Longtime Hampshire Regional Baseball Coach to Retire

Mark Baldwin to step down after 2026 season after over 25 years leading the Raiders

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:06pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a high school baseball game, with the players and field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of navy, green, and orange, conveying the dynamic nature of the sport as a longtime coach prepares to step down.A conceptual illustration capturing the geometric energy and competitive spirit of high school baseball as legendary coach Mark Baldwin prepares to retire after over 25 years leading the Hampshire Regional program.Northampton Today

Mark Baldwin, the longtime varsity baseball coach at Hampshire Regional High School, announced on Wednesday that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2026 season. Baldwin, a 2019 inductee into the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, has amassed over 243 wins in his coaching career and led the Raiders to 19 postseason tournament appearances, two Western Mass. semifinals, eight quarterfinals, and two league championships.

Why it matters

Baldwin's retirement marks the end of an era for Hampshire Regional baseball, as he has been a fixture with the program for over 25 years. His departure will leave a significant void, as he has been instrumental in developing the team and mentoring young athletes over the decades.

The details

In his announcement, the 64-year-old Baldwin cited his declining physical and mental stamina as the primary reasons for his retirement, noting 'My mind is willing, but my spirit and body say otherwise.' He plans to coach through the 2026 season to help ensure a smooth transition for the next head coach.

  • Baldwin announced his retirement on April 15, 2026.
  • He will coach his final season in the 2026 season.

The players

Mark Baldwin

The longtime varsity baseball coach at Hampshire Regional High School, who is retiring after the 2026 season. He has been involved with Raiders athletics for over 50 years, starting as a three-sport athlete in 1976 and later coaching baseball, basketball, soccer, and golf.

Earl Tonet

A former coach who served as a valuable mentor to Baldwin during his time as an athlete at Hampshire Regional.

Mike Dorunda

A former coach who served as a valuable mentor to Baldwin during his time as an athlete at Hampshire Regional.

David Grills

A former coach who served as a valuable mentor to Baldwin during his time as an athlete at Hampshire Regional.

Scott Savino

An assistant coach who has worked with Baldwin at Northampton.

Casey Savino

An assistant coach who has worked with Baldwin at Northampton.

Brian Meunier

An assistant coach who has worked with Baldwin at Hampshire Regional.

TJ Kilbride

An assistant coach who has worked with Baldwin at Hampshire Regional.

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What they’re saying

“My mind is willing, but my spirit and body say otherwise. At the end of the 2026 season, I will retire from coaching varsity baseball at Hampshire Regional High School, my alma mater, Class of 1982.”

— Mark Baldwin, Head Baseball Coach, Hampshire Regional High School

“It has been one of my greatest joys to coach baseball and help teach young men the game. We still have much to accomplish this season and I am confident in the 2026 team's abilities to have success in our new, incredibly competitive Suburban West League, in the Western Massachusetts tournament, and in the state tournament.”

— Mark Baldwin, Head Baseball Coach, Hampshire Regional High School

What’s next

The Hampshire Regional baseball team will look to have a successful 2026 season under Baldwin's leadership before he retires at the end of the year.

The takeaway

Mark Baldwin's retirement after over 25 years as the head baseball coach at Hampshire Regional High School marks the end of an era for the program. His dedication, mentorship, and winning record have left a lasting impact on the school and community.