More than 300 memories along with 300 victories
Hoboken’s Matthews earns milestone, but shrugs it off
When Buddy Matthews was a youngster growing up in Hoboken, he always had impeccable leadership qualities.
"When we were playing in the schoolyard, I was always the one who picked the teams," Matthews said. "I always enjoyed that. I wasn’t the most talented athlete, but I was the one who took charge."
Matthews also had another distinction. He was the most popular kid in the neighborhood as well.
"My mother once said that she was so proud that I had so many friends, because all the kids in the neighborhood would ring the bell, looking for me," Matthews said. "I didn’t want to tell her that they were looking for me because I owned the bat and the ball to play."
The early leadership background – and equipment exclusivity – carried Matthews through Hoboken High to St. Peter’s College and a career in education and coaching. Seventeen years ago, he was appointed to the only job he ever aspired to have, that as being the head baseball coach at his alma mater.
"I always thought that my life geared me toward coaching," Matthews said. "Since things never came easy to me, I knew I would become a coach someday. And I was fortunate to become a coach where I was born and raised."
Last week, Matthews reached an important milestone in his coaching career. When the Red Wings defeated St. Aloysius last Saturday, it marked the 300th victory Matthews has enjoyed as the Hoboken head coach.
Think about it. Three hundred victories. It’s not an easy milestone to reach.
You need longevity, you need patience and perseverance, and you need some talented players. Matthews has enjoyed all of it – and only wanted to think about the kids.
"Absolutely, when you reach a milestone, the first thing you have to do is think back to all the great players," Matthews said. "Without those great players, I never would have been to accomplish as much as we have at Hoboken. I’m getting credit for 300 wins, but it’s because of the hundreds of players I’ve had over the years, not me."
Matthews said that he doesn’t recall the 100th win of his career, but vividly recalls No. 200, which came in South Carolina over St. Raymond’s of New York six years ago.
"Incredibly, it came on almost the same exact day as No. 300," Matthews said. "No. 200 came on April 12, 1996 and No. 300 was April 13 this year. I know that because I got a plaque for No. 200."
Matthews said that although the milestone was a nice accomplishment, he has not thought much about it.
"The only thing that means anything right now is our next game," Matthews said. "It’s great to have this accomplishment, but right now, I’m looking to beat our next opponent. That’s more important. Maybe someday I’ll appreciate this more, but the season is more important. Getting a playoff berth in the states, the county playoffs, that means more. It’s something I’ll think about more when I’m done. It’s nice to attain, but I can’t dwell on it."
Matthews remembers taking over the Hoboken baseball program in 1985, when the wins were hard to come by.
"At the very beginning, we struggled a lot," Matthews said. "I never thought that it would eventually lead to 300 wins. But all of a sudden, the great teams came along and the wins just started coming in astronomical numbers."
During the decade of the 1990s, the Hoboken baseball program dominated Hudson County. The Red Wings won four HCIAA championships and played in seven HCIAA championship games. They won three state sectional championships in Group IV and Group III (1990-92-94), averaging 20 wins per season.
During those great days, Matthews sent four players to professional baseball (Mike and Ralph Eusebio, Shaun Figueroa and Danny Ortiz), as well as more than 40 players to college baseball.
Some went on to become coaches themselves, which is the ultimate compliment for a coach – to have a former player aspire to do what you do.
"Without those great players over the years, none of this would have happened," Matthews said. "You can’t think of yourself at a time like this."
The dedicated coach has also been fortunate to have one dedicated assistant with him every step of the way, namely Bruce Radigan.
"You have no idea how appreciative I am of Bruce," Matthews said. "He’s been a part of all the wins, and I couldn’t have done it without him around."
Matthews said that Radigan is the "coach of the century" because he owns a 3-0 head coaching record, filling in for Matthews when he was unable to attend games.
Matthews also wanted to credit his loving wife, Janice, who has given him the support over the years.
"I’m fortunate to be at this point of my life, where I have a great family that supports me, and knowing that I’m able to help kids where I was born and raised," Matthews said. "As long as I’m having fun and making a difference, I’ll keep going. I’ve always had a great group of kids. If the kids are good and as long as it’s fun and enjoyable, then I’ll keep going."
That’s good news for all aspiring baseball players from the Mile Square City.