Photo by: Mike McLaughlin
Longtime Assistant Baseball Coach Jim Walsh Leaving Program After 17 Seasons
2/6/2023 12:30:00 PM | Baseball
Walsh was the longest-tenured assistant on Brett Boretti's staff and departs after six Ivy League Championships
NEW YORK- Longtime Columbia baseball assistant coach Jim Walsh is leaving the program after 17 years to become the varsity head coach at Union City High School, where he has taught since 1996.
At Columbia, Walsh served as bench coach then became first base coach. His duties included working with the outfielders and assisting with hitting instruction.
"Jim is by far the unsung hero of the championship baseball program at Columbia," said head baseball coach Brett Boretti. "I just want to thank Jim for all the time he gave to the program and let him know we all love him and loved every minute we shared with him. Jim Walsh is a one-of-a-kind person and coach and we are very grateful to have had him as part of our program the last 17 years."
Walsh leaves Columbia after being the longest-tenured assistant coach on Boretti's staff. He was a part of a program that won six Ivy League Championships, including a three-peat from 2013-15. Walsh oversaw 21 outfield All-Ivy League selections as a member of the Columbia coaching staff.
Prior to his arrival in Morningside Heights, Walsh was the head coach at St. Peter's College for four seasons. He found out there was a job opening at Columbia in 2005 when he met Boretti that summer. Shortly after, he had the job and started that fall.
"It was a great experience, it was a phenomenal experience to be around those types of coaches, more importantly those types of students," Walsh said. "I grew up across the river (in New Jersey) and I always knew it was such a prestigious university. That I had the opportunity to work there, I was very proud of it. It was a proud moment for me and I simply just got the bug and one year led to another. I knew I found a home, it was for me."
Walsh touched on his relationship with the players over the years, and how it was important to maintain them as time went on.
"Some of the keys were being a teacher, being around students and all different types of levels of education and kids," he said. "Growing up in an urban environment and being surrounded by so many different people. You get to understand people, you have a good understanding of them. I just connect. When they graduate, they're still our family. That's why you see all the guys come back on alumni day. They're texting us and even to this day that culture and family aspect has stuck together."
Walsh was more than just a coach. Among many roles on and off the field, he served as a teacher, mentor, and friend.
"I always thought I had the best of both worlds," Walsh said. "I was a high school special education teacher in an urban community during the day, and then after school I was a teacher at an Ivy League university. And that's what we do, we teach baseball. I could relate to any type of kid."
Walsh emphasized what working with Boretti and his staff has been like over the last 17 years.
"Coach Boretti has meant everything to me," Walsh said. "I was privileged to work with him. I always looked up to him and I always said 'this is the kind of coach I want to be.' He's disciplined and structured. Everything is organized. Everytime I stepped on the field there I always felt safe. And by that I mean we always had a plan. Any situation that came up we were ready for it. Coach Boretti was always the hardest worker on the field."
While Walsh won't be in the Lions dugout anymore, he will still keep close tabs on the team going forward. He knows the program he made a great impact on will be fine and maintain the core values that were built.
"The consistency we have over all these years comes from developing a culture of family, character and hard work," Walsh explained. "The leadership of coach Boretti. We're in this year round. I can only see the future of this program skyrocketing until one day winning a regional and going to a super regional and who knows what can happen from there."
Several current and former members of the Columbia Baseball program shared their thoughts and reflected on their time with Jim Walsh and what it meant to them.
Brett Boretti (Columbia Baseball Head Coach, 2005-present)
"Jim was my first hire when I got the job at Columbia. Pitching coach Bryan Haley was already here and had agreed to stay on and we needed to find another assistant coach. Former longtime Columbia coach Paul Fernandes told me his friend Jeff Albies (former longtime William Paterson head coach) had someone he recommended I interview for the job. It was by far the best recommendation I have ever and most likely will ever receive. Jim Walsh is "infectious energy" that comes to the field EVERYDAY with the drive and determination to help the players and the team get better. I can honestly say that I looked forward to seeing Jim at practice every day much like our players did, because his attitude was going to make it a better day for all of us. He helped make baseball more fun for everyone that was around him. He's a great teacher of the game and taught me more than he will ever know. He helped motivate all our players to play at their highest level and believe in themselves. He is by far the unsung hero of the championship baseball program at Columbia. I just want to thank Jim for all the time he gave to the program and let him know we all love him and loved every minute we shared with him. Jim Walsh is a one-of-a-kind person and coach and we are very grateful to have had him as part of our program the last 17 years."
