End of an era at Judge

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Last year, most of Joe McDermott’s time was spent on the Father Judge baseball field.
These days, he has more time for rest and relaxation.
After 36 years on the Judge diamond, McDermott just recently decided to retire.
"I really enjoyed my time as a coach," said McDermott. "I do really miss it. After thirty-six years, I can’t believe I have so much free time now."
Don’t let him fool you.
Although retiring as Crusaders coach has given McDermott some newfound spare time, the mentor is still keeping busy at the high school. He is in his 37th year heading the accounting- and teaching-principles class at Judge.
"There’s no doubt about it . . . I’ve always enjoyed teaching," said McDermott. "I’ve had some great experiences with the kids and made a lot of memories here."
Whether he is spreading his expertise in the classroom or on the baseball field, McDermott is a natural-born teacher, and has always loved to educate others.
McDermott walked into Father Judge in September 1970. Little did he know that he would later walk out with five championship titles, a city title, a league-play mark of 349-199 and almost 40 years of experience and memories.
"I definitely made the right decision to coach at Judge," said McDermott. "I didn’t realize how much I loved it until it was gone. Over the years, I was able to work with a lot of talent. I really miss the kids."
Life after coaching is taking a toll on McDermott. And now that baseball is kicking back into gear, he’s having more difficulties adjusting to his time away from the Crusaders’ field.
"I don’t think I ever fully realized how time consuming coaching was until now," said McDermott. "Now I have all this free time. I don’t know what to do with myself."
McDermott plans to spend some of that time with his family and friends. He plans to visit the shore a lot this summer. He plans to celebrate his 60th birthday next week.
And, of course, he plans to attend some Catholic League games this season and enjoy baseball from a spectator’s point of view.
"I’m still following all the scores," said McDermott. "And now I have an opportunity to see other teams play, which I couldn’t really do before."
Being around the game his entire life, there’s no doubt that McDermott is — and always will be — an avid baseball enthusiast.
In high school, McDermott attended Roman Catholic and pitched for the Cahillites. After graduation he earned a scholarship to St. Joseph’s University, where he played first base.
"Playing baseball has helped my coaching abilities tremendously," said McDermott. "I’m very aware not to over-pitch players and I understand that kids have their ups and downs. I’ve become much more patient with them.
"Plus, I think when the team sees what you can do athletically, they respect you more," he continued.
Mutual respect was never a problem for the Crusaders.
Neither was winning.
Last year, the Crusaders finished fourth in the Catholic League Northern Division. They entered the playoffs and defeated Archbishop Ryan, 6-1, in the quarterfinals before falling to LaSalle in the second round.
"We had a good season last year," said McDermott. "My coaching philosophy has always been that if the kids are doing something right, don’t mess with it."
And by looking at the Crusaders’ records over the past 36 years, it seems his philosophy tended to work.
McDermott will be leaving Judge with some impressive accomplishments. He led the Crusaders to win five Catholic League championships, in 1976, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 2000. They also won the City Title game in 1976 against Central while under McDermott’s guidance.
"During my time at Judge I was able to work with some great athletes and coaches," said McDermott. "I feel my greatest accomplishment was being respected by the kids I coached, and being consistent. I can attribute that to the talent of the players."
But now McDermott’s time with the Crusaders has come to an end. A major reason for his departure is ongoing health problems. He has suffered from aneurysms and blood clots in his legs.
"I’ve had four operations in the past six or seven years," said McDermott. "It’s been an ongoing problem, and it was getting worse because I was on my feet all the time."
After a check-up with his surgeon about a month ago, McDermott was reassured he’d made the right decision to retire.
"He still has a busy schedule, but it’s less of an impact on his health now," said McDermott’s wife, Mary Lou.
Now in his fourth month of retirement, McDermott is healthy and happy and looking forward to spending more time with his family.
"It’s always nice to have extra time together," said Mary Lou. "We both have busy schedules, so we really enjoy our time together."
The happy couple are about to welcome two more members to the McDermott family. Both of their daughters, Lauren and Carla, are pregnant. Lauren is due next week.
"I’m really excited to have grandchildren soon," said McDermott. "I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait to spend all of my time with them."
The soon-to-be grandparents are excitedly anticipating the new additions.
"He’s always liked little kids and they like him," said Mary Lou. "This is our first grandchild, so we’re both very happy."
So even in retirement, it looks like McDermott will still have his hands full. But the coach-turned-teacher-turned-grandfather doesn’t seem to mind at all.
"I’m looking forward to spending time with my new grandchildren," said McDermott. "But I’ll always miss coaching."
McDermott left some big shoes to fill on the diamond, but Father Judge athletic director Tim Ginter has taken over the coaching responsibilities for the Crusaders. He has spent the past six years working with McDermott as assistant coach.
"They have some great kids this season," said McDermott. "Tim is very enthusiastic. The Northern Division is always tough, but I think they’ll do well. And I’m planning on going to a lot of the games." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com