After nine years as the head coach of the Thomas Jefferson High School baseball program, Mike Church is calling it quits.

Church resigned as the Raider head coach following the 2010 season and coached his last game at the high school level on Wednesday. That’s when Church coached in the South Puget Sound League at the league’s annual Senior Game in Kent.

“I coached my last game the same day (Ken) Griffey announced his retirement,” Church said. “I’ll always be able to say that with a smile.”

During Church’s nine years at the helm of the Raider program, Jefferson advanced into the postseason six times. Church finished 81-67 in the SPSL during his nine years and was over .500 six times.

The Raiders’ best season under Church came in 2008 when TJ finished in third place in the SPSL North with a 10-4 record. Jefferson finished in third place in their division standings five times during Church’s tenure.

“I am proud that we made the playoffs six out of the last seven years,” Church said. “Also disappointed we never got to reach Safeco (Field for state).”

Church was able to coach his son, Erik, who was recently named a second-team, NAIA All-American as an outfielder at Jamestown College. Erik Church hit .483 with 12 home runs and 60 RBIs.

Church is the second Jefferson spring coach to resign in the last week. Chad Fahnlander resigned as the head of the TJ fastpitch program after leading the Raiders to the state tournament for the third time in the last four years.