, 8 Ocean County Tournament championships, four state sectional crowns and the 2001 Group 4 title.

Bill of course is the younger brother of Toms River South’s Ken Frank, the winningest coach in New Jersey history who continues to add to his win total in his 43^rd season and plays on a field that bears his name.  But Bill takes a back seat to nobody as he built the Raider program into a perennial power and I can tell you first-hand those East-South games were among the most intense match-ups I’ve ever witnessed.  The atmosphere at the home of the Indians or “Raider Ravine” was truly special and the crowds at night games was something unmatched.

Certainly there are likely not too many brother combinations anywhere in the country with more wins and certainly not in New Jersey.

Bill’s success has resulted in many Coach of the Year awards and he’s been inducted into five Halls of Fame…Shore Conference, Ocean County College, New Jersey Coaches, Hudson County and New Jersey Scholastic Baseball Coaches.

Thursday he gets what is arguably the greatest honor any coach can have…that is to have his name on the field where he spent so much time.  Ironically the 6:30pm ceremony will precede the Raiders game with of all teams…Toms River South…it seems only fitting.