Julian Bury '20CC
"I think that coach Walsh was the life of the team each and every year. A lot of college teams preach about values like family but few actually have that atmosphere, and coach Walsh was one of the main reasons that our teams and moreover our program felt like a true family. He was as much a part of our success as anyone else was, regardless of his title or role. Personally, he was always there for me and motivating me to be better as well as encouraging me to believe in myself, which was great because as someone who could never shut his mouth and consequently would be reprimanded often, coach Walsh was always there to pat me on the back and work with me in a unique way that seemed small but ultimately got me to be the person I am now in the position that I am today."
Erik Supplee (Columbia Pitching Coach, 2015-2023)
"At the 2022 regional at Virginia Tech, coach Tischler was not able to be there for game one. Coach Boretti took over as the third base coach, but did not have a coach's helmet to wear and coach Tischler's was at the hotel. One of our support staff drove over to the hotel at the beginning of the game to get it. Coach Walsh gave up his helmet to coach Boretti to wear at third base and wore a full on batting helmet to coach first base, while on ESPN. It is a small example, but that's what it was all about with coach Walsh. Nothing was ever too big or too small and it was never about him. Whatever the players needed or whatever the other coaches needed he was there, did it without question, and with the energy of a nuclear power plant. There has never been a better program guy, who cared more about the people at Columbia Baseball than Jim Walsh."
Josh Simpson '19CC
"Being able to see coach Walsh each day at practice was one of my favorite parts of my time spent with Columbia Baseball. His energy and passion would never fail to put a smile on your face every single day. He was a vital part of our team on the field and more importantly off the field, he is one of the greatest people I have been around in my career. I am forever grateful for the time I got to spend with him."
Dan Tischler (Columbia Baseball Associate Head Coach, 2013-present)
"Jimmy's dedication to and love for our players was so evident every single day that I got to work with him for 10 seasons. He'd come charging down the ramp after his teaching day was done and bring boundless energy for practice. I don't think I ever saw Jimmy have a bad day in a decade working with him. Coach Walsh absolutely loved being around the guys and making sure that they were having as good a time at practice as he was. His ability to connect with guys and draw the best out of them are just a few reasons he was such a great coach and role model for our program. While we are going to miss Jimmy around our program everyday, the impact he had on our players, and on all the other coaches who got to work with him. He will be a part of Lions Baseball for a long time."
Randell Kanemaru '18CC
"As a player, I would say there's three days out of the spring semester that we were always the most excited for. The first game of the season, the first game of postseason, and the first day of practice with coach Walsh. There weren't many people like him that would show up every day with a genuine happiness to be there; so infectious that it would spread amongst our team and coaches. Even if we were down by 10 runs and we could feel coach Boretti about to explode on us, Walsh would always give us that tasteful positivity to keep us going in the right direction."
Dario Pizzano '13CC
"Coach Walsh was instrumental in making me a better outfielder when I got to Columbia. He honed in on all the little details that matter so much when being an efficient and successful outfielder. He was there every day to work with any and every player whenever they needed it. We still remain very close to this day. I know he'll bring his wealth of baseball knowledge and be a successful high school head coach. Those players will learn a lot from him and will love playing for him."
Jay Quinn (Former Columbia Baseball Assistant Coach)
"Championships can't happen without team chemistry, and without a doubt coach Walsh. With his contagious high energy, work ethic, competitive fire, and everyday comic relief, he always made us feel like the Lions had that special something we needed to succeed; on the practice field, road trips, and in high pressure game day moments. We know you'll dominate and enjoy whatever comes next."
