VALDOSTA — Tommy Thomas has finally decided when he’s going to retire. But before he goes, he figures he’ll give it one last shot in 2007.

Thomas, the winningest baseball coach in Division II history, has announced plans to end an impressive 40-year career at Valdosta State following the 2007 season.

“Someone once told me I’d know when it was time to go, and now it’s time to go,” Thomas said. “I’m very thankful for all that has happened to me over the last 40 years. I have been very blessed to have been the baseball coach at Valdosta State.

“Right now, I’m 65, this will be my 40th year, and I guess it’s about time to head out to pasture. I’m at the point in my life where I’d rather have some free time, instead of all the work that goes into coaching. I still love the games, and the atmosphere, but that’s the only part I love. I don’t love all the paperwork and the other stuff that goes along with the job.”

The 65-year old Thomas, a Valdosta native who has spent nearly his entire life in his hometown, has a record of 1281-786 in 39 seasons. During his time with the Blazers, he has won 13 conference titles, eight regional crowns, and his 1979 team won the university’s first national championship. He has been named Coach of the Year at the conference, region and national levels. Earlier this year, he was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the VSU Athletic Hall of Fame (making him the first active coach to be so honored).

“I have really enjoyed the last 40 years,” Thomas said. “I’ve really enjoyed it. I have no regrets.”

VSU athletic director Herb Reinhard said Thomas notified him of his plans, and “I have accepted his retirement notice.”

“Coach Thomas is certainly a legend in the college baseball world, and he has had a fabulous career,” Reinhard said. “We look forward to what we hope will be a very successful last season for Tommy and the Blazers.”

Thomas, whose 2006 club finished 22-27, only the fifth losing season in his career, is anxious to lead one last team into battle. He wants to end his career with a great final season.

“I still enjoy coaching, and I’m looking forward to putting a very competitive club on the field next spring,” Thomas said. “We’re out recruiting hard, trying to build a team that will make the tournament in Millington (Tenn., site of the Gulf South Conference tournament), and go to the regional tournament.”

As he talked about his impending retirement, Thomas expressed gratitude to VSU for its support over the years.

“I owe my professional life to Valdosta State. I have so much to be thankful for and so many to thank. The three presidents I served under (Walter Martin, Hugh Bailey and Ron Zaccari) could not have been more supportive. My athletic directors and colleagues have been a pleasure to work with throughout these many years. I am extremely grateful for all the blessings that have come my way.”

It’s still 12 months away, but Thomas already knows what he plans to do in his retirement.

“I’ve always wanted to travel, and see other parts of this country,” Thomas said. “Because I’ve been coaching, I haven’t been able to do a lot of traveling, except for baseball. I’m going to travel to some of the places I’ve always wanted to see.

“After I retire, I’m still going to be supportive of the program. I want to see this program continue to do well, and I know they’re going to hand the program over to someone who will do well with it.”

Reinhard did not set a time table to begin the search for Thomas’ replacement.

“The VSU head baseball job has to be considered at the top of the list of Division II baseball positions in the country, and I expect there will be a great deal of interest,” Reinhard said. “We will begin a national search at the proper time.”