Rick Garrett, the 2022 Skyline Coach of the Year, has been at the helm for St. Joseph’s since 2014. He has decided to go out on top and spend more time with his family and friends. He has won 3 Skyline Conference championships – including the 2022 season – and brought the program to new heights with NCAA Regional wins and players consistently being named All-Conference and All-Region. Previously, he was the head coach of St. Dominic HS for 17 years where he led the Bayhawks to the 2009 CHSAA Championship and had 7 players drafted.
“It’s been absolutely amazing to be the head coach at St. Joseph’s College. I’ve come across players, staff members, assistant coaches and parents that have just given me such great opportunities to grow as a coach and person. I have much to be thankful for especially the players – we have become lifelong friends and I have gotten to watch them grow into their jobs, get married and have kids of their own. It has definitely been memorable years for the program. With three Skyline Conference Championships, three regional appearances, numerous All-Region and All-Conference players, top academic team honors, Golden Eagle community service awards, never mind all the successful fundraising we did together through players, parents and coaches. Packed alumni games, the trips to Florida and Dominican Republic. Special thank you to all my coaches and especially Shantey Hill for giving me the opportunity to live out a dream and doing it right. Although this chapter is closing, I have such great memories and now opportunities to spend time with my family and friends and watch my son play high school baseball and daughter play volleyball. Never say never, coaching again is always a possibility.”
Garrett had a positive impact on past and current players. Brendan Sullivan was a member of the 2016 Skyline Conference Championship team that put the program on the map. He is currently a Principal at Portledge Schools. He had the following to say:
“Garrett is St. Joseph’s baseball. The culture and legacy he created throughout his time leading the program is immeasurable. So many people see the championship banners, but to the families and players, he created a brotherhood far beyond baseball. He’s allowed every player – past and present – to be proud of wearing the St. Joe’s uniform. He’s impacted so many lives and helped provide young men with memories that will last a lifetime.”
Nick Girardi was also a member of that 2016 club and was named Skyline Conference Player of the Year in 2015 when he batted .383 with a .455 OBP. He is another player that was positively impacted by Garrett. He had the following to say:
“There are few times in a team sport where you can point to one person and say they are the sole reason for success. In the case of SJC baseball, that person is Coach Garrett. He turned a struggling baseball program into a northeast powerhouse. In his seasons at SJC, Coach produced three championships, players with multiple conference, regional and national accolades and most importantly turned boys into men.”
Kevin Czeczotka is coming off an incredible 2022 season in which he fired four complete games, struck out 51 batters over 53.1 IP and compiled an ERA of 3.38. He spoke highly of the impact Garrett had:
“Coach Garrett has played a major role in the success of St. Joseph’s baseball over the past decade. He has been a great influence on-and-off the field. I cannot put into words how valuable he has been to this program and in my life. His passion for this game, as well as dedication to his players, can never be doubted. Through the good times and the bad, he always had our backs. He is one of the most caring people I know. His resume says he led the team to three championships, but to Coach Garrett it was about more than just baseball. It has been an honor to play these past four years. I wish him the best in the next chapter of his life.”
Paul Parsolano coached alongside Garrett for several years at St. Dominic and was also his pitching coach for the first two Skyline Conference championships in 2016 and 2018. He is currently the head coach at St. Anthony’s HS.
“Rick has a real gift for bringing guys together to achieve a goal. He has no ego with his coaching staff and has always given them carte blanche to use their skillset for the good of the team. I learned a lot from Rick how to motivate a team and bring out the best in them,” he added.
The program is in great shape right now with a strong core and a ton of momentum, and the next coach will inherit a program ready to continue their success right into next season.
