AMESBURY - Amesbury baseball coach Jerry Mondalto served the second leg of a school-imposed, three-game suspension yesterday, watching his team's 3-2 loss to Ipswich from beyond the right field fence at Amesbury High.
Mondalto, who has coached at Amesbury for 23 years, was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team prior to his team's victory over Marblehead on Saturday. Amesbury principal Leslie Murray and athletic director Elizabeth McAndrews refused comment yesterday.
"It's Amesbury policy not to go public with a personnel issue," Murray said.
Mondalto spent the first two innings of yesterday's game in the Amesbury High parking lot before moving to the outside perimeter of the right field fence for the final five. McAndrews, who was hired at Amesbury last summer, joined him for a half inning in the fifth.
When Mondalto was approached for comment, he said, "I really don't have anything to say."
Mondalto coached Amesbury to a state championship in 2000 and has a 268-192 career record. He trails only North Reading's Frank Carey and Newburyport's Bill Pettingell in victories among active Cape Ann League coaches. Two of Mondalto's career wins came against Rockport and Manchester Essex this spring. The Hornets and Vikings play Amesbury once during the regular season.
Mondalto's assistant for the past nine years, Dave Motsis, replaced Mondalto yesterday and expects to complete his interim stint tomorrow when Amesbury hosts Pentucket (3:45 p.m.).
"I think the team is dealing with it fine," Motsis said. "We had a good game Saturday. We're very disappointed about losing (yesterday), but mentally we're fine."
Yesterday's loss dropped Amesbury to 8-8. The Indians must win two of their last four games to qualify for the Eastern Mass. Tournament.
It isn't the first time a Mondalto-led Amesbury squad has experienced its share of turmoil at midseason. Five Indians quit after Game 12 last season in what was perceived to be a philosophical dispute with Mondalto. The walk-out was led by four seniors including two captains.
The lone non-senior Ryan Kilmartin returned to the team this spring. His mother, Beth Kilmartin, said yesterday she was aware of the actions that led to Mondalto's suspension.
"I know what the circumstances were, and I knew the school would handle it appropriately," Kilmartin said. "I was proud of Ryan for going back this season. He wanted to have a good season at Amesbury because he's not playing sports in college."
Mondalto, who has coached at Amesbury for 23 years, was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team prior to his team's victory over Marblehead on Saturday. Amesbury principal Leslie Murray and athletic director Elizabeth McAndrews refused comment yesterday.
"It's Amesbury policy not to go public with a personnel issue," Murray said.
Mondalto spent the first two innings of yesterday's game in the Amesbury High parking lot before moving to the outside perimeter of the right field fence for the final five. McAndrews, who was hired at Amesbury last summer, joined him for a half inning in the fifth.
When Mondalto was approached for comment, he said, "I really don't have anything to say."
Mondalto coached Amesbury to a state championship in 2000 and has a 268-192 career record. He trails only North Reading's Frank Carey and Newburyport's Bill Pettingell in victories among active Cape Ann League coaches. Two of Mondalto's career wins came against Rockport and Manchester Essex this spring. The Hornets and Vikings play Amesbury once during the regular season.
Mondalto's assistant for the past nine years, Dave Motsis, replaced Mondalto yesterday and expects to complete his interim stint tomorrow when Amesbury hosts Pentucket (3:45 p.m.).
"I think the team is dealing with it fine," Motsis said. "We had a good game Saturday. We're very disappointed about losing (yesterday), but mentally we're fine."
Yesterday's loss dropped Amesbury to 8-8. The Indians must win two of their last four games to qualify for the Eastern Mass. Tournament.
It isn't the first time a Mondalto-led Amesbury squad has experienced its share of turmoil at midseason. Five Indians quit after Game 12 last season in what was perceived to be a philosophical dispute with Mondalto. The walk-out was led by four seniors including two captains.
The lone non-senior Ryan Kilmartin returned to the team this spring. His mother, Beth Kilmartin, said yesterday she was aware of the actions that led to Mondalto's suspension.
"I know what the circumstances were, and I knew the school would handle it appropriately," Kilmartin said. "I was proud of Ryan for going back this season. He wanted to have a good season at Amesbury because he's not playing sports in college."
She does not believe, however, Mondalto's treatment of players is any more demanding than others she's seen.
"He's a high school coach," Kilmartin said. "My son played football, so he's used to it. At first it's hard to take, but that's how high school coaches need to be."
Mondalto is employed by the Amesbury School District, serving as the manager of building facilities. Both of his sons - Jeran (Class of 2003) and Roman (currently a senior) - played under him for four years.
"As far as I'm concerned, Jerry is one of the best coaches I've ever been associated with," Motsis said.
