Coach Garrison to retire after spring

After 27 years as a head baseball coach, Mansfield head baseball coach Joe Garrison will step away from the dugout at the conclusion of the spring 2027 season, bringing an accomplished coaching career to a close.
He will continue in his role as the principal of Mansfield Middle School.
Coach Garrison’s coaching journey has spanned four schools and nearly three decades, leaving a lasting impact on the baseball programs, players, families and communities he has served.
His career began with one year at Strafford High School and one year at Marion C. Early High School before spending 15 years at Hartville High School.
He is currently in his 10th year leading the Mansfield Lions, where he will finish his coaching career next spring.
His connection to Mansfield baseball goes far beyond his years as a coach. As a player, he was part of Mansfield’s first state championship team, making his coaching journey with the Lions especially meaningful. From helping establish a championship tradition as a player to leading teams of his own, Garrison has experienced Mansfield baseball from both sides of the game. As he prepares for his final spring season, he will have the opportunity to share one last year on the field with his youngest son, Aiden, who is also playing his final season of high school baseball.
With a career full of memories and accomplishments behind him, Coach Garrison is focused on making this final season count and finishing strong.
Throughout his career, Coach Garrison has built a tradition of success, leading his teams to six district championships, four Final Four appearances, one state championship and two state runner-up finishes.
In 2014, he was recognized as the Ozarks Preview Coach of the Year. He will retire with more than 500 career victories, a milestone that represents years of hard work, commitment and perseverance. As Garrison prepares to close this chapter, his record of achievement stands as a testament to his dedication to the game and the programs he has led.
“I feel incredibly thankful to have had such a long and blessed career,” Coach Garrison said. “I’ve seen several changes to the game. I am proud to have coached in the Summit Conference for the past 25 years.”