Vinny Byron begins his second season as the pitching coach of the Scarlet Raiders. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience.
"We're all very excited about having Vinny join the program," Rizzi said. "His extensive coaching and playing will undoubtedly benefit our young pitching staff. Vinny’s energy and enthusiasm will have an impact on the entire program as well. He pitched at Seton Hall University and enjoyed two trips to the College World Series in Omaha so that experience alone will be invaluable to our team.
Byron graduated from Seton Hall University in 1977 with a B.S in health and physical education. He pitched for legendary coach Mike Sheppard, Sr., for four years at Seton Hall (1973-1977). During his time there, the Pirates amassed an incredible 135-51-2 record that included four trips to the NCAA Tournament and two College World Series berths in Omaha, NE, in 1974 and 1975.
In his senior year, the righthander led the Pirates with a 9-2 record in a team-leading 12 starts. He still holds the school record for consecutive wins on the mound (14). He ended his collegiate career with a 16-4 mark.
Byron also had a stellar scholastic career at Our Lady of Valley in Orange. His team was ranked No. 1 in the state by the Newark Star-Ledger in his senior year (1973) and he was a first-team all-state selection by the newspaper. He was named to the Star-Ledger’s All-Century Team for the 1970 decade and was inducted into the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997.
Byron began his coaching career at Seton Hall when he served as the pitching coach. He then served as an assistant coach at Glen Ridge, Montclair, Montclair Kimberly and West Orange High Schools from 1991 to 2001.
Byron, a resident of Florham Park, recently retired from the Essex County Prosecutor’s office after 30 years. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1994 and then to captain in 1996. He was recently supervisor of the Gangs and Narcotics Task Force.
Byron has also worked NFL Security for the New York Giants since 2000 and shared in the team’s improbable playoff run to Super Bowl Champions this season. He was worked very closely with former head coach Jim Fassel and current head coach Tom Coughlin.
