Seton Hall Baseball Community Remembers "Shep"
4/12/2019 11:41:00 AM | Baseball
Since Mike Sheppard, Sr. passed away on April 6, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming from former players, coaches, fans and competitors. As we continue to celebrate his remarkable life, here is a snap shot of some of the kind words we have received…
On behalf of Seton Hall Athletics, I extend my deepest condolences to Phyllis, Rob and the entire Sheppard family. Mike Sheppard will forever be synonymous with Seton Hall Baseball, and the impact he had here for over 60 years is indelible. While we mourn his passing today, his spirit will always remain with us and lives on through the lives of the hundreds of student-athletes he coached and mentored. Coach Sheppard always said to never lose your hustle, and it's assured that Seton Hall never will.
I am saddened to hear the news of Shep's passing and my deepest condolences go out to his great family. Shep was more than my baseball coach and professor to me. He was a man of incredible integrity, strength, and character who took pride in developing young men into people who would be good husbands, fathers, and men. I am incredibly grateful for the impact that Shep has had on my life and I know that many others would say the same. Never lose your hustle Shep, you will be greatly missed.
True leadership is unwavering, courageous and visionary. For decades, Shep shaped young men and women well beyond the diamond and classroom. His work, faith and family have inspired and given greatly to a university and community unmatched by any donor. A teacher, Coach and mentor that reached, influenced and sparked so many to transcend their own expectations and limits. I am forever grateful to have shared in victories, defeats and family as a player, coach and friend with him. My deepest sympathies to the Sheppard Family, Seton Hall Community and Seton Hall Baseball.
On Behalf of my family and I, we would like to express our deepest condolences, Coach Shep made a difference in my experience as a player at Seton Hall just by his presence on campus. He took a liking to me and helped me out through some rough patches earlier on in my Seton Hall career. I looked at him as living legend, an extension of every player that played on the diamond as a pirate before me. I played to try to impress Coach Shep every game he was in attendance and his acknowledgment of my play was one of my biggest thrills as a ball player at Seton Hall. He has helped over a thousand players develop from the boys they are when walking on to campus to the Men they become when they leave. He has left a huge mark on the game he loved. "Hero's are remembered, but Legends Never Die."
He never lost his hustle, and I will never lose mine because of the lessons I learned while on campus at Seton Hall. Today is truly a sad day, but one where a great man can be remembered.
As a visiting coach at Seton Hall, Coach Shep would always find time to stop by the dugout to ask how things were with not only my team but my family. He was much more than a legendary coach. He was a man who wished the best for everyone, which speaks deeply to the man he was. Deepest condolences and prayers to the Sheppard family from Rutgers baseball.
  
On behalf of myself and Amanda I would like to offer our condolences on the passing of Shep. It's hard to put into words the impact that Shep and the whole Sheppard family has had on our lives. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities and mentoring that Shep and the Sheppard family provided me throughout my time at SHU. Even though I wasn't a player, Shep and Mrs. Shep always treated and took care of me like I was. I will forever be grateful for this. Shep, Mrs. Shep, and the entire Sheppard family are in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear if the passing of coach Sheppard. He was the head coach when I called Games on @WSOUSports. He was always very kind and a legend in college baseball. May the good Lord welcome him with open arms.
It was a true honor to compete against and ultimately becoming friends with Coach Mike Sheppard. He was a tremendous teacher of the game and leader of men. I am better man for knowing him. Rest peacefully, Coach. Thoughts and prayers to the Sheppard family.
My condolences to the Sheppard family. Shep was a champion, mentor to many, and a man of great faith. May he Rest In Peace. #NeverLoseYourHustle
Coach Sheppard had a profound impact on not only the game of baseball at Seton Hall and throughout N.J., but on the lives of countless student-athletes. He was an amazing mentor and teacher who cherished his family. All of us in the Saint Peter's Athletic community send our love and condolences to the Sheppard family and we will always remember to Never Lose Your Hustle.
  
So sad to hear of the passing of Coach Sheppard. He was not only a great coach and ambassador of baseball, but a great family man and a mentor for many.
