Bob Corradi wrapping up 43-year run at Massachusetts Maritime

May 9, 2015

By Craig Larson, Globe Staff

Bob Corradi will not look beyond the next game. And that day-to-day approach has served the 71-year-old Bourne native well the past four decades-plus at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. In this case, the next game could be his last. His resilient Bucs (17-12) take on host Salve Regina (24-16) in the semifinals of the ECAC Division 3 baseball tournament Saturday morning in Newport, R.I. The winner advances to Sunday’s title game at noon. The Academy is seeking its first crown since 1982.

It’s been quite a run for the white-haired, but still energetic Corradi, who landed in Buzzards Bay in 1973 and never left, carving out a satisfying, and very rewarding career. The program’s only coach, he has worked the dugout 43 seasons (only Bentley’s Bob DeFelice, with 47, has a longer tenure in New England), had a 38-year run as a football assistant, and has served as the school’s athletic director the past 26. Passionate, loyal, fiery, and humble, he has adapted, and adjusted, from generation to generation.

His players put away their practice gear for the final time early Friday evening. A near perfect 90-minute session, Corradi said. His seniors want to live for Sunday , in what would be their coach’s 1,316th game. And before he’s finished, he’ll likely shed more than a tear or two.

What does it mean to have at least one more opportunity to coach this squad, which was 9-9 on April 12?

I have been really fortunate, to coach a lot of outstanding teams. Every year should be special. You never have the same team the following year.

[Entering Saturday] you have 579 career victories, many memorable. Are there any favorites?

The ones that stand out is when we beat our rivals, the other academies (Maine Maritime, New York Maritime, Norwich, Coast Guard). And it’s always important winning championships — we’ve only done it twice. But I’d like how we went about our business when we won (the MASCAC regular season title) at Westfield State (4-2 and 7-3 on April 26). ... There’s been a lot of nice wins.

What is the biggest challenge of coaching a baseball team, at a military academy, in the spring, in New England?

Quite honestly, it’s never been a problem for me. The biggest problem, [the players] are never around during the winter, they are on the [50-plus day sea term cruise). The first time we had the entire team together this year, was the first day back from our southern trip, in the gym. ... But the young people choose to come here because of the education. There’s tremendous parental support. It works for me, the uniqueness of the school.

What is the most important message, life lesson that you have been able to pass on to your players?

I tell [the players] all the time, how fortunate they are ... how few get to play college baseball, how fortunate they are to get to their senior year. How important it is to respect the game. We preach that here, discipline, and having respect for the game. To play at the college level is so special.

Describe your perfect player.

He is early to practice. We don’t teach hustle, or attitude. He works as hard at his game as he possibly can, and goes back to the classroom and works hards there. Alex Rozak [a junior pitcher from Plymouth] will be our regimental commander next year. He works his butt on the field, always is in the weight room, always early to practice, nothing but hustle. He’ll be in charge of 1,400 people. He is the perfect Bob Corradi kid. (Rozak will be the eighth Buc baseball player to be a regimental commander).

Define a Bob Corradi-coached team.

This year exemplifies how we play. We have had good pitching (3.16 ERA), real good defense, and we executed. We have one of the weakest offensive teams in the nation. But it can be done if everyone has a role.

What kept you at the Academy so long?

We have had an administration that has absolutely been supportive of me, and I have been around so many special young people. I bought into this style of school. We might be different, but there is nothing wrong with different, as long as you are proud of it. We don’t make excuses, and we find a way to get it done. If I had left, it would have been the biggest mistake I ever made. It has been a special ride. ... it is the only thing I know, the only thing I care about more than my family.