Baseball Player Magazine

BPM had the honor to sit down and chat with one of Long Island’s most accomplished coaches. With over four decades of coaching expertise and over 470 wins, it is only fitting that Bill Batewill has etched his place in history with a 2010 induction in Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame. Batewell spent 31 years coaching at Sachem High School (1974-2005) and the past five years at Bellport High School (2005-present). Coach Batewell represents a true passion for the game, in every sense of the word.

You were just inducted in the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame, Congratulations. How did this make you feel?

Honored and humbled. Without good players and excellent assistant coaches, it just doesn’t happen.

You are coaching the GNYSAA team this summer as they take on the USA 18U team. When and how did you get involved with this program?

My involvement began simply by clicking tryout times up at Fordham. I was just doing a favor for Al Desederio (former head Port Jefferson HS coach), when one of the city guys (Lou Santos) asked if I would join the staff as an assistant, and I said ok. Then the next meeting he asked if I would take the head coach role, and again I said ok. We have a wonderful staff of six coaches and aides, all I do is try to put the pieces of the puzzle together as we tend to roundtable everything to be sure that everyone is reading the same book.

Team USA some of the best players in the country, are you nervous about facing them?

We aren’t nervous; we are looking forward to the series. Those folks are obviously very good but we’d like to feel that NYC Metro has some pretty ok players too. We expect a competitive five game set with Team USA.

With over 30 years of coaching experience, you have seen quite a bit on and off the field. Can you give us a moment that truly defined you as a coach?

There are several moments: First win, first league title, first county title, the “milestone” wins-300, 400. But mostly, it’s seeing players execute what they’ve been coached to do.

What is it about the game that keeps you coaching?

The teaching aspect. I really enjoy seeing players learn more about the game.

Can you give coaches out there three tips that will help them in their path to success?

1. Be firm, be fair, be consistent.

2. Be accountable, be responsible.

3. Be for your players.