When I asked the question, Kim Hammons didn’t immediately respond with words. Instead, he busted out in a big guffaw of laughter.
The question? I asked the retired Snohomish High School baseball coach whether, when his son Nick was playing for him with the Panthers, he ever imagined Nick would be the one to succeed him as Snohomish’s coach.
“No!” Hammons belted out mid-laugh. “That’s a good one!
“Nick was always the quiet one. I could never shut my older son Jake up, he was a magpie. So no, I didn’t think Nick would want to talk in front of groups, talk in front of parents and do all the little things you have to do when you’re presenting your philosophy.
“I turned out to be dead wrong.”
Snohomish’s baseball season is officially scheduled to begin Wednesday when the Panthers host Glacier Peak, and for the first time in 26 years Kim Hammons won’t be calling the shots from the dugout. But Snohomish remains in familiar hands as Nick Hammons takes over for his father, a man who created an impressive legacy during 25 seasons in charge.
Kim Hammons’ name became synonymous with Snohomish baseball. He compiled a 385-209 record, won seven district titles and made 10 state appearances, capturing state championships in 1998 and 2008. Several players coached by Hammons at Snohomish went on to play professionally, including pitcher Adam Eaton, a 10-year major leaguer recently inducted into the Snohomish County Sports Hall of Fame.
Which means Nick Hammons has some big shoes to fill.
“There’s some nerves in taking over the program this great man built, and how he impacted so many lives,” Nick Hammons said. “Every day before practice I make sure I’m following in his footsteps not just in how he talked to guys about baseball, but how he talked to guys about life. We’re in the business of helping teenagers turn into young men, and that’s what I want to continue.”
Nick Hammons, of course, has his own history with Snohomish. He played four seasons for his dad, graduating in 2007 when he starred for a Panthers team that finished as state runners-up. As a player he never gave consideration to succeeding his father as coach, but when he graduated from college he returned to Snohomish to work in security, and he also became a member of his dad’s staff as a volunteer assistant coach the past five years.
“I was ready to go five years ago, then Nick got a job at the high school and said he wanted to help out, so I went, ‘Oh crap, I’ve got to keep going,’” Kim Hammons said with another of his infectious laughs. “I continued coaching with him and it was a great time to be with my son.”
Once Kim Hammons was ready to step aside it may have seemed natural for son to succeed father, but it wasn’t a slam dunk.
“Nick nailed the interview,” Snohomish athletic director Mark Perry said. “The truth of the matter was that even if his last name wasn’t Hammons he still would have been our guy. If this had happened three or four years ago I don’t know if that would have been the case. But Nick has matured as a person on the staff here at Snohomish.”
If one were to visit a Snohomish practice today, one probably would recognize some of Kim Hammons’ coaching style in his son. The two have similar philosophies as coaches, both in how the game should be played — both emphasize small ball and fundamentals — as well as how the game is taught — both believe in getting their hands dirty to demonstrate techniques.
Where the two differ is in their demeanor.
“I think I’m a little more black and white,” Nick Hammons said. “My dad had a little more grey. He has a little more personality while I’m quick and to the point. I remember one coach describing my dad as an emotional comedian.”
While Kim Hammons may be retired, he admitted he can’t stay away. He’s watched some of Snohomish’s practices from a distance, seeing the small changes his son has made in coaching the team, while also making himself always available to provide advice whenever Nick needs it.
“I am so upset with him right now because last year we did not get a day of sunshine for practice in three months, and he’s been basking in the sunshine every day,” Kim Hammons quipped. “Every day has been a good practice day. I’m a little envious of him.”
It was another instance of Kim Hammons being the “emotional comedian.” But there was one moment in speaking to Kim Hammons when his jovial self became reflective, and that was when I asked him what it meant to have his son follow his path:
“It brings a lot of pride,” Kim Hammons said. “It brings a lot of joy to our entire family. I know his mother is very excited. His brother and sister are overjoyed. I’m just really proud of him.”
Nick Hammons was left a full cupboard by his dad. The Panthers return the bulk of the team that went 16-9 and reached the 3A state tournament last year. He also said he plans on getting his teaching certificate with the goal of matching his dad’s coaching tenure.
Which means Snohomish baseball could be staying in the family for a long time.
Follow Nick Patterson on Twitter at @NickHPatterson.
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