Colburn, who also coached football and served as athletic director, estimates he has coached more than 200 players during his tenure. But unlike many veteran coaches who are stuck in their ways, the Cardinal players say that despite the fact that their coach is as old as most of their grandfathers, he has managed to change with the times.
Bob Colburn has amassed a 409-408record at St. Andrew's School.
Photo courtesy of St. Andrew
"What makes coach Colburn such an amazing coach is his ability to adapt to the situation he is given," junior co-captain
Jake Myers said. "Our program is successful because he takes the time to know each individual and help them develop as not only baseball players, but as young men. The life lessons that he has taught me help me in everything I do."
Colburn says he takes great pride in his players using those life lessons to find success in their own professional careers, and in some cases, those careers have included coaching baseball.
"I think the most lasting impression with me will be Bob's sincerity when it comes to being there for his players," said former player J.P. Blandin, an all-state pitcher from 1988 who is currently in his 10th year as baseball head coach at nearby Delaware State University. "When I was attending St. Andrew's, Bob was the one who guided me through tough times on and off the field. Twenty-three years later, when there is a crisis or someone needs help, Bob is still leading the way to help any of his former players or someone in need in the Delaware baseball community.
"By giving some of our local high school talent the opportunity to experience playing college baseball, I hope one day I can say I contributed to improving high school baseball experiences in Delaware to the degree that coach Colburn has done so. Coach truly is an inspiration."
Colburn's stature at the school and in the community is solidified and his impact on the players he has coached immeasurable. However, he says he's not ready to call it a career.
"I still love the game of baseball," he said. "I really enjoy working with the young people. I don't worry about records. I'm just trying to make them better ballplayers and better people.
"And I still get that knot in my stomach on game days."
Jon Buzby is the sports columnist for the Newark Post, a freelance writer, and on the broadcast team for the 1290AM The Ticket High School Football and Basketball Games of the Week. You can reach him at jonbuzby@hotmail.com.