Andrew Ward '07CC
"Coach Walsh was one of a kind. He was a coach, sounding board, and friend all in one who led by example and demonstrated the values of hard work, commitment, and discipline- all of which were delivered with an incredible sense of humor. No one, and I mean no one, had better stories. When you were playing well, he was your biggest fan. And if you were slumping, he was your biggest believer. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I feel incredibly fortunate for having had Coach Walsh in my life. Thanks for everything, Coach. Until next time: "'Woo Woo!'"
Will Savage '17CC
"To me, coach Walsh represents what Columbia baseball is all about — he brought great energy every single day, in the snow and the blue gym and everywhere in between. He gave his all for the team whether it was a fall practice or a Regional Final. He showed us how to work hard (especially on abs!), embrace adversity, and have a great time while doing it."
Jordan Serena '15CC
"Coach Walsh was an absolute joy to know and be around during my four years at Columbia. He could always be counted on to bring the energy with an assortment of quips, stories from his countless years in baseball, or random 1960s Super Bowl trivia. Coach Walsh taught me everything I know about being an outfielder and the program has quite the hole to fill with his departure. Thanks coach Walsh!"
Nick Cox '11CC
"Where to begin! Day in and day out coach Walsh brought a level of energy, on and off the field, that was unmatched. His dedication to the program and his players shined through his actions each and every day. I was lucky enough to play under his instruction as a center fielder and I couldn't have felt more prepared and excited knowing we had coach Walsh in the dugout watching our every move."
Ben Porter '18CC
"Coach Walsh made every aspect of Columbia baseball fun for the people around him. From basic outfield drills to standing on first base to standing in the dugout, coach Walsh always brought positive energy and made us enjoy our time on the field."
Rob Paller '16CC
"Unwavering great attitude. Made the rigors of the daily grind a pleasure just by having him around. His consistent positive energy and old school competitiveness are second to none. Had a knack for making complex coaching points very simple and understandable. Full of legendary quotes and stories. Someone I always admired and looked up to as a role model for how he carried himself and instilled confidence in the players around him. Not to mention a great outfield coach and overall baseball guy. Great eye for talent as well! CU Lions Legend!! Never heard the man complain once in five years. Elite fungo hitter!"
Pete Maki (Minnesota Twins Pitching Coach and former Columbia Baseball Pitching Coach, 2008-2015)
"Jimmy has always been the indispensable glue that binds the personnel in the Columbia Baseball program together. He has a quality about him that made our whole greater than the sum of the parts… he brought coaches closer together, brought players closer to players, and coaches closer to the players. There's always times during games or practices, or elsewhere in our many hours together, where some levity is needed, some perspective and grounding is needed, and Jimmy always provided that for our club, and at just the right times."
Bryan Haley (Former Columbia Baseball Assistant Coach and current head coach at Endicott College)
"Jimmy was one of a kind!! What I remember most about him was that he always showed up and that he loved to smile. He has a huge heart for teaching and coaching and has undoubtedly had a positive impact on the young men he shared time with during his 17 years at Columbia."
Hayden Schott '23CC
"In my one year being coached under coach Walsh, one thing became abundantly clear. Coach Walsh is quite simply the most positive person I have ever met in my life. His contagious energy made me a better man on and off the field and for that I am forever grateful to him. Thank you coach!"
Josh Solomon '22SEAS
Although Coach Walsh is gone from the program, I think he left a very significant mark. His energy was unmatched and he made everyone feel like they belonged. He genuinely cares about everyone he runs into and the love he spread throughout the team was the fuel that brought everyone closer and closer. One of the best quotes he ever told us outfielders was 'all you have to do as an outfielder is hit your cutoff and hit .300.' I was telling my teammates here that and it's still a hit. Sometimes it felt as though he was playing with us on the field as a tenth man, and he was always a source of light."
