Nick Jolly, the original coach of the Guildford Mavericks, when the team formed for the 1992 season, has passed away, having recently been battling MS.
Nick was a
founder member of the club, having joined as part of the merger with the Wokingham Millers. Having been coaching with the Millers, Nick took up the reigns with the Mavericks for their debut season in BBF Division 2 South. Under Nick’s leadership the team were looking to relocate to Farnborough, before fate intervened and were put in touch with a new club in Guildford.
A formidable figure on the field, he was consistent at the plate, mostly playing 1B and 2B, and constantly surprised everyone with his baserunning abilities. He was also very vocal off the field, and lead the Mavericks to several successful seasons in those early years. The opposition certianly knew they had been in a game, when up against a team of Nick’s
After the first couple of seasons, he stepped down from the Head coaching role, as Nick H and Michael B took over, but continued to provide a huge presence to the team both on the field and in multiple roles off the field. He was a qualified Youth Worker and used those skills with young people to help develop the club, and more importantly the young people themselves. He was also very much involved in the world of scooters and those who played with him, remember him frequently turning up on one, often donning an Aldershot FC top, which was one of his other passions.
Current General Manager, Michael Burdett, remembers his playing days alongside Nick….
“I still vividly recall his two home runs at Tiptree, on parched outfield with no outfield fence, that I think the fielders were still to reach the ball, by the time he scored. But it was his baserunning and head first slides that most of us remember, as he was fearless, and for his size, was a considerable stealing threat. But most of all, it was Nick as a person that I remember. Always reliable and always someone good to have on your side. You certainly didn’t want to cross him, and was glad he was never on the opposition. You knew where you stood with Nick and he was always very generous with his time. He will certainly be missed by all”
The club passes it’s condolences onto Nick’s family and all those who knew him and who lives were positively impacted by his presence.
Rest easy Nick.
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