MILLBURN- Mike Sheppard, Jr. is thankful for each new day and every different ball game that unfolds as Seton Hall Prep’s 39th-year head coach.
On Monday it was a resounding 14-2 conference victory for the Pirates (7-2) at Millburn (3-4), I have for his 900th career win, a result which in a way was a nice departure after playing a series of nip-and-tuck contests against some of the top teams in the Northeast while going 1-2 during last weekend’s Mid-Atlantic Baseball Showcase at Delbarton.
And, while 900 wins is a very significant milestone – making him just the second New Jersey high school coach to reach that elite level – what’s most special to the veteran Pirates coach is that that he is still here continuing to shape lives of young men while working alongside a coaching staff he highly values.
After all, it could have all come to an abrupt end just two years ago when the truck he was driving at 40 miles per hour on his normal route home along Hobard Gap Road in Livingston was struck head on by a vehicle which had made an illegal U-turn.
“Without a doubt I feel very fortunate to be here today,” he said when reminded of what occurred on what turned out to be a treacherous journey home. “I was on the route I take every single day to work.
“Thank God I drive a truck because I was driving 40 miles per hour and never had a chance to put my foot on the brake when I was hit head on.
“I still have cognitive issues, I go to a chiropractor for my back and neck, and – yes – I am very thankful to be here still coaching a great group of young men at Seton Hall Prep.
“Baseball is really like a microcosm of life, with a lot of ups and downs, and hopefully I can just continue to try and teach my players something about baseball and also life lessons.”
And, after surviving a near death experience of sorts on New Jersey’s roadways there doesn’t look like anything can slow down the continuing coaching career of a man who could next year pass the state’s all-time victories leader Ken Frank - the retired coach at Toms River South - who has 934 wins.
“Retiring is not even on my mind,” said Shep, Jr. “As long as I have the energy and passion for the game and I feel that I’m giving something to the players I’ll continue to be here coaching this team!”
His Pirates, who are certainly once again the favorites in the upcoming Greater Newark Tournament, and should continue to be very much in the conversation as far as the NJSIAA Non-Public A state tournament in late May and early June, are certainly appreciative of who they play for each season.
Seniors Jordan Burwell (2-for-3 with 2 doubles, 3 runs and 3 RBI vs. Millburn) and JJ Drennan (2-for-4, also with 2 doubles along with 2 runs and 2 RBI) are 4-year starters for SHP and highly value being there for their coach’s 900th win along with all else which has transpired during their scholastic days as a SHP Pirate.
“It’s a blessing to be on this team and I’m so grateful to play for Coach Shep and to one day be able to say that he was my coach in high school,” said the West Virginia-bound Burwell, the team’s veteran first baseman and No. 3 hitter. “I’ll never forget when he took a chance on me and JJ to be on this team our freshman years to be a part of this great program.
