Andy Katzman has spent a good portion of his career as a baseball coach at John Burroughs School on the team’s home ballfield. On Saturday, May 17, he stepped out on the field again, but this time it felt different. The spacious field is now known as Andy Katzman Park, which includes a new scoreboard and artificial turf. Overlooking the field is a new viewing space, Molly’s Porch, named for Molly Katzman, a Burroughs super-fan, and daughter of Andy and Rachel Katzman.
Katzman was honored at a dedication ceremony for the field after completion of the $1.23 million project. School dignitaries and supporters paid honor to the Jewish St. Louisan for his years of service. During his 38 years coaching at the school, Katzman has helped guide teams to 10 district titles and three state championships.
Andy Abbott, head of school, said Katzman has been a key part of the Burroughs sports program.
“In the last 40 years, Andy Katzman has had a relationship with every student who has played baseball at John Burroughs School, and he is a large part of the reason that so many people have such deep and wonderful feelings about this place,” Abbott said. “He has coached thousands of games. He has coached hundreds and hundreds of players.”
As a baseball coach, Katzman is known for his upbeat nature and sharing it with student athletes.
“I always made it a point to keep the game fun, and to make sure that when our senior athletes finished their final semester, they walked away smiling with memories of just how much joy playing baseball at John Burroughs brought to them,” Katzman said. “Thank you all for being here. To have this ballpark carry my name is an incredible honor. I am deeply grateful, and I will carry this moment with me forever and I thank you all very much.”
