SCARBOROUGH – Saying Scarborough is where he should be coaching, Mike Coutts has decided to leave as Deering’s baseball coach after two years to become the head coach of the Red Storm.

Coutts was recommended by a selection committee to the superintendent. His appointment is pending approval by the Scarborough school board.

Coutts lives in Scarborough with his wife, Lynn, and two children, Jackson and Maggie. He is the owner of Frozen Ropes, an indoor baseball and softball facility in Portland.

“Being involved in the community where I live makes sense,” said Coutts. “I really wasn’t involved in the Portland community. I never got over to the Deering Little League and did anything with them. It’s easier for me to be here in Scarborough.”

The Scarborough position became open when Jim Cronin resigned after the season. At that time, Coutts said he wasn’t interested in the job but after what he called “many long hours of soul searching,” he said it was the right decision for him and his family.

“I might not have another opportunity to coach high school baseball in Scarborough,” said Coutts. “I’ve been involved in baseball since I was 5 years old. Why would I stop coaching when I have a son who has taken on my passion for baseball? He loves to play.”

Coutts’ 12-year-old son is in the sixth grade. Last summer, Coutts coached the Scarborough 11-year-old Little League all-star team; his son was a member.

Coutts revealed his decision last week in an e-mail to his former players and the Deering baseball boosters.

Coutts wrote: “I am writing to let you know that I have resigned as head baseball coach at Deering to accept the same position at Scarborough. I know this is a contradiction from what I had told many of you back in June, but after many long hours of soul searching, it is the right decision for me and my family. The opportunity to be involved in my community and with the future baseball players of Scarborough, including my son, is really where I need to be. I want you to know that this was a very difficult decision because of the experience that I had at Deering for two years.”

In his first season at Deering, Coutts led the Rams to a 22-0 season and the Class A state title.

It was Deering’s 12th championship since 1972.

This spring, Deering was 13-5, losing to Westbrook in the Western Class A semifinals after winning the Telegram League title.

“Deering was the ideal situation,” he said. “Everyone was supportive.”

Coutts is leaving a team that could contend for another title next June.

Coutts was a standout baseball player at the University of Maine and later was an assistant coach with the program under John Winkin.

Coutts has managed in the Cape Cod League, the top college baseball league in the country.

He also was a head coach at Edward Little High in Auburn, where he played.

“I don’t know if I’ll be involved in the Scarborough Legion program (Libby-Mitchell) right away,” said Coutts.

“I could be coaching Little League again next summer. There are some good players.”

Staff Writer Tom Chard can be reached at 791-6419 or at:

tchard@pressherald.com