Coach Sheppard was a true ambassador of College Baseball. A tremendous mentor, loving husband and father. Our prayers are with Seton Hall and the Sheppard family. RIP Skipper n God Bless.
The tradition, life lessons and leadership built from Coach Shep and Seton Hall Baseball have changed my life forever. Coach Shep was a true fighter. He had grit, and always was there for his Seton Hall family. He will be missed.
Coach Sheppard gave me an opportunity to umpire Seton Hall baseball games in the fall while I was still a University student. He was very tough on me, but told me how proud he was when I made to AAA- just one step below the Majors. During a game in AAA, Pat Pacillo was pitching, John Morris was batting and I was the home plate umpire. During the at-bat, Morris asked for Time Out and stepped out of the box and said "I think Mike Sheppard would be pretty damn proud right now!" - and he was. RIP Coach!
As a manager on the baseball team from 2005-2009, I had the honor of getting to know the entire family very well over the years, and there really is not a day goes by where one of the lessons I learned from Coach Shep doesn't impact my life in a positive way.
Being from Western, PA and not really knowing anybody from the moment I set foot on campus was hard. But I was immediately made to feel welcome by being a part of the baseball team, and made to feel I was an equal with the rest of the players every step of the way. I ran hills at Cameron Field, attended 4am workouts in the fieldhouse, and ran "The Rock". That undoubtedly shaped who I am by instilling grit, dedication, and a distinct quality of contributing to something bigger than yourself. It is why I felt compelled to stay at Seton Hall University throughout my academic career, and ultimately completed a Ph.D. in 2016.
In my commencement speech to the rest of the College of Education Ph.D. recipients that year, I included a quote that Rob Sheppard used regularly, "The mark of any man is what he does when nobody is watching". In today's world where all accomplishments feel the need to be recognized, Mike Sheppard stood for doing what is right and best for the common good when there isn't fanfare or applause. That speaks volumes about who he was as a man, and the incredible reach his philosophy of life has even until this day. My character, and that of my fellow teammates is forever in his debt. The fact that I write this note from Oregon at a conference as an employee of Princeton University, is a testament to where my connection with Seton Hall baseball took me in my career. That same sentiment can be shared with countless others, past and present.
On behalf of my wife and son, and my Aunt Susan Stoessel (Smith) and Uncle Matthew Stoessel, who are also graduates of Seton Hall and crossed paths with Coach Shep, we express our deepest love and support to his family during this difficult time.
  
My family and I would like to extend our condolences to Phyllis and the entire Sheppard family. Coach Sheppard gave me an opportunity…an opportunity to come to Seton Hall University as an undersized infielder and gave me every chance to succeed, improve, contribute and lead. A walk-on that learned from the best coaching staff and players, a family that helped me learn the importance of pride, hustle and determination in the classroom, on the field and in the community.  I can't begin to express the magnitude of the impact Coach Sheppard and the Seton Hall Baseball program had on my life. I am better for it, my family is better for it as are so many he touched and helped along the way.
A once in a lifetime person, mentor, teacher and family man. God Bless you Coach Shep, I will miss you, but know that I am eternally grateful to have had you in my life. I love you.
On behalf of Seton Hall Athletics, I extend my deepest condolences to Phyllis, Rob and the entire Sheppard family. Mike Sheppard will forever be synonymous with Seton Hall Baseball, and the impact he had here for over 60 years is indelible. While we mourn his passing today, his spirit will always remain with us and lives on through the lives of the hundreds of student-athletes he coached and mentored. Coach Sheppard always said to never lose your hustle, and it's assured that Seton Hall never will.
- Pat Lyons, Seton Hall University Vice President & Director of Athletics
I am saddened to hear the news of Shep's passing and my deepest condolences go out to his great family. Shep was more than my baseball coach and professor to me. He was a man of incredible integrity, strength, and character who took pride in developing young men into people who would be good husbands, fathers, and men. I am incredibly grateful for the impact that Shep has had on my life and I know that many others would say the same. Never lose your hustle Shep, you will be greatly missed.
