Ed Rowe '59

Except for a one-year sabbatical in 1978 when he served as an assistant principal, coach Ed Rowe was synonymous with Prep baseball. 

From 1968-77 and then from 1979-2005, Rowe guided the Jesuits for 37 seasons, compiling a 477-326 record with 11 league championships, four CIAC semifinal appearances and two finals berths. During one seven-year stretch from 1976-1983, the Jesuits won the MBIAC title six times, missing out only in 1977.

Rowe’s 1974 team (in Class L) and his 1985 squad (Class LL) were beaten in the state championship game. However, the 1985 team earned the distinction of being the first No. 1 team in the Daily News Tri-State poll.

Despite never capturing a state title, Rowe’s teams were the model of consistency. He had three seasons of 20 or more victories and 28 of his 37 teams made the CIAC playoffs, including a stretch of 21 straight years.

Among the players he coached were former major league catcher Matt Merullo (‘83) and Prep Hall of Famer Paul Halas (‘74). Five of his players made All-State and a total of 82 players were selected to All-League teams.

He was named Daily News Coach of the Year in 1983 and CHSCA Coach of the Year in 2000.