FOLLOW THE LIONS
For the latest on Columbia baseball, follow @CULionsBaseball on Twitter and Instagram, and the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
At Columbia, Walsh served as bench coach then became first base coach. His duties included working with the outfielders and assisting with hitting instruction.
"Jim is by far the unsung hero of the championship baseball program at Columbia," said head baseball coach Brett Boretti. "I just want to thank Jim for all the time he gave to the program and let him know we all love him and loved every minute we shared with him. Jim Walsh is a one-of-a-kind person and coach and we are very grateful to have had him as part of our program the last 17 years."
Walsh leaves Columbia after being the longest-tenured assistant coach on Boretti's staff. He was a part of a program that won six Ivy League Championships, including a three-peat from 2013-15. Walsh oversaw 21 outfield All-Ivy League selections as a member of the Columbia coaching staff.
Congratulations to longtime assistant coach Jim Walsh on being named head coach at Union City High School after 17 years in our program!
— Columbia Baseball (@CULionsBaseball) February 6, 2023
Thank you for all the memories coach Walsh! We wish you the best of luck at your next stop!#RoarLionRoar pic.twitter.com/Qpeqy63Mm4
Prior to his arrival in Morningside Heights, Walsh was the head coach at St. Peter's College for four seasons. He found out there was a job opening at Columbia in 2005 when he met Boretti that summer. Shortly after, he had the job and started that fall.
"It was a great experience, it was a phenomenal experience to be around those types of coaches, more importantly those types of students," Walsh said. "I grew up across the river (in New Jersey) and I always knew it was such a prestigious university. That I had the opportunity to work there, I was very proud of it. It was a proud moment for me and I simply just got the bug and one year led to another. I knew I found a home, it was for me."
Walsh touched on his relationship with the players over the years, and how it was important to maintain them as time went on.
"Some of the keys were being a teacher, being around students and all different types of levels of education and kids," he said. "Growing up in an urban environment and being surrounded by so many different people. You get to understand people, you have a good understanding of them. I just connect. When they graduate, they're still our family. That's why you see all the guys come back on alumni day. They're texting us and even to this day that culture and family aspect has stuck together."
Walsh was more than just a coach. Among many roles on and off the field, he served as a teacher, mentor, and friend.
"I always thought I had the best of both worlds," Walsh said. "I was a high school special education teacher in an urban community during the day, and then after school I was a teacher at an Ivy League university. And that's what we do, we teach baseball. I could relate to any type of kid."
Walsh emphasized what working with Boretti and his staff has been like over the last 17 years.
"Coach Boretti has meant everything to me," Walsh said. "I was privileged to work with him. I always looked up to him and I always said 'this is the kind of coach I want to be.' He's disciplined and structured. Everything is organized. Everytime I stepped on the field there I always felt safe. And by that I mean we always had a plan. Any situation that came up we were ready for it. Coach Boretti was always the hardest worker on the field."
While Walsh won't be in the Lions dugout anymore, he will still keep close tabs on the team going forward. He knows the program he made a great impact on will be fine and maintain the core values that were built.
"The consistency we have over all these years comes from developing a culture of family, character and hard work," Walsh explained. "The leadership of coach Boretti. We're in this year round. I can only see the future of this program skyrocketing until one day winning a regional and going to a super regional and who knows what can happen from there."
Several current and former members of the Columbia Baseball program shared their thoughts and reflected on their time with Jim Walsh and what it meant to them.
Brett Boretti (Columbia Baseball Head Coach, 2005-present)
"Jim was my first hire when I got the job at Columbia. Pitching coach Bryan Haley was already here and had agreed to stay on and we needed to find another assistant coach. Former longtime Columbia coach Paul Fernandes told me his friend Jeff Albies (former longtime William Paterson head coach) had someone he recommended I interview for the job. It was by far the best recommendation I have ever and most likely will ever receive. Jim Walsh is "infectious energy" that comes to the field EVERYDAY with the drive and determination to help the players and the team get better. I can honestly say that I looked forward to seeing Jim at practice every day much like our players did, because his attitude was going to make it a better day for all of us. He helped make baseball more fun for everyone that was around him. He's a great teacher of the game and taught me more than he will ever know. He helped motivate all our players to play at their highest level and believe in themselves. He is by far the unsung hero of the championship baseball program at Columbia. I just want to thank Jim for all the time he gave to the program and let him know we all love him and loved every minute we shared with him. Jim Walsh is a one-of-a-kind person and coach and we are very grateful to have had him as part of our program the last 17 years."
