Jack Merrifield, Head Baseball Coach 2007-2012
Coach Merrifield became the 7th head coach to lead the Hempfield Black Knight Baseball program, stepping in after Coach Tom Getz resigned after the 2006 season. He was at the helm for six seasons, winning the eighth Lancaster-Lebanon League Championship in school history in 2008, and the school's tenth Section One Championship in 2012. The 2008 season was also remarkable as the Black Knight's earned the 600th baseball win in school history on their way to an impressive 22-6 record. The Black Knights defeated a highly favored Manheim Township, owners of a 20-1 record (and ranked #1 in District 3) in the Lancaster-Lebanon League Championship game that year, 3-2.
Known for his "old school" approach, Coach Merrifield's teams never had a losing record. His squads posted a 92-42 record during his time as head coach. Hempfield also qualified for the District 3 post-season tournament in each of his six years as head coach. In three of six years (2008, 2009, and 2012) his teams were ranked in the top five at the beginning of the tournament - #3, #4, and #1, respectively.
After the 2012 season Coach Merrifield stepped down, retiring as a teacher and coach. He invested 35 years into the Hempfield Baseball Program, the last six as the head coach, leaving a lasting legacy of success and excellence.
Article announcing Coach Merrifield's retirement: