East Dedicates Baseball Field To Former Coach Bill Frank

Family, friends, former players and others attended a special ceremony Thursday night before the scheduled baseball game between Toms River East and Toms River South.  At what many called “Raider Ravine” East dedicated its baseball field to longtime coach Bill Frank who retired in 2014 after winning 520 games over 30 years and numerous local and state championships.

East Principal Pat Thomas and District Athletic Director Ted Gillen spoke about Frank who was presented with a special plaque to mark the occasion.  Bill, accompanied by his wife Loretta, sons Brad and Brian and grandchildren among others took the microphone and spoke about coaching baseball and making sure his players did things “the right way” because it was a life lesson.  The emotion of the event was obvious, especially when he talked about all his battles with his brother Ken who was just yards away in uniform with his South team.  He recalled that his parents would be watching from the top of the hill and afterwards his father would call both of them to offer his thoughts on the game…good and bad.

At the conclusion of the program Bill and Loretta with the help of their granddaughter unveiled the sign that is now prominently displayed on the press box for all to see.