Julian Bury '20CC
"I think that coach Walsh was the life of the team each and every year. A lot of college teams preach about values like family but few actually have that atmosphere, and coach Walsh was one of the main reasons that our teams and moreover our program felt like a true family. He was as much a part of our success as anyone else was, regardless of his title or role. Personally, he was always there for me and motivating me to be better as well as encouraging me to believe in myself, which was great because as someone who could never shut his mouth and consequently would be reprimanded often, coach Walsh was always there to pat me on the back and work with me in a unique way that seemed small but ultimately got me to be the person I am now in the position that I am today."
Erik Supplee (Columbia Pitching Coach, 2015-2023)
"At the 2022 regional at Virginia Tech, coach Tischler was not able to be there for game one. Coach Boretti took over as the third base coach, but did not have a coach's helmet to wear and coach Tischler's was at the hotel. One of our support staff drove over to the hotel at the beginning of the game to get it. Coach Walsh gave up his helmet to coach Boretti to wear at third base and wore a full on batting helmet to coach first base, while on ESPN. It is a small example, but that's what it was all about with coach Walsh. Nothing was ever too big or too small and it was never about him. Whatever the players needed or whatever the other coaches needed he was there, did it without question, and with the energy of a nuclear power plant. There has never been a better program guy, who cared more about the people at Columbia Baseball than Jim Walsh."
Josh Simpson '19CC
"Being able to see coach Walsh each day at practice was one of my favorite parts of my time spent with Columbia Baseball. His energy and passion would never fail to put a smile on your face every single day. He was a vital part of our team on the field and more importantly off the field, he is one of the greatest people I have been around in my career. I am forever grateful for the time I got to spend with him."
Dan Tischler (Columbia Baseball Associate Head Coach, 2013-present)
"Jimmy's dedication to and love for our players was so evident every single day that I got to work with him for 10 seasons. He'd come charging down the ramp after his teaching day was done and bring boundless energy for practice. I don't think I ever saw Jimmy have a bad day in a decade working with him. Coach Walsh absolutely loved being around the guys and making sure that they were having as good a time at practice as he was. His ability to connect with guys and draw the best out of them are just a few reasons he was such a great coach and role model for our program. While we are going to miss Jimmy around our program everyday, the impact he had on our players, and on all the other coaches who got to work with him. He will be a part of Lions Baseball for a long time."
Randell Kanemaru '18CC
"As a player, I would say there's three days out of the spring semester that we were always the most excited for. The first game of the season, the first game of postseason, and the first day of practice with coach Walsh. There weren't many people like him that would show up every day with a genuine happiness to be there; so infectious that it would spread amongst our team and coaches. Even if we were down by 10 runs and we could feel coach Boretti about to explode on us, Walsh would always give us that tasteful positivity to keep us going in the right direction."
Dario Pizzano '13CC
"Coach Walsh was instrumental in making me a better outfielder when I got to Columbia. He honed in on all the little details that matter so much when being an efficient and successful outfielder. He was there every day to work with any and every player whenever they needed it. We still remain very close to this day. I know he'll bring his wealth of baseball knowledge and be a successful high school head coach. Those players will learn a lot from him and will love playing for him."
Jay Quinn (Former Columbia Baseball Assistant Coach)
"Championships can't happen without team chemistry, and without a doubt coach Walsh. With his contagious high energy, work ethic, competitive fire, and everyday comic relief, he always made us feel like the Lions had that special something we needed to succeed; on the practice field, road trips, and in high pressure game day moments. We know you'll dominate and enjoy whatever comes next."
