鈥楽ank鈥� was one of a kind
In my nearly 19 years covering sports in one capacity or another, I have never met anyone like Thomas E. Sankovich … and I doubt I ever will.
“Sank” was truly one of a kind, but it goes beyond his accomplishments as an athlete and coach, which are impeccable.
In my humble opinion, and many others, the greatest high school baseball coach in the history of Fayette County died April 30, 2026.
From the day I met him at a Fayette County Baseball League (FCBL) game in June of 2007 until our last conversion, which was in late November during my surprise 40th birthday party, Sank always put a smile on my face.
Even when he was angry, I tended to laugh, and it wasn’t that I was glad to see him upset, but his demonstrative behavior towards those who received his wrath was humorous. Hopefully, those who were close to him will understand what I mean. Fortunately, for one reason or another, Sank was always pleasant with me.
Sank had many nicknames, but I always addressed him as “Coach” or “Mr. Sank.” I felt like he deserved that title.
As I mentioned, my first experience with Sank was during a FCBL contest in the middle of June. I was in college on summer break, and this was probably the fifth game I ever covered in my career.
I went up and introduced myself to the late James F. Burns Sr., who was an assistant coach on Sank’s staff for the Bud Murphy’s baseball team. The Cokers were playing Potter’s Clubhouse that evening, and Mr. Burns, who was quite a character himself, pointed me to this man that looked more like a football player to me.
Growing up in a family where sports wasn’t the highest priority, plus graduating from Uniontown Area High School, I didn’t realize the legend I had just met.
Bud Murphy’s won the game, and after I finished my story, I went home and told my grandmother that I just covered these guys, who were some of the funniest people I have ever met.
I also mentioned to her that the coach was this guy named “Tom Sankovich,” and he was so funny, and also said he had read some of my articles. She informed me of the legend of “Big Tom,” I had to throw in one of his other namesakes, and looking back, I’m a tad embarrassed that I didn’t know of this legend, but I am glad that I got to know him.
I didn’t get to cover Bud’s much the rest of that season, so I went to watch the games as a fan. I got closer to Sank’s son, Brian, and was invited to their championship celebration the day before I had to return to college for my senior year.
I had too much to drink that night, but one of Sank’s players, Nick Damico, drove him home that night. Thanks, Nick, for helping me out.
Sank had turned in prior to that, but the next time I saw him, he said to me that he was glad I was alive and it was good to see me. I guess, even at a low point, Sank always had your back.
The veteran had mellowed since retiring from high school coaching in 1990, but his desire to win was just as high, and it carried over to his players. He eventually stepped down at Bud Murphy’s, but stayed on as a general manager, and led the team to another FCBL championship.
Ironically, as Sank was stepping away from coaching, I saw him more at baseball games, as he was a constant presence when his three grandsons, Travis, Tyler and Chase, competed.
A moment I’ll always remember was taking a trip with Sank up to Mill Run when Travis was still in the youth leagues. Travis joined us on the trip and Sank told him, “This is Jonathan Guth, sports writer at the 蘑菇视频, and if you do well in baseball, he will write about you.”
The best part of that statement was Travis had a great career in high school and college, and I did get to write about him. So much, in fact, I have received a good amount of ribbing about my love for the Sankovich family, which I can’t deny. I love them, but Travis was a fine player.
Chase and Tyler are also solid baseball players, and Chase is currently competing for La Roche University, which is my collegiate alma mater. The joke around the family is that Chase is attending La Roche because of me.
I also got to know Sank’s oldest son, Tommy, through the careers of his boys, Travis and Tyler, and one of my last memories with Big Tom was a lunch at Eat ‘n’ Park in Erie when Chase was playing for Connellsville in the American Legion Baseball state tournament.
Chase and Brian, who also served as Connellsville’s coach for the state championship, were headed to the field, and we had some time before the game, so we decided to have lunch.
Tyler and Tommy joined us, and Mr. Sank insisted on paying for me. I can’t remember the exact quote, but he said something to the effect of, “I’ll take care of ‘JG’, don’t you worry about it, Tommy!” As the norm with Mr. Sank, we all had a good laugh, and even though we were enjoying our time at lunch, Sank told us to hurry up because we had a ball game to go to.
The last time I saw Sank in person was at my 40th birthday party, and for a gentleman who was struggling to move, it meant the world to me that he attended.
Sank also attended my wedding, and I even left out some family members to include him, which caused some strife, but I was told I was a surrogate member of the family.
There are so many stories of my experiences with Sank, but all were great.
All I can say, Coach, is, thanks for the memories, see you on the other side, and I love you.
“JG”
蘑菇视频 Sports Writer Jonathan Guth can be reached via email at jguth@heraldstandard.com