This December marks Dennis McCaffery’s last month as the coach of the Cranford High School baseball team and principal of Lincoln School. The team has been incredibly successful, capturing state-wide victories throughout his 25 years of coaching.
In an interview for Dialogue News Source, Mr. McCaffery offered some further insight into his past, his time as a coach, and his plans for the future. Below are the questions asked in the interview and summaries of his answers.
- Have you always wanted to be an educator and coach baseball? What led you to this career?
Drafted to play baseball right out of college, Mr. McCaffery knew he wanted to teach and coach baseball after guest speaking at Lincoln School. He admired Mr. Sorrentino and wanted to continue the work being done at the school. He began as a teacher’s assistant and then went back to school for his master’s degree before returning to be the principal of Lincoln School.
2. Is there a person who was especially influential to your life or career? How did they shape the way you approach educating and coaching?
He said that Mr. Sorrentino inspired his decision to become a teacher. When he spoke at Lincoln School, Mr. McCaffery saw Mr. Sorrentino was a valuable role model and respected the way he ran the school.
3. Has the game of baseball changed since you first started coaching? If so, how have you changed your coaching style to adapt to those changes?
He has adhered to the same coaching style throughout his career because he believes Cranford Baseball has thrived with its trademark mindset: work hard, play hard, and give every pitch your best effort.
4. Do you have a favorite memory of your time as a coach?
His favorite memories are of his relationships with the players. To this day, he keeps in touch with graduates and even sees them on holidays. He also noted the strength of the Cranford Baseball alumni network.
5. What is the most important lesson you hope your students and athletes will take with them?
He hopes he has instilled in his students and athletes to work hard each and every day.
6. How do you think sports, and specifically baseball, shape the character of students in their formative years?
He believes that sports teach students humility and how to deal with adversity and failure. Being the same person whether they win or lose helps students thrive in the workplace, their families, and society as a whole.
7. Coaching your own son was a pretty unique experience. What was that like for you, both as a coach and as a father?
He absolutely loved coaching his son, who he described as hardworking, humble, and easy to coach. However, he strove to treat every athlete with care and respect, as if they were all family members.
8. Are there any traditions or rituals from coaching that you remember fondly?
His favorite tradition is simply winning quietly and losing respectfully. He said that Cranford Baseball is the hardest working team in New Jersey, and its success comes from hard work and playing in a kind and respectful way. He noted that every player is willing to do what is best for the team, not just for themselves.
9. As you transition into retirement, what legacy do you hope to leave behind at Cranford?
He said that Cranford Baseball and the network it has created is his legacy, and that it isn’t about just one coach. He hopes his students and athletes will remain hardworking, respectful, and humble.
10. Is there anything in particular that you’re looking forward to having more time for in retirement?
While he is trying to stay in the present moment, Mr. McCaffery is happy to be able to watch both of his children play college sports this spring. He’s sure he will stay busy in his retirement.
