I would like to start by saying that as of May 15, I am no longer the head baseball coach at Fulton-Montgomery Community College. The college informed me that it would like to go in a new direction and have a new voice for baseball. Although the decision was unanticipated and unappreciated, I have to respect that the college has a plan that will benefit the future of FMCC baseball as well as the college in general.
I am thankful to the late John Boshart for offering me the opportunity to make FMCC baseball such a large part of my life. On Aug. 25, 1989, I became the second head coach in program history, following Art Cotugno, who coached the team for its first two seasons. Now, after 23 years, I have far too many great memories to share at this time, but I would like to pass along a few important thank-you thoughts. First, I would like to thank my family members. They proved to be unbelievably understanding when I could not attend family functions, was not available or just otherwise occupied with something baseball related. Their love and support helped carry me along the way. The biggest thank you goes to my daughter Maggie, who grew up eating, sleeping and dreaming Raiders baseball. There were so many times I could not attend her games or functions, birthday celebrations, etc., yet she was my biggest supporter. She has always assisted and supported my efforts both on and off the field. I would like to thank the media for the support and coverage they have offered throughout the years, and so many of the faculty and staff at FMCC who have not only been co-workers, but friends. Thanks to all the high school and summer-league coaches who have been part of the process throughout.
Last, but not at all least, I would like to thank all the student-athletes who have come through the program and given me the opportunity to touch their lives. I can only hope that they learned as much from me as I have learned from them. In the words of Rickey Coles ('95-'96), who contacted me a few years ago after the death of his father and said he wanted to thank me for all the things he had learned from me, "and I'm not talking about baseball ..."
For 23 years, FMCC baseball has not only been what I did, but has been who I am. I am truly fortunate for this opportunity, which very few people get to experience. I will miss it immensely.
In closing, I would like to wish the new coach at FM the best of luck and hope that he may enjoy his time there as much as I have.
MIKE MULLIGAN
Former head baseball coach
at Fulton-Montgomery Community College