- Kevin Leighton, Fordham Head Baseball Coach & Seton Hall Baseball Alum '01
True leadership is unwavering, courageous and visionary. For decades, Shep shaped young men and women well beyond the diamond and classroom. His work, faith and family have inspired and given greatly to a university and community unmatched by any donor. A teacher, Coach and mentor that reached, influenced and sparked so many to transcend their own expectations and limits. I am forever grateful to have shared in victories, defeats and family as a player, coach and friend with him. My deepest sympathies to the Sheppard Family, Seton Hall Community and Seton Hall Baseball.
- Phil Cundari, Former Seton Hall Associate Head Coach & Student-Athlete '85
On Behalf of my family and I, we would like to express our deepest condolences, Coach Shep made a difference in my experience as a player at Seton Hall just by his presence on campus. He took a liking to me and helped me out through some rough patches earlier on in my Seton Hall career. I looked at him as living legend, an extension of every player that played on the diamond as a pirate before me. I played to try to impress Coach Shep every game he was in attendance and his acknowledgment of my play was one of my biggest thrills as a ball player at Seton Hall. He has helped over a thousand players develop from the boys they are when walking on to campus to the Men they become when they leave. He has left a huge mark on the game he loved. "Hero's are remembered, but Legends Never Die."
He never lost his hustle, and I will never lose mine because of the lessons I learned while on campus at Seton Hall. Today is truly a sad day, but one where a great man can be remembered.
- Frank Esposito, Seton Hall Baseball Alum '11
I'm deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Coach Shep. Much more than a baseball coach, he was a father figure to so many, and I'm certainly one of them. He taught the game of life and he did it the right way. A man of great faith, family and grit. If you played for Shep, you were taught the value of genuine hard work, honesty, integrity and to give your very best effort to anything you put your name on. When he told my Dad (like he did so many others) on my recruiting visit, "send me a good boy and I'll send you back a better man," he meant it. A holistic coach in every sense, if you were fortunate enough to play for Shep, you were going to grow and develop in all aspects of your life. I consider Coach Shep to be one of the most influential people in my life. Shep helped mold me into the husband, father, coach and person I am today. I'm truly blessed to have played for him and honored to be a piece of the Coach Mike Sheppard coaching tree.
R.I.P. #17, your daily lessons and legacy will live forever. The Duffy family will always "remember the old coach."
- Jim Duffy, Former Seton Hall Assistant Coach & Student-Athlete '96
As a visiting coach at Seton Hall, Coach Shep would always find time to stop by the dugout to ask how things were with not only my team but my family. He was much more than a legendary coach. He was a man who wished the best for everyone, which speaks deeply to the man he was. Deepest condolences and prayers to the Sheppard family from Rutgers baseball.
- Joe Litterio, Rutgers Head Baseball Coach
  On behalf of myself and Amanda I would like to offer our condolences on the passing of Shep. It's hard to put into words the impact that Shep and the whole Sheppard family has had on our lives. I will forever be grateful for the opportunities and mentoring that Shep and the Sheppard family provided me throughout my time at SHU. Even though I wasn't a player, Shep and Mrs. Shep always treated and took care of me like I was. I will forever be grateful for this. Shep, Mrs. Shep, and the entire Sheppard family are in our thoughts and prayers.
- David Marconi, Seton Hall Alum '11
So sorry to hear if the passing of coach Sheppard. He was the head coach when I called Games on @WSOUSports. He was always very kind and a legend in college baseball. May the good Lord welcome him with open arms.
- Jim Hunter, Orioles TV Broadcaster & Seton Hall Alum
It was a true honor to compete against and ultimately becoming friends with Coach Mike Sheppard. He was a tremendous teacher of the game and leader of men. I am better man for knowing him. Rest peacefully, Coach. Thoughts and prayers to the Sheppard family.
