Science Hill High School

John Broyles

John Broyles

John Broyles coached baseball 26 years, compiling a 341-123 record while leading the Hilltoppers to three state titles (1947, 1962-63). His 1949 team won the Southeast Region, which included seven state champion teams and was a more prestigious honor.

Broyles played high school and college baseball at Milligan when it was a combination school. He coached two years in McRoberts, Ky., where he also played semi-pro baseball, before coming to Science Hill.

He coached future Major Leaguers Joe McClain and Ferrell Bowman. His two state titles in the early '60s came when Steve Spurrier was an upperclassman. Talent wasn't a scarcity most of his years. But he knew the game, though he's never accused of cluttering up the game with signs and such.

"Coach Broyles was the type of coach who put the best nine on the field and said, 'Let's play,'" Bowman said. "He put a bunt sign on sometimes, but for the most part we were just out there swingin' and stealin'."

John Mackley caught for the Hilltoppers' dominant teams of 1947-49 before playing professionally through 1960.

"Mr. Broyles was in charge," Mackley said, "but he'd let you go out and play. We were relaxed playing for him."

He wasn't consumed by baseball. He had a farm which K-Mart eventually purchased (where Target is now), and numerous players have fond memories of working on it.

"He'd let me ride the tractor," Bowman said. "I guarantee you we weren't treated any better at home than Coach Broyles treated us."