Oct. 5, 2005

The Catholic Review

August 11, 2005
Boles brings family feeling to St. Frances' baseball
By Sue Thompson
Sports correspondent

Brian Boles is the head baseball coach at St. Frances Academy, Baltimore. A 2000 SFA graduate, Boles had a dream and a drive that one day he would be a professional baseball player.

His career looked promising as he entered his freshman year at Chesapeake Junior College on the Eastern Shore, where Boles played left field and first base and majored in social science. By his sophomore year, Boles was getting the playing time he deserved, batted .315 in the clean- up slot and knocked in 25 RBI's. He was selected as a Maryland Junior College All- Star and received a scholarship to play in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) at Elizabeth City University in North Carolina.

There, Boles had a tremendous junior year, batting .415 with six home runs, 35 RBI's and was ranked nationally for his batting average.

Boles continued on as a sociology major, balancing sports with education. He was honored in his junior year as an All- Conference player in the CIAA.

But a quarter of the way through his senior year, Boles sustained a hip injury by diving for a ball. The bone and muscle over the iliac crest was bruised. In search of the conference title, Boles chose to play through the injury and play through the pain but compensating for the pain and the strain on the hip changed his swing and his game; his hope of a pro career was fading.

With his four years of athletic eligibility expired, Boles is back in town, attending Morgan State University to finish his degree and to give back all that had been given to him.

Coaching the St. Frances baseball team gives Boles a chance to share his experience, knowledge and love for the game. " When I came back to town I asked myself, ' What can I do with the knowledge I have of the game and how can I help others?" he said.

The high school coach knows the challenge before him, competing in the highly respected MIAA league, but the Panthers grabbed two wins this season against Arlington Baptist and Glenelg Country School.

According to St. Frances Athletic Director Jerome Shelton, " Coach Boles was truly excited about the opportunity to turn the baseball program in which he played into a successful one. Brian has brought his college experience on the diamond, his teaching skills, along with his passion for the game and we have seen some positive results. I believe Brian has the vision and the work ethic to move our baseball program into competitive heights."

Boles' father, Marcellus, and brother, Marc, are also on board the coaching staff to lend their expertise to the mix.

" My dad pretty much works with the pitchers and catchers, my brother Marc works with the outfielders and I work with the infielders and the hitters," said Coach Boles.

" The team will improve but, you know, sports are not for everybody. It takes a strong person to be able to balance academics with athletics. It definitely takes dedication and sacrifice," said Coach Boles.