Photos: Kathy Leister & David Picariello
By: John Knebels
PHILADELPHIA – If one “moment in time” fully encapsulated Father Judge High School’s baseball season, the entire squad participated.
The Crusaders had just defeated La Salle, 3-2, in the Philadelphia Catholic League championship May 27 at Neumann University. The orchestrator, Crusaders coach Mike Metzger, graciously accepted the PCL plaque from Neumann-Goretti athletic director and PCL baseball moderator Pat Devenney about 20 feet in front of home plate.
Excitedly sensing a euphoric celebration, family and fans instinctively prepared to snap photos along the first base line. In one full motion, Metzger took one step to his left, leaned down, lowered the hubcap to his knees, and, using his eyes to invite his beyond-psyched teenagers, lifted the coveted prize high into the clear blue sky.
Immediately, senior shortstop Brooks Henderson was the first to embrace the wide-grinned Metzger – fitting in that Henderson thrived throughout the season, particularly in the post-season, as Father Judge’s brilliant leadoff hitter. Jubilant teammates followed.
Father Judge head coach Mike Metzger accepts the Crusader's PCL Championship Plaque and celebrates with his team - PSD Video by John Knebels
Within a few seconds, Metzger handed the plaque to the contributor most responsible for Judge’s first title since 2000, junior star pitcher David Rodriguez. As Rodriquez’s peers lifted the two-time PCL Pitcher of the Year onto their shoulders, Metzger disappeared from the scene, thus allowing the Crusaders to finish the frenetic fraternizing by themselves.
Vintage Mike Metzger.
When they defend their title in 2024, the Crusaders will be guided by a different pilot. After a 15-year stint highlighted by the past six as head coach, Metzger offered his resignation.
“It’s just the right time for me and my family,” he said.
Father Judge head coach Mike Metzger celebrates during the 2023 PIAA 6A state championship game - PSD Photo by Kathy Leister
After electing not to elaborate on his career or this decision, Metzger – who starred in Father Judge’s 1987 PCL baseball championship before graduating that same spring – was gently coaxed into offering a quick sentiment about a spectacularly surreal campaign that ultimately ended with a 27-2 record, a PCL crown, a District 12 title, and a PIAA Class 6A state championship – the baseball program’s first.
“It couldn’t have gone any better,” he said. “This group of kids made it special. They love playing baseball, and they love having fun.”
In a prepared statement, Father Judge athletic director Jake Serfass lauded Metzger for his “integral” service to the program.
Citing Metzger as a “great role model for our student-athletes” and “a hard person to replace within our school community,” Serfass extolled parents, former players, alumni and the “dugout club” for their never-ending support of the baseball program.
“It isn’t about the wins and the losses,” said Serfass, “but the impact he made on everyone around him . . . Mike has taken enormous pride in developing our student-athletes not only as players, but great young men.”
Several Father Judge 2023 grads offered their insights about Metzger’s legacy.
“Whenever we made the last out on offense, in between the inning he would group us out there near the foul line and he would tell us, ‘Just get us to the next inning,’” said Henderson, who next year will play at Lackawanna College. “I think what he meant was – don’t worry about everything that already happened in this game. We can’t control it, so just worry about what’s coming and get us to the next inning.”
Holy Family University-bound Liam Newhouse described his coach as “very mighty and courageous.”
“He always wanted to do whatever he could to win,” said Newhouse. “And when it came down to the end, he always had our backs.”
Second baseman Nick Shiffler will take along “his favorite quote” from Metzger as he embarks on his new venture at West Chester University.
“Throughout the whole year, after each game, Coach Metzger would always say, ‘It’s just another ring on the ladder,’” said Shiffler. “He always made sure we never got ahead of ourselves and always concentrated on the next game and the biggest goal, which were the championships. In the end, it all worked out.”
La Salle coach Kyle Werman, whose Explorers gave Father Judge its lone league loss before eventually losing in the final, enjoyed strategizing against his much-respected adversary.
“Mike was an excellent coach and great ambassador for the Catholic League,” said Werman, who has won three PCL titles. “His kids played tough, fundamental baseball, and the La Salle versus Judge matchups have been epic over the years.
“He'll be missed, but he is leaving the Judge program in a great position to challenge at the top of the league for years to come.”
Father Judge High School - 2023 PIAA 6A State Champions - PSD Photo by David Picariello
Father Judge High School - 2023 Philadelphia Catholic League Champions - PSD Photo by Kathy Leister
Most eyes now feast upon the brilliant Rodriguez, who will lead one of the state’s strongest pitching staffs next spring.
Although his individual plaudits could fill a multi-page resume, the hurler who stymied Mt. Lebanon with a complete game masterpiece in the PIAA final said one of his fondest memories occurred in the aforementioned raising of the plaque.
“When Coach Metzger looked over at me and handed it over to me, it was such an honor,” said Rodriguez. “Coach Metzger has done everything for us and put everything on the line for us, and with him handing me that plaque . . . it was true happiness.”
(Contact John Knebels at jknebels@gmail.com or on Twitter @johnknebels.)