2022 BULLDOG BASEBALL COACHING STAFF

Short Friendship, Major Impact 

This week, Freshman Coach Ted Muniz reached out to me and asked if he could go public on my website with some comments about Vic Alkire who will be retiring from our baseball program at the conclusion of this season. 

Coach Muniz first became acquainted with Vic several years ago when Muniz became the varsity baseball coach at Kimball.  “Vic was the first phone call I received when I was announced as coach.  He provided valuable tips and strategies on how I could be successful at Kimball, and he shared all of his contacts so I could begin the process of scheduling games.  He was an instant mentor to me, and I took advantage of it.”    

Muniz would have to step away from the game for a few years due to health reasons but then three years ago became reacquainted with Vic and offered to help out around the THS baseball program.  “Prior to the beginning of the 2021 season, the Freshman baseball coach position became available, and I asked Vic if I could apply.  I just wanted back into coaching anyway possible, and I felt Tracy High and this program was the perfect fit.” 

When Coach Muniz got the Freshman coaching job, he had the opportunity to better understand just how giving Vic is.  “He treats his Freshman and JV coaches with the same level of respect and authority as his varsity program.  If we need something we get it.  I had all the balls I needed, and the kids were well supplied with uniforms and other gear thanks to Vic and the strong booster program that THS Baseball has.  I noticed on the varsity field there was this can of balls with a spring in it that raised the level of the balls as they were drawn from the can for batting practice.  I made a comment about how nice it would be to have one, and 48 hours later the JV and Freshman teams had their own can.  Another nice touch our Freshman program gets, is home games on the Varsity field when varsity plays away.  To be able to have our kids on this well-manicured field with good dugouts is a big difference maker.  Not many freshman teams get this kind of nice upgrade. These are just a few examples of how Vic makes things first class.” 

Muniz has experience at other high schools on attempting to get gear and the little things that make you successful as a coach and baseball program.  “People don’t always see these small behind the scenes things that are the difference in being successful and Vic excels in this area.  He gets it.  There may be some jealousy out in the community that Tracy gets more than most.  If that is true, it’s not for political reasons or back room deals, its because Vic and the Booster program fight for it and earn it.  Vic works his tail off to get things he and others in the program need.” 

On why Vic is successful, Coach Muniz was quick to respond with these characteristics.  “He is respected by so many in the baseball community.  He treats everyone with respect.  I have never heard him speak ill will about others and I’ve certainly never heard him say a curse word in the entire time I’ve been around him.  He is a glass half full kind of guy and we are blessed to have had him stay with this program for 29 years.”  

Coach Muniz had a few more personal comments to make about Vic before we concluded the interview.  “A baseball coach at the high school level is a hard job for many reasons, but if you are going to step onto the coaching field, then isn’t it best to do it with good friends around you?  Vic has not only become a friend, but he has become a very special friend who is on my short list of someone I would do anything for.  My wife and I have developed a real close friendship with Marie and Vic.” 

“It was bittersweet to hear the news of his decision to step away and head to Michigan.  On one hand I am so happy for the Alkire family but I’m going to miss this first-class man whom I have only known for a couple of years and wished I had met 40 years ago.”