ORCHARD LAKE (WWJ) - A famed high school baseball coach in Metro Detroit is out of a job this week after school officials say he violated the school's employee conduct policy.
Matt Petry, who served as Orchard Lake St. Mary's head baseball coach and Director of Admissions, was fired immediately on Monday, Sept.25, when allegations that he engaged in inappropriate contact with students came to light.
Stephen Huber, the Public Information Officer with the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, confirmed with WWJ on Wednesday morning that they are investigating claims that Petry asked for inappropriate photos from students over the phone and through text.
St. Mary's Preparatory is a 4-year Roman Catholic co-divisional high school located in the Detroit suburb of Orchard Lake Village.
Administrators released the following statement about Petry's termination:
"The Orchard Lake Schools has terminated Mr. Matt Petry, who served as St. Mary's Prep Head Baseball Coach and Director of Admissions.
We learned on September 25, 2023, that a violation of our employee conduct policy had occurred. Our administration then terminated Mr. Petry's employment that same day.
OLS has written policies that require communication outside the classroom with students via phone or text are solely for school and education-related matters. Mr. Petry's termination was a result of not adhering to this policy.
Please know that this is a private employment matter. Therefore, we are unable to provide further details at this time.
-The St. Mary's Prep Administration."
Petry, who played baseball at the University of Michigan, is the son of former Detroit Tigers pitcher and 1984 World Series champion Dan Petry and the older brother of current Detroit Red Wings defenseman Jeff Petry.
The 38-year-old is widely considered the private school's most successful baseball coach. In his 13 year career, Petry led the Eaglets to four state championships (2015, 2019, 2021, 2022) and a 44-0 record in 2022, setting a state record for most wins in a season by a school.
