Mission Viejo’s Baseball Coach Will Resign

MISSION VIEJO —  Ron Drake has resigned as Mission Viejo’s baseball coach, effective at the end of the season.

In 16 years at the school, Drake has compiled a 241-130 record. Mission Viejo had three 20-victory seasons during Drake’s tenure and in 1985, the Diablos advanced to a Southern Section championship, where they lost to Diamond Bar in the 2-A final.

Although Drake turned in his letter of resignation two weeks ago, he had wanted to wait until the end of the season to tell his players. But Drake announced his decision to the team after some parents heard rumors of his resignation.

“I didn’t want them to think they had to win this season for me, or for the sophomores or juniors to feel bad that I wouldn’t be here for them next year,” he said.

Drake said personal reasons were behind his decision to resign.

“Because of certain circumstances and attitudes at the school, it’s been an uphill struggle for me there since 1989,” he said. “I’m just tired of fighting the battle. People can read between the lines. That’s my only comment on that.”