Name Salisbury High School's Baseball Diamond After Coach Frank Yelinko

I am the son of the late Salisbury High School Coach Frank Yelinko.  Though I live in Nebraska, I still keep current with events at Salisbury. Just this week I learned that Salisbury High School will be graced with the name   That is a well-deserved honor on all accounts.  Coach Paulik was a great coach and friend to many, including my father. Coach Paulik’s success was astounding, but what is to be said about other successful coaches in Salisbury High School history?

Is it possible to follow the “trend” and name Salisbury’s baseball diamond after my father? I know there are events held in his name, but it appears he is forgotten in his very own home. Shouldn’t Salisbury remember his legacy too?

My father was a teacher at Salisbury High School from 1965 to 1999. He also was the head baseball coach for 29 years. He compiled a record of 401-252. He had 10 Colonial League championships, 18 District XI appearances, four District XI championships, six PIAA appearances, three PIAA Final Four appearances and two PIAA third-place finishes.

He was also a longtime assistant basketball coach. In 1993 he became the head coach. In his seven years as head basketball coach he had a record of 118-71. This included two Colonial League championships, five District XI appearances, one District XI Class 2A championship and two PIAA tournament appearances.

He was also in the National Federation of Coaches Association and other community organizations. His success was astounding, from his coaching to his personal life. He touched the lives of many, not just at Salisbury but throughout the entire Lehigh Valley.

It would be in Salisbury’s best interest to preserve all historical icons in its athletic history, not just one. Perhaps you should also consider Mario Donnangelo as well. Honestly, if you are going to give Paulik the honor, you can’t ignore the other leaders in Salisbury’s great history.

Additionally, don’t favor commercialism over legends. Legends are something we value here in Nebraska. I would hope that you would do the same in Salisbury Township, Pennsylvania. Thank you.

Christopher J. Yelinko

Omaha, Nebraska

formerly of Emmaus