He has coached high school baseball for almost 35 years, led Parkway West to numerous state appearances, including a championship in 1996, and has been inducted into the Missouri High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame and Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. He emphasizes discipline to his players, but also makes sure his team is having fun. Rather than retiring as a coach, Scott Weissman took the JV head coaching job and is entering his second year at Kirkwood.

When varsity head coach, Ken Shaw took over the KHS program, he did not feel there was enough motivation among the players.

“It wasn’t taken seriously like football or basketball,” Shaw said.

From coaching against him, Shaw knew Weissman had a way of doing things and could keep the players focused, often with his glare.

“They call it the Weissman look,” Shaw said. “He has a way of demanding respect and discipline.”

Since Weissman started coaching at KHS, Shaw has seen a major improvement, especially in the younger players.

“He’s had a huge impact,” Shaw said. “Once you get something set at a younger level, it just follows through.”

Zach Keeney, sophomore catcher, feels Weissman’s intensity helps kids play as hard as they can.

“He’s just got a way about him that he means business,” Keeney said. “He definitely brings the best out in the players.”

Keeney also believes Weissman’s experience and expertise helps the team excel. He does not think many other coaches know as much as he does about baseball.

“He can fix anything that’s wrong,” Keeney said. “If you have something messed up in your swing, or if something is wrong with how you’re pitching, he can look at you and he knows what it is.”

Weissman understands that he asks a lot from his players, but knows how to have a good time as well.

“I set high expectations and athletes have really responded to that over the years,” Weissman said. “But I like to have a lot of fun with it.”

Though he is grateful for praise, he remains humble, giving credit to his players.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of really neat kids,” Weissman said. “I think it comes down to the fact that I’ve had good players and been in good situations.”

While he is usually the one teaching, he constantly learns from his own players. He believes once a coach isn’t discovering new things about the sport, he shouldn’t be coaching.

He is also very honored by his awards, including his two Hall of Fame inductions. He was inducted to both by area coaches.

“It’s not something that you look for to happen in your career,” Weissman said. “But when it does, it makes you feel very good about yourself.”

Whether it is Weissman’s wealth of knowledge or his ability to have fun, Keeney refers to him as the best coach he has ever played for. He says he has never played for a coach who can keep everyone focused and interested.

“He makes me want to be my absolute best,” Keeney said. “He brings out extra effort in me that maybe I wouldn’t put out if I was playing for another coach.”