Barron Collier baseball coach Charlie Maurer fired for unauthorized use of landscaping company

Charlie Maurer has been fired as Barron Collier’s head baseball coach, he confirmed to the Naples Daily News Monday afternoon.

Maurer explained in a text Monday evening that he was terminated due to use of an unapproved landscaping company on the school’s baseball field. Maurer denied any wrongdoing.

“As I understand it my contract is not being renewed following an investigation by the Senior Director of HR into allegations that I facilitated the application of pesticides for turf weed on Barron Collier’s baseball field by an unapproved landscaping company in July of 2022,” Maurer wrote. “I dispute the allegations, deny any wrongdoing and am absolutely heartbroken that I will not be able to coach the team this season.

Barron Collier’s head coach Charlie Maurer reacts after defeating Naples 5-1 to win the FHSAA Class 5A-District 14 baseball championship, Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Barron Collier High School in Naples, Fla.

“Those who know me, know that I gave the kids and the game my all and always acted with their best interests in mind. I am exploring my options and respectfully decline to make any further statements at this time.”

Collier County Athletic Director Mark Rosenbalm and Barron Collier principal Sean Kinsley could not be reached for comment Monday.

Collier County Public Schools spokesperson Chad Oliver wrote in an email, “We are unable to comment at this time as it involves an ongoing personnel matter.”

Read more: Barron Collier stuns Osceola on walk-off wild pitch to punch ticket to state semifinal

Also: Introducing the Naples Daily News 2021 All-Area Baseball team

Since taking over in 2014, Maurer had a 153-89 record leading the Cougars, winning six district championships with three state Final Four appearances.

Barron Collier’s head coach Charlie Maurer talks with Barron Collier’s Carter White (22) before the FHSAA baseball Class 5A-Region 4 quarterfinal between Archbishop McCarthy and Barron Collier, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at Barron Collier High School in Naples, Fla.Barron Collier defeated Archbishop McCarthy 3-2.

Maurer’s last Final Four appearance came in 2021 when he led the program on a 14-game win streak after being sub-.500 midway through the season. The Cougars fell to eventual 5A state champion Archbishop McCarthy in the state semifinals that year.

Barron Collier senior Carter White, a UCF commit and 2022 Southwest Florida Baseball Player of the Year finalist, was stunned when he received the news.

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“My brother and I have collectively played for Coach Maurer at Barron Collier for over seven years,” White wrote in a text. “He has done more for me and my family than we could ever imagine. On and off the field he took us in as family and will do anything in his power for us to succeed. That goes for all of his players and anyone that knows him. What the school is doing to him is not right. He has done nothing wrong and there are no answers. In his time here he has sent over 50+ players to play at the next level. He has given us nothing but the absolute best for a high school baseball program.

Barron Collier High School’s head coach Charlie Maurer drops to his knees as his team celebrates their win against Osceola High School in a 5A regional final game in Naples, Wednesday, May 19, 2021.(Photo/Chris Tilley)

“The amount of time and effort he puts in for all of his players, staff and the entire program can not be repaid. Not sure why the school has something against him with no reasoning, he’s made this school a better place with his time here. Not just being a great coach, but an even better person. We’re all frustrated and confused, it’s unbelievable what they are doing to him. We are not playing without him.”

Maurer, a 2008 Barron Collier graduate, has sent dozens of his former players to the college ranks.

Nick Rivera, a Bishop Verot and FGCU graduate who was an assistant on Maurer’s staff this past season, expressed his disappointment.

Barron Collier’s head coach Charlie Maurer walks to the dugout during the top of the fifth inning of the FHSAA Class 5A-District 14 baseball championship between Naples High School and Barron Collier High School, Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Barron Collier High School in Naples, Fla.Barron Collier defeated Naples 5-1 to win the Class 5A-District 14 title.

“Just getting to know Squeeze (Maurer), from the past six, seven years now, the first thing I thought about were the kids, and how much he does for the kids, his players, and his parents” Rivera said. “It’s extremely unfortunate that that was (the administration’s) decision. I just feel awful for all of our guys and all of our players on the staff.

“It’s extremely disappointing because a lot of the outsiders don’t know how much time, effort, and commitment he puts into this. It’s just a shame because we know how much passion he has for this program and these kids.”

Follow Southwest Florida Sports Writer Alex Martin on Twitter: @NP_AlexMartin. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Barron Collier baseball coach Charlie Maurer fired after nine seasons