Big Rapids varsity baseball coach J.T. Scarpelli has announced his resignation from the Cardinal program.

He has served as head coach since the 2023 season and was an assistant coach for six years.

“After three seasons, I have reached a point where my time is most precious with my wife and daughter, and I can no longer justify saying goodbye to them night after night,” Scarpelli said. “Thank you to the Big Rapids community for their support.”

Scarpelli leaves the program with a 67-32 overall record, including a 48-6 mark in the CSAA. He is the first coach in program history to win three consecutive conference championships and was named area Coach of the Year twice. He also coached two All-State players and four players who went on to play collegiately.

When asked about the future of the Post 98 Legion team, which he has coached for the past two summers, Scarpelli said the team will return next year and he is planning to continue to lead it. The Ducks recently won their Zone tournament and will now play in the Legion State tournament this coming week.

Photo courtesy of J.T. Scarpelli.