When did you realize you wanted to be a coach?

Probably, when I was real young and went to my Dad's baseball games. He coached Westbrook High School baseball for almost 19 years. I learned a great deal from him when I was at his games. I loved the game of baseball so much but was never the best player in the world so I knew if I wanted to stay involved with the game it would have to be through coaching.

Biggest Influence:

My biggest influence coaching softball has been Dick Bailey, the former coach at Saint Joe's. In 1994 he basically told me I was going to be his assistant coach after I was hired at Saint Joe's as an RD. I didn't know what to think because I had never coached softball before and also had never coached women. I learned so much from Dick in just the very first year here. He is the most loyal person I have ever met. I still talk to him on a weekly basis and go to him for advice all the time. He stands for so many things that are right. Accountability, hard work, dedication, integrity, he is a great family man and like a second father to me.

Memorable moment as a coach:

Winning the Northeast Regional Tournament in 1999. We beat Georgian Court College and that win meant we would play in the NAIA National Tournament. It was something that happens so infrequently and you realize how hard it is to qualify for a national tournament.

Funniest or most embarrassing moment:

It actually happened this year down in Florida. We were ahead in a game 3-2 going into the sixth inning. After the team we were playing flew out to end the inning I charged out on the field to congratulate our team. I thought it was the end of the game. (We went on to lose the game 4-3)
 
Favorites:

Movie: "It's a Wonderful Life"

Food: Jumbo shrimp cocktail

Pro Sports team: Red Sox

Pro Athlete and why: Pete Rose

He played the game with so much passion. You could tell he poured everything he had into each and every game he played in. What more can you ask for from an individual on a team? Please keep in mind I am only talking about what he did as a player.

Most famous person I've met: Jacoby Ellsbury

If you could meet one person...

My grandfather. I was only 2 or 3 when he died. I don't remember him, but from what I've heard he was a great man. Great family man, and someone you would love to be around. He was a great athlete also and I wish he was around when I was growing up because I have so much respect for grandparents and family in general.

Tell us something about yourself most people don't know:

I was an alter-boy when I was little.

Hobbies: Coin collecting

What do you look for in a player when recruiting?

Someone who has good character and a strong work ethic. A player that you think can develop and get better each year. Of course you need talent but I've seen many athletes who are talented but don't have the first two qualities and they usually don't amount to what they could be.

What do you do in the off-season?

I golf occasionally, but I try to spend as much time with my wife and children as I can because they sacrifice a great deal to allow me to coach golf and softball so I try to make it up to them in the off-season.

What does it mean for your team to be in the GNAC?

It means the chance at an NCAA bid. Being an independent for several years it was extremely difficult to participate in post-season play. Now that we are in a conference, you have a realistic chance each and every year to make the NCAA tournament.

What do you expect from your team this year?

I think you should set high goals each year. I want to win our conference tournament and go to the NCAA tournament. I think every coach wants that. I hope we play every game this year as if it was our last game, if you do that you can achieve things you sometimes don't think are possible.

"Chalk Talk" is a feature that will focus on our outstanding coaches on staff at St. Joe's.
The Royal Blue faithful will learn more about our coaches as they are asked various questions about their experiences as a coach as well as their life away from athletics.