Matt Joseph
-
- Induction Year:
- 2019
-
- Sport:
- Baseball
-
- Year(s):
- 1981-82
It’s always been about family, mentors and role models for Matt Joseph during his playing and coaching days.
One of the first experiences for Joseph as far as family and coaching mentors was in 1982 with the SC4 baseball team. He played for veteran coach and major league scout Dick Groch.
“I came to SC4 from Eastern Michigan University and immediately fell in love with the school,” Joseph said. “The biggest thing that always stood out to me was the great tradition of the baseball program. It became very apparent to me early on how successful the program was and the tradition it had built.
“I remember moving in with other baseball players and we developed an immediate bond. Some of my greatest memories are of the time spent with those guys … both on and off the baseball diamond.
“Going to classes at SC4 was a lot different than at Eastern, as the professors all got to know you on a personal level. They knew if you played a sport and seemed to take an interest in all of their students.”
Joseph’s play on the diamond did not go unnoticed, as he earned NJCAA First Team All-American honors.
Following his playing career, Joseph, who lives in Sterling Heights with his wife, Darlene, got involved in coaching. He has coached varsity girls basketball at Utica Ford since 2004 and varsity softball since 2011. He is also a counselor at the high school.
Joseph’s daughters, Emily and Teresa, both worked on his staff for a time after graduating from college. His son, Ryan, currently serves as one of Joseph’s assistants with Ford girls basketball. Joseph also coached each of his children at some point.
This past September, Joseph was inducted into the Michigan High School Athletic Association Coaches Hall of Fame.
