Walsh comes back to Hudson County and turns around Union Hill program
Back in the 1980s, Jimmy Walsh was one of the best pitchers to come out of Hudson County. Walsh was a crafty, precise pitcher for Weehawken High School who then went on to pitch for the now-defunct Upsala College, winning 13 games in 1989, earning the Collegiate Pitcher of the Year for New Jersey.
After college, Walsh spent a good portion of the time teaching and coaching with former high school basketball coach and athletic director Brian Long at River Dell High School in Bergen County.
However, after six years at River Dell, Walsh wanted to come home.
"I always knew that I was going to be a coach in Hudson County," Walsh said. "It’s where I’m from. It’s where I belong. I knew that I could relate to Hudson County kids better because I was one of them. And I knew that they could relate to me."
Last year, Walsh got his wish when he was hired as a teacher and the head baseball coach at Union Hill, just a few blocks from where he grew up in Weehawken.
"I definitely felt good about being a local guy and I definitely felt confident that I could get things going," Walsh said. "I think the kids at Union Hill wanted someone that they could look up to and respect. I was amazed how quickly they all responded to me. I think they were tired of losing and wanted the discipline that I brought."
The Hillers posted a 12-12 record last year in Walsh’s return home campaign. That was the first step toward respectability.
A year later, the Hillers are doing their share of gaining respect throughout Hudson County. They own a 10-4 record, including some major victories against Bayonne, Weehawken, Secaucus and Dumont. The Hillers’ 4-3 record in the HCIAA puts them right in the middle of the hunt for a playoff berth.
Walsh knew that he had a chance to be respectable again this season, with six players back from last year’s team.
"I was a little concerned about the pitching," Walsh said.
He’s not anymore, thanks to the emergence of a talented junior with an unorthodox pitching motion and a lengthy last name.
The pitcher’s name is Francisco Montes de Orca – yes, all of it.
"He’s practically come out of nowhere," Walsh said. "And he’s picked up the entire pitching staff. Last year, he couldn’t even pick up the ball, but this year, he’s pitching all of our big games. He worked real hard in the off-season and was very eager to learn. With the high leg kick he has, the kids are calling him, ‘El Duque,’ [like the Yankees’ pitcher]. Whatever he’s doing, it’s working."
Montes de Orca – name, leg kick and all – has won four games already for the Hillers. He is perhaps the biggest surprise in the Hudson County baseball season thus far.
Senior Darlin Pena has also pitched well for the Hillers, also winning four games. Mike Ricciardi has also chipped in with pitching duties for the Hillers. Having a head coach who is a pitcher has to help the improvement of the pitchers.
"I think it doesn’t help so much with the technique, but it definitely helps the psychological side," Walsh said. "When kids pitch, they sometimes get nervous. I can teach them how to react, how to stay calm and throw strikes. That’s the bottom line, being a bulldog, throwing strikes. I had a simple philosophy when I pitched. Throw strikes and work quick."
It seems to have rubbed off on the Hillers.
Around the infield, Pena plays first base when he’s not pitching. Senior Alex Almonte is the second baseman.
"He’s the team leader and has dedicated himself to the game," Walsh said of Almonte. "He’s definitely our most improved player."
Junior Walter Garcia is the team’s shortstop and has improved so much during the course of the season that he has been moved up to No. 2 in the batting order, from No. 7.
Senior third baseman Larry Rivera is the Hillers’ best hitter, hitting .445.
"I call him our hitting machine," Walsh said. "He’s just been tearing it up every game. He’s also our quietest kid. He’s a true leader without even saying a single word."
Senior Shawn Kelly has also earned his share of recognition behind the plate, displaying a cannon for a throwing arm.
"He’s been the school’s blessing," Walsh said of the senior, who transferred to Union Hill from Bayonne last year. "I don’t know where we would be if someone didn’t drop this kid in my lap. He is a lot quicker than he looks. He doesn’t look like an athlete, but you can’t let looks fool you, because he does it all."
Senior Cesar Alba is the leadoff hitter and centerfielder. Adrian Sanchez and Ricciardi share duties in left field, while junior Cesar Ferraras mans right field and the No. 5 position in the batting order.
"We’ve been hitting well, but the bottom line is pitching and defense," Walsh said. "I think these kids have never been with a winner before and they all want to be winners. So they’re hungry and willing to work."
Even though Walsh had high hopes for the season, he also has to admit that the Hillers have gone above expectations so far.
"Honestly, it’s a little bit of a surprise," Walsh said. "I didn’t think the bats could come around this fast and I never expected Francisco to step up as a pitcher the way he has. They’ve all proven to me that hard work pays off."
And now, the Hillers can actually start thinking about the state and county playoffs.
"I didn’t think about that in the beginning of the year," Walsh said. "But now, hey, why not? We’ve gotten off to a great start, but it doesn’t mean it will guarantee a great finish. But if we come to the park with a lot of passion and play with a lot of passion, we have a good shot to finish strong."
Added Walsh, "There’s an excitement around school. Everyone now wants to talk about the baseball team, see how the baseball team is doing. They’re getting involved and it’s filtering down to the kids."
All because a kid from a few blocks away decided to come home.