Simi Valley baseball coach John Arisohn steps down two weeks before season opener

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The high school baseball season begins on Feb. 11, but Simi Valley High will suddenly need to look for a new head coach after John Arisohn decided to step down from the position Monday afternoon.

“I’m stepping away for my family, to be more present as my son starts his baseball career,” Arisohn said. “I felt like I couldn’t be two places at once and that my family was second when they should be first.”

Arisohn was the head coach of the Pioneers for eight seasons, amassing a record of 114-80 in that time, including a Coastal Canyon League title in 2016. Under Arisohn’s tutelage, great players like Justin Campbell, Andrew Devine, Shea Barry, Sebastian Sarabia and 2018 Daily News Player of the Year Owen Sharts have come through the program.

An assistant is likely to take over the program this season, especially with the team’s first game against Santa Barbara’s Dos Pueblos just 11 days away. The timing made the decision more difficult for Arisohn, who thought he could do one more season.

“The decision was hard,” said Arisohn, who has two children, 4 and 5 years old. “My wife and I met through Simi baseball, it’s been part of our lives. … The decision wasn’t easy, but ultimately my family needs to come first, and I don’t want to miss my kids’ events anymore.”

Arisohn will remain on campus as a history teacher and says he will continue to be a supporter of Simi Valley baseball.

“Coach Arisohn made the decision (Monday) to step away from the program for his physical and mental health,” said Simi Valley athletic director Joelle Cardona. “We wish him and his family the best. The news was unexpected. Since his decision, our department has moved forward with finding a responsible replacement. Simi Valley baseball is a historic program; we are hopeful to find a coach who will continue our rich tradition of great athletes and community members.”

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