Mike Sheppard

Michael Sheppard
(Shep)

• School Seton Hall University
• High School Seton Hall Prep

• Born April 12, 1936
• Died April 6, 2019

Biographical Information

Mike Sheppard was a longtime college coach.

Sheppard was offered a contract by the Chicago Cubs out of high school. He turned it down and starred in baseball, swimming and soccer at Seton Hall. He dislocated both shoulders in college, ending his professional hopes. He joined the Marines in 1958 after college.

Mike became an assistant at St. Benedict's Prep in Newark when he left the military and later was an assistant at Barringer High School and Our Lady of the Valley High School. In 1965, he became head coach of Vailsburg High School, taking them to a state title.

In 1973, Sheppard succeeded his former coach, Owen Carroll, as head coach at Seton Hall University. He held the position for 31 years, winning 998 games. He took his teams to the 1974 College World Series and 1975 College World Series. Mike helped develop Rick Cerone, Craig Biggio, Mo Vaughn, Matt Morris and John Valentin.

When he retired as coach, Sheppard was succeeded by one of his sons, Rob Sheppard.

Sheppard was known as a demanding coach, though he did soften in later years after positive feedback from former player Dana Brown.

Primary Source: The Hit Men and the Kid Who Batted Ninth by David Siroty

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