Andrew Ward '07CC
"Coach Walsh was one of a kind. He was a coach, sounding board, and friend all in one who led by example and demonstrated the values of hard work, commitment, and discipline- all of which were delivered with an incredible sense of humor. No one, and I mean no one, had better stories. When you were playing well, he was your biggest fan. And if you were slumping, he was your biggest believer. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that I feel incredibly fortunate for having had Coach Walsh in my life. Thanks for everything, Coach. Until next time: "'Woo Woo!'"
Will Savage '17CC
"To me, coach Walsh represents what Columbia baseball is all about — he brought great energy every single day, in the snow and the blue gym and everywhere in between. He gave his all for the team whether it was a fall practice or a Regional Final. He showed us how to work hard (especially on abs!), embrace adversity, and have a great time while doing it."
Jordan Serena '15CC
"Coach Walsh was an absolute joy to know and be around during my four years at Columbia. He could always be counted on to bring the energy with an assortment of quips, stories from his countless years in baseball, or random 1960s Super Bowl trivia. Coach Walsh taught me everything I know about being an outfielder and the program has quite the hole to fill with his departure. Thanks coach Walsh!"
Nick Cox '11CC
"Where to begin! Day in and day out coach Walsh brought a level of energy, on and off the field, that was unmatched. His dedication to the program and his players shined through his actions each and every day. I was lucky enough to play under his instruction as a center fielder and I couldn't have felt more prepared and excited knowing we had coach Walsh in the dugout watching our every move."
Ben Porter '18CC
"Coach Walsh made every aspect of Columbia baseball fun for the people around him. From basic outfield drills to standing on first base to standing in the dugout, coach Walsh always brought positive energy and made us enjoy our time on the field."
Rob Paller '16CC
"Unwavering great attitude. Made the rigors of the daily grind a pleasure just by having him around. His consistent positive energy and old school competitiveness are second to none. Had a knack for making complex coaching points very simple and understandable. Full of legendary quotes and stories. Someone I always admired and looked up to as a role model for how he carried himself and instilled confidence in the players around him. Not to mention a great outfield coach and overall baseball guy. Great eye for talent as well! CU Lions Legend!! Never heard the man complain once in five years. Elite fungo hitter!"
Pete Maki (Minnesota Twins Pitching Coach and former Columbia Baseball Pitching Coach, 2008-2015)
"Jimmy has always been the indispensable glue that binds the personnel in the Columbia Baseball program together. He has a quality about him that made our whole greater than the sum of the parts… he brought coaches closer together, brought players closer to players, and coaches closer to the players. There's always times during games or practices, or elsewhere in our many hours together, where some levity is needed, some perspective and grounding is needed, and Jimmy always provided that for our club, and at just the right times."
Bryan Haley (Former Columbia Baseball Assistant Coach and current head coach at Endicott College)
"Jimmy was one of a kind!! What I remember most about him was that he always showed up and that he loved to smile. He has a huge heart for teaching and coaching and has undoubtedly had a positive impact on the young men he shared time with during his 17 years at Columbia."
Hayden Schott '23CC
"In my one year being coached under coach Walsh, one thing became abundantly clear. Coach Walsh is quite simply the most positive person I have ever met in my life. His contagious energy made me a better man on and off the field and for that I am forever grateful to him. Thank you coach!"
Josh Solomon '22SEAS
Although Coach Walsh is gone from the program, I think he left a very significant mark. His energy was unmatched and he made everyone feel like they belonged. He genuinely cares about everyone he runs into and the love he spread throughout the team was the fuel that brought everyone closer and closer. One of the best quotes he ever told us outfielders was 'all you have to do as an outfielder is hit your cutoff and hit .300.' I was telling my teammates here that and it's still a hit. Sometimes it felt as though he was playing with us on the field as a tenth man, and he was always a source of light."
FOLLOW THE LIONS
For the latest on Columbia baseball, follow @CULionsBaseball on Twitter and Instagram, and the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
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