Marion’s Fish surpasses 600 career wins

MARION - Steve Fish remembers the moment he was introduced baseball.

He was about 4 years old and attended a Major League Baseball game with his father, Dennis Fish.

'My first memory of the game (of baseball) is going to a Washington Senators game,” Fish said. 'I'll never forget walking in there and seeing the grass. From then I was always hooked.”

The Marion head coach has dedicated most of his life, coaching young men and providing them with similar memories. The efforts resulted in his 600th career win Wednesday during the Indians' doubleheader sweep against South Tama in Tama. Fish has 601 wins in 27 years as head coach.

'I'm fortunate enough to coach for as long as I have,” said Fish, who is in his 15th season leading the Indians after a season as a freshman coach and 12 years as head coach at Central City. 'Sometimes I just think it's best to reflect and think back. I've just been lucky to have a lot of great assistant coaches through the years. They deserve as much credit for sticking with the game as I ever did.”

Marion's only two state tournament appearances have come under Fish. He led the team to the 2006 state tournament. In 2011, the Indians reached the Class 3A semifinals, falling to state champion Solon. Fish is the 40th Iowa coach to reach 600 wins and the 14th active coach to hit it.

'He always makes sure we are always prepared,” said Baylor Fish, the youngest of three sons who have played for their dad at Marion. 'He always makes sure we are focused on one task at a time.”

Fish said his father, who died from cancer in 2013, and Harold 'Pinky” Primrose were big influences in his coaching career. Fish graduated from Coe College and worked with the Los Angeles Olympics Committee.

Primrose, who coached Fish at Coe, provided an opportunity to be his assistant at Coe and Cedar Rapids Washington. Fish realized the hustle and bustle of L.A. wasn't for him and he returned to Iowa.

'My father was a Naval Officer,” Fish said. 'He once told me to find something in life you want to do. He said to chase what you want in life.”

For Fish, it was coaching. He has been able to share baseball with the next generation. B.J. Fish was on the 2006 state squad and played when his father hit 400 wins. Byron Fish, a member of the 2011 team, experienced win No. 500. Baylor Fish, a sophomore, is the starting shortstop on this year's team.

'It meant a lot to be a part of,” said Baylor Fish, who had three hits in the monumental game. 'It was nice for me and our team to be part of 600.”

Family and relationships have been more important than a single victory, according to Fish. He has enjoyed coaching his sons. He said they are his best supporters but admits they receive the brunt of criticism.

'It's an interesting dynamic,” Baylor Fish said. 'It's fun for the most part. Sometimes it is challenging after games or in the car rides home from the field.”

Success has not been measured by wins for Fish, who has led a young Indian squad to a 21-14 mark.

The emphasis is on developing good people as much as good players. Fish has cherished the relationships made during that time and it was reciprocated when he was bombarded by calls, texts and emails from former players through the day Thursday and after surpassing the win plateau Wednesday.

'For me, it's about the fact that I get to look back and reflect on all the positive influences I have had and the help I have had along the way,” Fish said. 'They are out there and people who care tells me I made a bond with so many kids. That is the best thing about a milestone.”

Another memorable baseball moment for Fish.

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