Russo stepping down at Palm Beach Gardens
Joe Russo has stepped down as Palm Beach Gardens’ baseball coach after 29 years in the position, the school announced Monday.
“Really, just 29 years has been a long run,” Russo said. “We’ve had just some great years, some great teams, and it was just time. There’s some other things that I want to do. ... We put a lot into it. I don’t want to say I was burnt out, but there’s a lot that goes into the way that we run the program, and it gets tough at times.”
Matt Judkins, who has been in the Gators’ program for seven years, will take over as the team’s new coach.
“I feel good about Matt,” Russo said. “He’s been in the program for seven years. He’s young and he’s ready. I’m really excited for him.”
Russo was the Sun Sentinel’s Palm Beach County coach of the year in 2005 and 2007. He finished his career with a record of 549-249. Under Russo, the Gators won at least eight district titles and made the playoffs 17 times.
Despite the long history of success, though, Russo’s teams never reached the state title game. His final season at the helm ended with Stoneman Douglas — the eventual Class 7A champion — winning the regional finals on a walk-off home run. The Gators went 22-6 last season.
“I’d like to forget the last game,”
Russo said.” If you really want to talk about the games, that one, probably, I’d like to forget the most. But, obviously, a lot of good wins along the way, too.”
Russo’s program has produced several professional players, including former Florida Marlin Chris Volstad and current Arizona Diamondback Pavin Smith.
“I think the legacy of the players that have come through the program has been pretty impressive and special,” Russo said.
Russo said he still plans to assist the team whenever possible.
“I’ll be able to help out, so I guess I’m kind of cheating a little bit,” Russo said. “I still get to be around to help out.”