Scott Stricklin pens message to Georgia fans following firing

Georgia fired baseball coach Scott Stricklin on Friday following a disappointing 29-27 finish and first round exit in the SEC Tournament. He had spent the past 10 years coaching the Bulldogs, and led them to just three NCAA Tournament appearances in that span.

The 29 wins this season were the fewest for the program since 2017. Although things didn’t go the way Stricklin hoped on the field, he still made plenty of fond memories during his time in Athens. He sent a message on Twitter on Saturday letting fans know what the experience meant to him as he now prepares to move on.

“Thank you, Bulldog Nation, for taking such good care of my family over the last 10 years,” he wrote. “My wife and I could not have asked for a better place to raise a family and to live our lives. This community and this university mean so much to us and we are forever thankful for having the opportunity to be a part of them.

“This is a bottom line business, and the bottom line is that I did not win enough baseball games. It’s hard to put into words all the feelings that I have, but the best way to describe them is the words grateful and blessed. I am grateful for the time I was given at this university to build relationships with players, coaches, staff, alumni and fans. I am blessed because I know how fortunate I am to have such a loving family and caring friends.”

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— Georgia Baseball (@BaseballUGA) May 27, 2023

Stricklin finishes his career at Georgia with a record of 299-236-1. Against SEC competition, his record sat at 121-146-1. In his three NCAA Tournament appearances, the Bulldogs never made it past Regional play.

However, Stricklin went on to say in his message that the relationships be built with his players is what he will remember most. He coached 38 players who went on to be picked in the MLB Draft, including 16 in the top 10 rounds. Pitchers Emerson Hancock (2020) and Robert Tyler (2016) were first-round picks while other notable selections have included Aaron Schunk (second round, 2019), Cole Wilcox (third round, 2020), and MLB All-Star Jared Walsh (second round, 2015).

“Being a coach carries a special meaning and purpose I never took lightly. Watching a young man turn into a grown man and then become a husband and father is one of the most rewarding parts of this job. I have had the privilege to coach so many great players and watch them turn into great men. That’s what I’m most humbled by.

“…I do not know what the next chapter of my life will look like, but I know the time I spent at the University of Georgia was special. I will always be rooting for everyone at this great university and am forever grateful for the opportunity to be a Georgia Bulldog.”

Stricklin had previously agreed to a contract extension through the 2026 season in April of 2021. According to a report released on Tuesday by the USA TODAY Sports Network, Stricklin made $655,000 in 2023, the 10th highest salary out of 14 in the SEC with nine above the $1 million mark.