Sidman Promoted to Head Baseball Coach
BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Associate head baseball coach Jerry Sidman has been named the new head baseball coach at St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) announced by athletic director Frank P. Carbone.
Sidman becomes a head coach for the first time in his career and becomes the third head coach in Bears baseball history – a program that started in 2008 – filling the vacancy left by Scott Losche. The Staten Island, N.Y. native has worked alongside Losche their entire collegiate coaching career dating back to 2000, having coached previously at Baruch – winning the CUNYAC title in 2001 – and CCNY, joining St. Joseph's in Fall 2009.
"I am extremely pleased to offer Jerry his first head coaching position and I am confident that the transition will be a seamless one," remarked Carbone. "I know the decision to leave was a difficult one for Scott, one that needed to be made for personal reasons, and words can't express the gratitude to Scott and the entire staff for their work in developing the program over the past five years. He will be sorely missed, but will always be a part of the Bears family."
The remainder of the coaching staff will remain intact, with Jack Hans elevated to associate head coach, Mike Kondel elevated to pitching coach – having previous served in the same capacity as a volunteer – and recent Bears alumnus Chris Pacifico '14 joins Steve Somers '82 as volunteer assistant coaches.
"I want to thank Frank and the entire athletic department family for trusting and believing in me to continue to guide the baseball program in its winning success," commented Sidman on the appointment. "I am truly thrilled that my first head coaching position will continue at my second home. I look forward to moving the program into the next phase of our journey."
While as associate head coach, Sidman coordinated all baseball operations and acted as third base coach, hitting and running coach. The Bears produced their first winning season in 2012 and followed it up with their first 20-win season in 2013, receiving votes for four weeks in the D3Baseball.com Top 25 Poll.
This past spring, the Bears capped a 29-11 campaign – the most wins in Brooklyn Athletics history in any sport – with their second straight berth to the USCAA Small College World Series, upsetting 2013 runner up Penn State Greater Allegheny in the opening round for the first postseason win in Bears history.
In addition to coaching St. Joseph's, Sidman is the third base coach for the Staten Island Tide of the Atlantic College Baseball League.
Sidman spent his collegiate years at John Jay College playing for legendary head coach Lou Demartino from 1993-96. He was a key component on the only team in John Jay history to go to the NCAA tournament in 1996. The former centerfielder and leadoff man was a two-time CUNYAC All-Star, two-time Knickerbocker Baseball Conference All-Star, two-time First Team All-State, John Jay Player of the Year, ABCA All-Region and ECAC Scholar Athlete.
Sidman resides in Staten Island with his wife Christine and two children, Tyler and Kayla.
There will be a meeting on Saturday, September 6 at 9 a.m. for all new, prospective and returning players looking to play for the Bears during their upcoming 2015 campaign.