Jimmy Walsh knew that taking the job as the new baseball coach at St. Peter’s College was going to be a challenge. The Weehawken native and former head coach at Union Hill was inheriting a program that won all of four games last season.
However, before Walsh could pitch batting practice for the first time as the head coach, he had to handle even more adversity. Three of the best returning Peacock players – and all three Hudson County products – Jack Baker from St. Peter’s Prep, Danny Suarez of St. Mary’s and Chris Mayo of Kearny – told Walsh of their desires to transfer to other schools.
"I tried to convince them to stay, because they are all very good players," Walsh said. "But I wished them good luck and that was it. It wasn’t any trouble for me. I figured that the kids who wanted to be here were going to be here. I was more than ready to go with the kids who want to be here."
Added Walsh, "They all said that they saw too much negativity and didn’t think anyone could turn it around. I felt bad that they wanted to leave, but basically, it’s their loss. We could have had a nice time."
Walsh never once felt sorry for himself and never wavered about the challenge.
"It was all about toughness and character," Walsh said. "We had to have a certain atmosphere that they had to believe they could win. I knew that this team was going to be fine."
Walsh had a good sense about the Peacocks, because there was some talent remaining on the roster: other Hudson County products who came from winning backgrounds and programs.
"I could see from the first few days of practice that things would be much different," said Walsh, who was a standout pitcher at Weehawken High School, then the defunct Upsala College, before embarking on a coaching career. "I had a good feeling. I knew that they were going to get better."
Twelve games into Walsh’s first year at SPC, the Peacocks are 5-7. Not exactly world beaters, but already better than a year ago. The Peacocks are also 3-3 in the MAAC, which means they are more than just competitive.
"We’ve already beaten some quality teams," Walsh said. "Niagara, Duquesne, Radford from the Big South. We’ve received nothing but praise from the opposition who can’t believe that we’re the same team that only won four games. It’s a credit to the kids we have."
Junior shortstop Josh Pineiro of Hoboken has been a mainstay and one of the Peacocks’ leading hitters. Former Hudson Catholic standout Ryan Knapp, a native of Secaucus, is the Peacocks’ starting right fielder and is hitting .340. Former Memorial standouts Danny Cainas and Mark Ortiz have formed a solid battery, with Cainas pitching five solid innings against defending Atlantic 10 champion St. Bonaventure.
Former St. Peter’s Prep standout Nick Edwards is a contributor in the outfield. Former Hoboken infielder Mike Lombardo has earned the starting second base job for the Peacocks. Former Marist pitcher Gabe Paolucci earned the team’s first two wins on the mound. Former Bayonne High standouts Ken Kopacz and Jesse Lewandoski have added pop to the lineup.
It’s a Hudson County talent-fest at Harvard on the Boulevard.
"I’m happy with the way things have turned out," Walsh said. "We have a lot of work to do and we’re all working hard. It was my job to teach these kids how to win again. I think they were all tired of losing. We just have to believe."
The record shows that the Peacocks are believing, with much better success already than experienced a year ago. – Jim Hague