Jon Gratz had a knack for always having his teams ready to play in the postseason.
In 2018, 2019 and 2022, Gratz’s Columbus East baseball teams avenged multiple regular-season losses to win sectional titles. The Olympians won a regional in 2022, and in 2019, they won regional and semistate titles before falling to Hamilton Southeastern 3-2 in the Class 4A state championship game.
Tuesday, Gratz announced his retirement after 15 years as East’s head baseball coach. He had been an assistant for four years prior to that.
“Obviously, the success we had in 2018, 2019, 2022, but really, just all the years, that was a lot of fun,” Gratz said. “Up until the year before that, we hadn’t won a sectional in I don’t know how many years. Every year is a little bit different. I have great memories from every year that I was the coach.”
With Gratz at the helm, the Olympians’ field underwent a significant renovation following the 2023 season. The infield grass was replaced with turf, and new dugouts, seating and a press box were installed. East hosted a sectional last week for the first time in several years.
The Olympians went 8-20 this season, falling to eventual sectional champion Franklin 8-2 Friday in the semifinals of the East Sectional.
Gratz, 42, who played football and baseball at Manchester High School and DePauw University, also was an assistant football coach at East for several years and spent two years as an assistant athletics director. He will continue to teach math at East.
“I have a 9-year-old son playing travel ball, and my daughter, who is 12 is playing softball,” Gratz said. “In the spring, it’s a crazy time. I’m burning the candle at both ends, and I’m just looking to spend more time with my family and work with my kids a little bit more.
“This change is all about dedicating more time to my family, who have been my rock through countless games and long seasons,” he said. “They’ve supported me unconditionally, and now it’s my turn to be more present for them.”
In a statement, Gratz thanked every player he has coached and also the parents and administration.
“I’ll continue to be a part of this wonderful school community, and you can bet I’ll be cheering on the Olympians from the stands,” Gratz said. “I’ve been truly fortunate to be a part of so many amazing lives. I’m excited to watch our returning players continue their journey and grow into men. The future is incredibly bright.”
