After 10 years, Panthers replace Reece

From 1978 to 1998, layers of dust steadily collected on the shelves inside the Porterville High School baseball trophy case.

The Panthers hadn’t won an East Yosemite League title in 20 years and the program desperately needed someone to come along and inject life into its veins.

Enter Thad Reece.

In his first year holding the reigns at PHS, Reece performed magic and led the Panthers to an EYL crown — a title that was foreign to the school for so long.

But the Porterville skipper was just getting started.

Four EYL titles (1998, 2000, 2001 and 2005) and five playoff appearances later, no questions need to be asked about whether or not Reece has done his job.

He has and his numbers speak for themselves.

Reece brought the glory back to PHS and resurrected a program that was buried for two decades.

But no longer will he be sporting the orange and green pinstripes with a number 23 stamped on his back.

Recently, Reece was told by PHS principal Steve Graybehl to return his school key and leave.

Mike Hill, who has been a physical education and English teacher at the school for four years, has replaced him.

“We decided to go a different direction. It was the best thing for Porterville High School,” Graybehl said. “It was not an easy thing to do because of the years of dedication Thad gave to the program. These kinds of decisions do not come lightly or easily.”

According to Reece, the three men — Graybehl, Hill and himself — held a 30-minute meeting one week prior to his dismissal.

When the session was over, Reece said, everything appeared to be fine and Graybehl told him, “I’d be a fool to let you go. You’ve done a great job.”

The following week, however, the situation took a 180-degree turn.

Graybehl called Reece and delivered some stinging words: “We decided to go a different direction. I’m sorry.”

Reece’s 10-year career was over in a single three-minute telephone call.

“It was really a shocker. I was disappointed,” Reece said. “I don’t think there was any reason to let me go or to fire me. I’ve always been an off-campus coach.”

Reece followed by saying that he respects Graybehl’s decision and in no way will he go out sour.

“Steve Graybehl felt that it was in the best interest of the school, the teachers and especially Mike Hill,” Reece said. “I respect people that are in that position. It’s hard to take but there will be other opportunities.

“I’m proud of what we accomplished there. I’m proud of Don Land, Andy Bircham, Dave Johnson and Mike Crews for the years that they assisted me. I can’t thank them enough.”

The decision, according to Graybehl, was extremely tough and not spur of the moment.

“It was one that was thoroughly discussed by many people. That’s all I’m going to say,” he said.

“(Reece) did a fantastic job. It was not an easy decision. That was probably the hardest part of all.”

Hill echoed Graybehl’s remarks.

“Thad Reece did one hell of a job,” he said. “He was a very good coach. He did some very good things.”

So what lies ahead for the man who gave fans and players a reason to take PHS baseball seriously?

“I don’t know what the future holds or what opportunities are out there,” Reece said. “But I have a lot of contacts with collegiate and professional coaches. I always keep that door open.”

Reece may be unsure of the future. But the coach who put Porterville baseball back on the map can be sure of one thing.

The Panthers’ baseball trophy case has been wiped clean of its dust and four gleaming awards tell the tale of Reece’s time at Porterville.

Contact Alex K.W. Schultz at 784-5000, ext. 1048 or aschultz@portervillerecorder.com.