Following the recent news that Scott Berry is retiring from Southern Miss at the end of the season, there’s been an expected outpouring of support for the legendary baseball coach with the most recent tribute coming from athletics director Jeremy McClain.
McClain, who has worked closely with Berry since overtaking the athletics department in 2019, said on the most recent episode of the Eagle Hour that the longtime Golden Eagles’ coach will be remembered not only for his on-the-field accomplishments but also for the type of person he is off the field.
“I think what people will remember most about Scott as a coach are the accomplishments for sure, but I also think the fact that the way he treated people and the way he went about his business will stay with people forever,” McClain said. “They don’t make them like Scott. He’s a special guy.”
McClain also revealed that Berry’s retirement announcement was not unexpected as the two began having conversations about the possibility back in 2021.
“It’s a discussion Scott and I have been having for a couple of years actually,” McClain said. “For him to be able to make that decision and go out when he wants to go out on his own terms, I’m very thankful for that and him. But we’re also obviously going to miss him dearly.”
Berry, who has compiled a 517-271-1 record in 14 seasons as the head coach in Hattiesburg, will be honored before Friday’s game against Louisiana. What McClain says will be called “Scott Berry Night” will include a short recognition and fan festivities prior to first pitch at 6 p.m.