- Joe Jordano, Former Pittsburgh Head Baseball Coach
My condolences to the Sheppard family. Shep was a champion, mentor to many, and a man of great faith. May he Rest In Peace. #NeverLoseYourHustle
- Pat Elliott, Binghamton University Athletics Director & Seton Hall Alum
Coach Sheppard had a profound impact on not only the game of baseball at Seton Hall and throughout N.J., but on the lives of countless student-athletes. He was an amazing mentor and teacher who cherished his family. All of us in the Saint Peter's Athletic community send our love and condolences to the Sheppard family and we will always remember to Never Lose Your Hustle.
- Bryan Felt, Saint Peter's University Director of Athletics & Seton Hall Alum
  So sad to hear of the passing of Coach Sheppard. He was not only a great coach and ambassador of baseball, but a great family man and a mentor for many.
- Dean Ehehalt, Monmouth Head Baseball Coach
Coach Sheppard was a true ambassador of College Baseball. A tremendous mentor, loving husband and father. Our prayers are with Seton Hall and the Sheppard family. RIP Skipper n God Bless.
- Joe Godri, Former Villanova Baseball Head Coach
The tradition, life lessons and leadership built from Coach Shep and Seton Hall Baseball have changed my life forever. Coach Shep was a true fighter. He had grit, and always was there for his Seton Hall family. He will be missed.
- Shane McCarthy, Seton Hall Baseball Alum '18
Coach Sheppard gave me an opportunity to umpire Seton Hall baseball games in the fall while I was still a University student. He was very tough on me, but told me how proud he was when I made to AAA- just one step below the Majors. During a game in AAA, Pat Pacillo was pitching, John Morris was batting and I was the home plate umpire. During the at-bat, Morris asked for Time Out and stepped out of the box and said "I think Mike Sheppard would be pretty damn proud right now!" - and he was. RIP Coach!
- Jack Oujo, Seton Hall Alum '80
As a manager on the baseball team from 2005-2009, I had the honor of getting to know the entire family very well over the years, and there really is not a day goes by where one of the lessons I learned from Coach Shep doesn't impact my life in a positive way.
Being from Western, PA and not really knowing anybody from the moment I set foot on campus was hard. But I was immediately made to feel welcome by being a part of the baseball team, and made to feel I was an equal with the rest of the players every step of the way. I ran hills at Cameron Field, attended 4am workouts in the fieldhouse, and ran "The Rock". That undoubtedly shaped who I am by instilling grit, dedication, and a distinct quality of contributing to something bigger than yourself. It is why I felt compelled to stay at Seton Hall University throughout my academic career, and ultimately completed a Ph.D. in 2016.
In my commencement speech to the rest of the College of Education Ph.D. recipients that year, I included a quote that Rob Sheppard used regularly, "The mark of any man is what he does when nobody is watching". In today's world where all accomplishments feel the need to be recognized, Mike Sheppard stood for doing what is right and best for the common good when there isn't fanfare or applause. That speaks volumes about who he was as a man, and the incredible reach his philosophy of life has even until this day. My character, and that of my fellow teammates is forever in his debt. The fact that I write this note from Oregon at a conference as an employee of Princeton University, is a testament to where my connection with Seton Hall baseball took me in my career. That same sentiment can be shared with countless others, past and present.
On behalf of my wife and son, and my Aunt Susan Stoessel (Smith) and Uncle Matthew Stoessel, who are also graduates of Seton Hall and crossed paths with Coach Shep, we express our deepest love and support to his family during this difficult time.
- Jon Stoessel, Seton Hall Alum '09
  My family and I would like to extend our condolences to Phyllis and the entire Sheppard family. Coach Sheppard gave me an opportunity…an opportunity to come to Seton Hall University as an undersized infielder and gave me every chance to succeed, improve, contribute and lead. A walk-on that learned from the best coaching staff and players, a family that helped me learn the importance of pride, hustle and determination in the classroom, on the field and in the community.  I can't begin to express the magnitude of the impact Coach Sheppard and the Seton Hall Baseball program had on my life. I am better for it, my family is better for it as are so many he touched and helped along the way.
A once in a lifetime person, mentor, teacher and family man. God Bless you Coach Shep, I will miss you, but know that I am eternally grateful to have had you in my life. I love you.
- Tony Gomez, Seton Hall Baseball Alum '85
Players Mentioned
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